sand-like debris in ammunition?

[Lugiahua]

I got a number of Federal Vital-Shok 12 gauge buckshot (PFC154) for my 590A1

I noticed that there are sand-like white crystal debris around my extension tube and chamber after I load/un-loaded the shells.

Are these crystal normal for Federal? or these ammunition were exposed to sands?

[TKM]

Put some ammo in a clean container and shake it.

Do you find any residue or crystals?

Sand is rough on the loading machinery at the factory.

The Federal shotshell uses both a plastic shot cup and granulated plastic shot buffer to minimize post-ignition pellet deformation, whereas the Remington and Winchester loads do not.


Could the stuff you found be plastic? I generally advise against biting stuff found in ammo, but.....

[Lugiahua]

one of my shells seems have lot of crystals in it, but other are fine.

btw, should I apply CLP in extension tube and spring when cleaning? will it causes negative effect on the shells?

[aippi]

Not sure what the issue is but never lube the inside on the tube extension. Run that dry. I run a wooden dowel with a pad of steel wool over it through the magazine tube and that keeps it factory new inside.

As for whatever the heck is coming out of the shells, gotta think it is susposed to be in there just like TKM said and are some type of packing around the shot.

[Thefeeder]

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Some shells contain "buffer"....it may be what your seeing.....but it should not be leaking out of the shells unless the crimp is opening up

Goggle "shotshell buffer" for more info

[Wombats Are Dangerous]

I've actually cut open 00 shells from both Federal and Winchester to see how the shells are constructed and both shells were packed with white plastic pellets for the reasons stated by everyone above.

I once opened a box of Winchester low recoil 00 buck and a few dozen white pellets came spilling out of the box. Since I'd never seen them before, I freaked a little. Checked all the shells and, sure enough, one of the shells had uncrimped. Tipped it over and more white pellets came pouring out.

[Lugiahua]

so I guess it's normal to see them around?
but what if they stuck in my chamber? will it cause problem?
I used a brush to clear them from my shotgun.

[Lugiahua]

one more question:
Is it safe to keep ammunition in a car? I always wonder if it will cache on fire from the heat of the sun light...

[BigDogatPlay]

Granular white stuff inside shells is buffering material, usually plastic but there are other compounds. It's used to keep the shot from deforming as it travels through the barrel. It's supposed to be non-toxic but once it's been in contact with lead I'd think it's king's X on that matter.

Having some stray buffer material in and around the chamber when firing is going to happen. It's plastic and that's not going to damage steel.

Ammo should never be stored in direct sunlight in a car. Not that it would cook off, but repeated heating and cooling cycles will degrade components over time. It would suck to pull out some of those shells and not have them go bang when you need them to.