DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Military Surplus Shooters/Collectors
  HTML https://milsurps.createaforum.com
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       *****************************************************
   DIR Return to: French Rifles
       *****************************************************
       #Post#: 272--------------------------------------------------
       How to Clean a Rifle after shooting Corrosive/Surplus Ammo-
       By: Spaxspore Date: July 30, 2013, 8:14 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Military firearms have been firing corrosive smokeless primers
       since right before the turn of the century. Before that it was
       black powder; and that was even more corrosive.
       There is much misinformation and elaborate methods that are
       circling the net on how to handle and clean your rifle/pistol
       after firing such ammunition. These methods range from WD 40, to
       windex, to prayer.
       First it is important to understand why the ammunition is
       corrosive to begin with.  The common word out there is
       commercial non-corrosive ammo has a 30 year shelf life;
       corrosive primers, are as best known, indefinite.. specially if
       vacuum sealed in those wonderful tins. These military rounds
       were designed to last 50 or more years so the primers used do
       not break down easily.
       To achieve this long term life; corrosive primers were used.
       So what makes it corrosive? Well its the salts, after the rifle
       is fired with corrosive ammunition, salt is sprayed with the
       fouling all through the bore and part of the chamber. If left
       unattended and untreated these same salts will begin to attract
       moisture.. moisture will eventually lead to rust. Ive seen bores
       untreated last only a day or two before rust starts to appear.
       Are you now scared? Worry not- the best and most inexpensive way
       to cure these salts is natures solvent water.
       The most important thing to do with the salt from the primers is
       to wash them away. Here are the steps that i follow after i fire
       surplus corrosive rounds through my rifles and pistols.
       1. Water Down the bore
       2. Follow up with your favorite bore solvent - hoppes 9 for
       example
       3. Wipe you bolt head with hoppes
       4. Oil as you normally would
       That is it..
       *****************************************************