Shotgun shells white residue

A1BigTuna

I just looked at my shotgun in the back of a safe that I have not really looked at for some 4 years or so. Some of the shells in a side plate shell mount on the gun have a bunch of white power coming out of the front crimp. I think this is just lead oxide (they were 7 1/2 shot). Have not seen this before, does anyone know if the shells are going to be affected? I do not hunt, this is just a HD gun.

rufe-snow

Most likely it plastic powder. Some shells have white plastic powder mixed with the shot, it buffers the shot as it goes down the barrel for better patterns. Most of the time it's used with much larger shot sizes then 7 1/2's though.

5mmgunguy

It could be plastic, but most plastic filler I have seen didn't look like a powder, it was more like fine little balls. It might be lead oxide...I have seen lead bullets get it.

Tailgunner1954

It's most likely lead oxide.
Cut one open and find out.