PET PEEVE Expensive steel shotshells :The case heads rust!!??

[Bull Nutria]

I am reloader and have reloaded steel shotshells . However when the cost of components went thru the roof and the price of factory shells came down. I switched to factory steel loads for all my waterfowl hunting. I have no complaints about the performance, However for shells that range from $12 to $20+ per box you would think that a little rust proofing could be applied to the steel case heads.

Currently I shoot Kent, Fioochi and Federal however I have used Rio, Winchester, Remington. All seem to attract rust with the slightest bit of moisture!! Seems that all waterfowl loads would be used in moist conditions such as marshes ,swamps, flooded rice fields etc.

Why can't the manufacturers figure out a method to prevent rust on steel case heads.

What say you??

Bull

 

[buck460XVR]

They had it figured out years ago when they used brass for the case heads. Kinda why we referred to them as "High Brass" or "Low Brass" type loads. I would assume the going to steel case heads is a cost factor for factory ammo and those manufacturers care little about reloaders and them having to deal with corroded shotgun hulls.

 

[Patocazador]

Even the brass coated (brass colored?) cases rust.

 

[Bull Nutria]

Yep brass colored cases rust --all the Kent and Fiocchi shells I have rust real quick with minimum moisture. I have to rub off the rust with steelwool and a rub a little motor oil after cleaning the rust off. if I don't clean and oil them they will get unuseable possibly dangerous.

Bull

 

[MCgunner]

Welcome to my world. I've complained about this for at least 25 years. The absolute BEST shotgun ammo I've ever used were "Activ" brand. The only metal was in the actual head of the case encased in the plastic. It was an all plastic hull and those cases reloaded forever. Heck, if we could still get this stuff, it'd put Winchester AA out of business for skeet reloaders.

I've taken to carrying my ammo in a large fanny pack under my waders. When I carried 'em in a shell pouch/belt, they'd get wet, not a good thing in a salt marsh. They'd often need replacement before firing at the beginning of the season.

The only steel I load now is 10 gauge for goose hunting. It saves a ton over the 32 dollars a box I pay for new ammo. Some of the cases I've got left over from 6 years ago have corrosion, had to toss some of 'em the other day when I fired up my MEC for the first time in a while. But, it lasts a while before corroding just from the south Texas humidity in the air because laying out in the rags in a rice field is a more sterile environment than wading in a muddy pot hole and tripping occasionally when the waders get stuck in the mud. So, I can keep my 10 gauge stuff decent.

One thing I've thought, waxing a shotgun with paste wax is a great way to keep the rust off of shotguns. Why not paste wax your ammo? I haven't tried it yet, but should protect 'em at least until they're fired, I'd think. I just use plain old Johnson's paste wax on my shotguns.

 

[jmorris]

They haven't been made in many years but the Activ all plastic hulls were the answer to the question of cheap and won't rust.

There was a little steel in them too but it was embedded.