How to prepare "display" ammunition

**AndyLate** · 11-02-21, 07:36

Long story short - my Dad would like some accesories for his 1944 M1. I found a surplus 1923 cartridge belt that I would like to provide loaded. I plan to use new AEC clips and Greek surplus ammo. The ammo will not be fired anytime soon.

How can I keep the ammo clean while it is in the belt? I am planning to wear gloves while I load the clips, will that be enough?

The ammo is typical surplus now, not bright and shiny like commercial, but clean.

Andy

**1_click_off** · 11-02-21, 08:28

Are you just getting it put together for him and then presenting it later? If so, then I would load as you suggested and place in a garbage bag with a few silica pouches and leave in a climate controlled area.

If you are wanting to keep clean on display, I got nothing for you.

Now if you want the rounds bright and shiny and stay that way for awhile, use eagle one never dull. It will shine up a round like nothing else and leave a slight protective coat on it.

**AndyLate** · 11-02-21, 09:23

I am just putting it together for him.

I am primarily wanting to facilitate the ammo staying "clean" on display. I may be overthinking it. My folks live in a very low humidity area.

Andy

**georgeib** · 11-02-21, 09:35

I've never tried this, but perhaps spraying the rounds with some sort of a matte clear coat Krylon would keep them from darkening with time.

**gaijin** · 11-02-21, 12:24

“Raw” cartridges will tarnish in a leather ammo belt.
Might try degreasing and spraying with Matte/Semi Gloss Spray Lacquer, as above.
This should effectively seal them.

**DG23** · 11-02-21, 21:35

You can dry tumble loaded ammo and not hurt anything. Walnut shell media will do the trick.

**turnburglar** · 11-02-21, 22:36

I would tumble and call it a day.

**AndyLate** · 11-03-21, 14:13

November has proven that I express myself poorly in multiple ways.

In a nutshell, I am wondering if there are ways I can help the surplus ammo loaded in en block clips remain viable while stored in a canvas ammunition belt. Temperature and humidity are both low.

I beleive I was overthinking and just need to make sure I don't get my acid fingerprints on the ammo or clips.

Andy