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Thread: Best way to clean dirty/discolored ammo?

  1. #11
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    If you're really concerned, run it through a vibratory tumbler with a tablespoon of mineral spirits absorbed into corncob media for 30 min to 1 hr.

    It'll come out with any minor surface issues removed, and looking shiny and polished, but the annealing mark will still be there.

  2. #12
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    Alright guys, thanks for all the info as i feel much better about shooting it. I now understand why the rounds are of different color around the neck. I looked up some pictures and compared them with annealed arounds or whatever you wanna call it.

    All i did was attach x10 rounds at a time to a stripper clip and hit them with a tooth brush, and then wipped them down with an old tee shirt.

    I did get quite a bit of dirt, so the rounds are now shiny and smooth.

  3. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by markm View Post
    Attempting to clean up XM193 is a silly waste of time. Shoot it.
    This.

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by mizer67 View Post
    If you're really concerned, run it through a vibratory tumbler with a tablespoon of mineral spirits absorbed into corncob media for 30 min to 1 hr.

    It'll come out with any minor surface issues removed, and looking shiny and polished, but the annealing mark will still be there.
    Tumble live rounds? I have never done this and to me it just sounds dangerous for 2 reasons. 1. Primer being struck by another round and 2. Powder being broken up to cause a faster ignition and increased pressures. I see you recommended a vibrator tumbler and not a rotary, but am I just over cautious?

  5. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by 1_click_off View Post
    Tumble live rounds? I have never done this and to me it just sounds dangerous for 2 reasons. 1. Primer being struck by another round and 2. Powder being broken up to cause a faster ignition and increased pressures. I see you recommended a vibrator tumbler and not a rotary, but am I just over cautious?
    I don't do it. Lots of people do. Seems to be pretty safe though I still don't want to tempt the ammo gods.
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  6. #16
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    How many reports of blown up tumblers/vibrators have you read about on the firearm forums? If it happened, it would be all over the forums with photos documenting everything.

  7. #17
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    I've tumbled tens of thousands of live rounds to clean up surplus, remove case lube from reloads, etc, etc, etc.

    Some gents over on SnipersHide did a 'mythbusters' style test where they tumbled and chrono'd ammo from 1 hour up to 24 hours. End result, no powder breakdown, no recordable speed differences. Do it, don't worry about the internet lore and hand wringing.
    Kelly H
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