Older bullet changing color

[rizbunk77]

I just bought some Sierra Pro hunters, sealed in the box that still had the old style label. Opened it up and these are now turning a darker copper color, maybe a little darker on the base. Still in good shape, but the jackets are turning a darker copper color. Should I just load and shoot, or do you worry about cleaning these up first. 130gr. 270 Hunting loads is what they'll be. But I want them to shoot good, and not foul the barrel.

 

[johnjohn]

I don't see where the color should make any difference. Unless they are corroded I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Highland Lofts]

It's just oxidizing, nothing to worry about in my personal opinion.
If they were mine I'd load them and use them.

 

[rizbunk77]

I think thats what I will do. Thank you

 

[lightman]

Another vote to load them and shoot them.

I bought several boxes at a gun show a while back, in the older cardboard boxes, for $11 a box. These had started turning the colors that you describe and they shoot fine.

If the colors bother you, you can spin the loaded round in a drill, holding the bullet against a rag with some Flitz on it to clean them up.

 

[FROGO207]

I would shoot them as is if they are just tarnished. I have done this to a large number of bullets. Some will take the time to polish them before using in a tumbler or polish after loading. If you think the shine makes a better round then have at it. I want mine to make accurate holes with minimal added effort.

 

[longdayjake]

The color will do nothing for accuracy or fouling.

 

[mdi]

As long as it is just discoloration, and they still smooth, shoot them. If any roughness or light pitting, I would give them more thought, depending on severity.

 

[JmacD]

Well,if it is going to be a problem, I will have to apologize to a couple of Whitetails in my freezer… It didn’t seem to bother them any when they fell over on the ground… those exact bullets out of a 270 Winchester. And a rather stout charge of 4350. Thanks grandpa…

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

If there’s any green wipe it off. Dark red is fine. Chootum!

 

[doubleh]

Copper is very sensitive to oxygen and that causes it to darken which is known as tarnish. The tarnish actually slows the process. Like stated they are fine if they are not corroded.

 

[rizbunk77]

thank you all for the input. I think they are gtg.

 

[Walkalong]

I think they are gtg.

Correct.

 

[Show Me]

Old discolored bullets. Maybe that comes with age and experience

 

[Soonerpesek]

Hey.......................some of us resemble that comment.......!!

Old discolored bullets. Maybe that comes with age and experience

 

[cfullgraf]

I've experienced bullets darkening in color from the bright, new finish. It is just some oxidation of the copper, they still work fine and many have said.

 

[hdwhit]

I had some Hornady 55 grain .224 bullets that I bought in 1982/83 and had not loaded. They turned 'brown like dirt' (kudos to anyone who remembers where that line appears on Canadian children's television).

I had the same question as the OP, but decided to load them alongside some 55 grains with the same Hornady catalogue number.

At 100 and 200 meters, I saw no difference.

 

[JimKirk]

If you are concerned about the color...drop them in your tumbler for a short time .... I add a little wax in my corn cob....it will polish the bullets and the wax will keep them from tarnishing for a good while ...