Waxed ammunition?

[norcal77]

Recently received some magazines in the mail and there was a warning that stated not to use waxed ammunition? Tried to look this up online and all I found was info on waxed bullets for target practice.

Are there certain types of .22lr that have this coating?

[Red-Osier]

Recently received some magazines in the mail and there was a warning that stated not to use waxed ammunition? Tried to look this up online and all I found was info on waxed bullets for target practice.

Are there certain types of .22lr that have this coating?

My Aguila SV and CCI SV 22 always have wax, CCI less than the Aguila.

[CWL]

Certain .22lr bullets are waxed as a lube and it can get all over the casing. This can cause additional collection of grime and fouling in the mag & springs.

[Red-Osier]

I posted a pic some time ago on the subject.

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=20228758&postcount=23

[norcal77]

Oh ok, so is it something you can avoid by buying quality ammo?

[bohoki]

i love 22 blazer it works in every gun that i have but it does have wax so far it has not harmed anything its hard to say if its the wax that causes black gunge in every nook and crannie there is a certain 10/22 magazine that says not to use waxed ammunition (very large capacity)

but they havent been a problem in my 10/22 butler creeks or marlin 60

[kcheung2]

CCI minimags in the 100rd plastic trays have wax. So in a sense, you get it by buying quality ammo.

However, i've never had any reliability issues because of it.

[BigFatGuy]

The CCI Tactical seems pretty wax-free.

Some brands are just gunked with the stuff.

[smoothy8500]

Oh ok, so is it something you can avoid by buying quality ammo?

The amount of wax on most "plinking" 22 is negligible. The "high-end" match ammo such as RWS, Eley, Lapua, etc, usually have a lot of wax and are single-loaded for slow-fire in a bolt action.

[Half Cocked]

I found these inquiries to CCI on Rimfire Central that might clear the confusion most people have about .22 wax lubricant.

Q: Question about copper washed and non-copper washed .22lr ammo.

I would like to know the truth about the differences between the coatings used in .22lr ammo. I have heard many stories that copper washed ammo was only designed for hunting so it doesn't collect dust in your pocket, but some say it reduces fouling in barrels. I have had problems with severe fouling in pistol barrels using the non-copper washed ammo, but not so much using the copper washed ammo.

I would like to know if there is an actual difference in coatings used and if there is any benefit to using copper washed ammo to reduce fouling. What is the copper wash exactly and how does it differ from the "wax" standard ammo?

Thank you for your time and I hope that you can answer my questions.


A: Both the CCI lead-bulleted (non copper) rimfire ammo and the CCI 'copper washed' ammo share the same bullet lubricant. The lube is there on both types of products to help prevent fouling. The copper wash on some of our rimfire ammunition aids in feeding and also helps to further prevent barrel leading. Linda


Linda Olin
CCI/Speer Technical Services
2299 Snake River Ave.
Lewiston, ID 83501
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Q:Linda,
Thank you for the information. I was also curious why only the mini-mags have the copper wash where as the standard velocity ammo does not.

I was thinking if the copper wash does aid in preventing fouling, it should be available on all types of ammo.

I am just wondering why it is only available on certain types of ammo???

A: The lower velocity loads, such as CCI 22 LRSV (1070 fps) do not require a copper wash because low velocity loads do not tend to lead or foul. The higher the velocity, the more chance of fouling. Linda


Linda Olin
CCI/Speer Technical Services
2299 Snake River Ave.
Lewiston, ID 83501

[Pofoo]

Some have more than others. And yes, it can be a problem in a semi auto with a lot of rounds fired. 22's are so dirty in general, I try to keep the gunk out.
I have recently been shooting Remington bulk packed. They seem to have a hard, black coating. It doesn't feel waxy or greasy. It does not come off on my hand and I think it would not gum up my semi auto's near as fast as some other brands. They even shoot well in the wife's Walther p22 which is very ammo sensitive. Aquilla does not work well in this pistol, partially because it gets gunked up quickly.

[johnk518]

I never worried about it much until I read the GSG drum doesn't like wax. Everything else I can pretty much take apart and clean but not sure about the drum.

[Preston-CLB]

I have lately been shooting Blazer .22 LR in my Single Six Convertible wheel gun. It does not appear to foul the barrel, as in no gunky stuff on the cleaning patch, but it's dirty (the usual black residue). Same with CCI MiniMag. When I use the .22 WMR copper washed HP, it shoots very cleanly.
-p

[ar15barrels]

Oh ok, so is it something you can avoid by buying quality ammo?

Higher quality 22lr ammo is usually waxed.
You would have to buy the cheaper stuff with copper plated bullets.
Match ammo is mostly lead with wax.

[sigstroker]

I leave a full bush on my ammo. No waxing.