What is on the bullet?

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AE24EM2

AE24EM2

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Please ignore my lack of experience. I took this bullet out of its case to weigh the bullet and powder on this FAE 556 and was wondering what that "black" substance is on the bullet and how much of that stuff will fowl the barrel?


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Looks like bullet sealant used to waterproof military ammunition. I don't think it's much of an issue as far as fouling a barrel.
 
AE24EM2 wrote:
...what that "black" substance is on the bullet...
Click to expand...

It is a sealant made predominately out of asphalt. It is used to seal the bullet in the case against incursion of water or petrochemicals that might interfere with the powder or primer. As a petrochemical itself, it fully combusts during firing and is not a concern.
 
Yes to what Griz22 said.

I believe it get vaporized by the gas from the propellant. I have shot thousands of military rounds and not had problems related to the waterproof sealant used in military ammo murplus or current production.

I think hdwhit is correct about the black sealant being asphalt based.

Military ammo is subject to harsh storage, transport and handling conditions so it is common to use sealants around bullets and primers to protect priming and powders from contamination. Add to that color coded nose paint to identify bullet types.
 
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Sealant. Completely harmless in most guns.

Makes my TC-contract barreled PTR-91F choke, though. Stupid shallow chamber flutes...
 
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