tumbling loaded rounds?

kshock

I read this on another forum but still do not know the answer. Is it safe to tumble loaded rounds (i.e. military surplus ammo that is kinda grungy looking)? Some say it is very dangerous and some say there is no danger. Is there a safe way to clean the grungy rounds up?

bpost

I have done it; for short periods of time, in clean media to get maximum cleaning in the shortest time. I would not tumble them for more than 1/2 hour.

You could increase the pressure by over tumbling ammo loaded with stick powders, causing the sticks to break into smaller pieces.

XXCross

Lad, the answer to that question depends on several factors. Of primary concern is how the ammo has been stored. If the storage has been maintained BELOW about 120 degrees then it is far less likely that the powder has become degraded. (heat causes powder to dry out and become susceptible to flaking when subject to vibration...tumbling) Since there is no way to determine the condition of the powder by casual observation of the cartridge, you have no way to tell if it is safe to tumble it or not. Tumbling new ammo or even old ammo that has NOT been subjected to extremes of heat and cold should pose no problem. However, the action of tumbling ammo that has had the moisture content of propellant reduced below certain levels will cause the grains (or flakes) to shed small particles. The resulting smaller grains burn faster than the original and the tiny flakes explode! Bottom line, tumbling ammo that you have no history of is a game of roulette...and sooner or later you will loose!

midnightrunpaintballer

with xxcross's info, randomly select a few rounds from here and there in your group, pull the bullets and inspect the powder. that should give you a general idea of what you have. if you have a tumbler, then you probably reload. if you reload, you'll have a puller... just a thought.. hope it helps

flyingtorpedo

quote:Originally posted by midnightrunpaintballer
if you reload, you'll have a puller...
So true[;)]

RCrosby

Suggest you not tumble loaded rounds. Why risk it?
Churk bullet in a drill head, hold a wad of 0000 steel wool around the brass and hit the trigger. Quick, safe and effective.

rg666

The safest way is to shoot them up & tumble the brass when they are empty. Pretty cartridges don't fly any better than ugly ones lol!

JustC

the problem with tumbling loaded rounds, as has been stated, is the abrading of the powder coatings. When they are abraded away, the burn rate changes. The coatings are to retard and uniform the burn rate of the powder, even ball powders use graphite etc. When the powder sticks or balls have had the coatings worn off or the grains have broken, your burn rate will INCREASE, therefore you can run into a pressure problem with a load that normally was quite safe. Be carefull.