Removing corrosion on mil surp ammo

[jnocker]

Hello,
I just opened up some recently e-purchased 7.62x51 ammo and some of it has a green/white corrosion on it.
The ammo was in 20rd boxes inside sealed battle packs, I'm assuming the casing reacted with the cardboard box.

Question is: is there a recommended method for removing the green/white corrosion?

I'm thinking that the roughness of the corrosion what is causing my gun to not eject the round. Magtec 308's cycle fine. Thoughts? Gun: PTR-91SC

Ammo Box markings:
AB 22
20 Patrone,
7,62 MM x 51, DM 111,
Weichkern

<NATO mark> <solid black circle>
LOS DAG93A0306

TIA,
Jay

 

[swgunner]

hoppes and a brush or a bronze wire brush this is what we did in the navy and it worked on everything from 7.62 to 20mm

 

[Bozo]

You might also try coke. Just pour it on and let it fizzle. Works fairly well.

 

[nwilliams]

I used a bit of Flitz steel wool and an old rag to remove the corrosion on a large batch of Nazi 8x56r and it came out looking good as new. Took a long time to do the whole batch but it was a whole lot cheaper than going out and buying new.

It should be noted that corrosion isn't really the right word. If the casing is corroded then I wouldn't shoot however if its just surface tarnishing and the integrity of the brass hasn't been compromised by actual corrosion then it can probably be saved. Your best bet is to clean it and then inspect it carefully and use your best judgment. If the brass is pitted or damaged then toss it out. If you catch it early enough some rounds can be cleaned up beautifully but sometimes they are beyond hope. It really depends on also on how valuable the ammo is to you. The only reason I spent as much time as I did cleaning the 8x56r ammo that I have is that its so hard to find and the new stuff is bloody expensive. Of course for every ten rounds I was able to salvage I probably tossed out two or three because they were just too corroded.

Before....


After.....

 

[jnocker]

Might this be the issue with cycle failure?

Could the deposits on the casing be causing the failure to cycle?

Or is it because there's not enough oompf in these loads?
I've read elsewhere that they are between 147 - 149 gr.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Corrosion on brass is called verdigris. If it takes excessive effort to remove it with something like fine steel wool and/or leaves pits when you're finished, IMO the rounds should be discarded.

 

[MMCSRET]

Pull the bullets and load them into serviceable cases. Brass into salvage bucket.

 

[moooose102]

i agree with nwilliams, metal polish and steel wool. cleanup will be relatively quick and painless. afterwards, if you are going to store them for an extended period of time, use car wax to seal the metal from the air.

 

[tblt]

tarn x