White sandy stuff from Winchester 00 buck?

[savasyn]

I pulled out a box of 25 Winchester 00 buck the other day and noticed that it sounded like there was sand in it. I opened it up and dumped all the shells into a bag and sure enough, there was white sandy looking stuff in the box and now in the bag. As I put the shells back in the box one by one, I saw that it was indeed coming from inside them.

Is this the powder charge pouring out or is this something put between the shot to pad it?

Is it safe to shoot with what looks like half a shell's worth being gone?

Thanks!

[ke6guj]

yes, some ammo has powder in the shot column to buffer the shot in an attempt to minimize the shot from denting other shot and messing up the shot pattern. I don't think there would a problem shooting it if some of the buffer was missing, at taht point it would be just like unbuffered ammo.

[dominic]

It is a granulated plastic used to buffer shot, just as Ke6guj said. Its fine to shoot no big deal. If you want to keep it from coming out any more, seal up any holes in the crimping with some wax.

[tankerman]

Shot buffer is supposed to keep lead shot from deforming while traveling down the barrel keeping it round and helping it fly straight. It supposedly helps steel shot stabilize, providing better patterns.

[savasyn]

Got, thanks guys!
I'll be shooting this particular box at the range tomorrow so it won't matter if the lead deforms.