old powder

[Hoot]

So, I have this bag of early 1940's M2 Ball from different arsenals. I can not account for how it was stored the past 70 years before I was given it, other than it is not tarnished. I'm guessing that it would not be a good idea to run it through my 03A3?

Hoot

[BigDog58]

So, I have this bag of early 1940's M2 Ball from different arsenals. I can not account for how it was stored the past 70 years before I was given it, other than it is not tarnished. I'm guessing that it would not be a good idea to run it through my 03A3?

Hoot

Hoot, if my research on old ammo is correct, the only bad thing about the 1942 ammo will be the fact it will have Corrosive Primers in the rounds. I posted on the forum a while back about getting some 30/06 brass that was Pre-1953 and was advised to either decap and not use the primers, or make certain I took proper precautions in cleaning my gun immediately after shooting those particular cases. I sprayed the primers with WD-40 to "kill" them and then deprimed and discarded the primers. I then thoroughly cleaned and wet tumbled the cases and reprimed with modern primers. Just to be sure my weapon wasn't subjected to any extra corrosives.

I don't know if this affects your ammo, but it might be something you want to research before shooting it.

[MaryB]

I shoot corrosive all the time, long as you clean your gun when you get home it won't do any damage. Little windex down the barrel at the range if you think you must.

[BigDog58]

I shoot corrosive all the time, long as you clean your gun when you get home it won't do any damage. Little windex down the barrel at the range if you think you must.

Thanks for the info. Now I am glad it was only about 40 primers I wasted...lol

[Hoot]

Thanks guys. The 03-A3 is a "black barrel" hand-me-down from my dad. Pretty hard to make the condition of the bore any worse. I am familiar with corrosive primer cleaning technique. I was more concerned about what had become of the powder's chemistry. My butt is not on fire to shoot up the stuff. I was more curious than anything. I will not shoot up the ones from the TC arsenal, for historical reasons.

Now, as to what to do with the full pound bottle of Lil Gun that I mistakenly put about 1 ounce of 2400 back into by mistake. Hate to relegate it to the flower bed. It just sits in the powder drawer, boldly marked and glaring at me accusingly.

Thanks,

Hoot