Oxidized lead bullets, 22lr

[george223]

I was digging through my safe and came across about 1200 rnds of 22lr that I bought back in the early 90's, back when they were $10 bucks a brick and plentiful. The bullets are just lead and are all oxidized. The problem is that the bullets have swollen and will not slide into the chamber of any of my .22lr guns. I tried forcing a few in with my thumb but it was a very tight fit. Was able to push them back out with a cleaning rod.

Anybody have any ideas on how I can restore the bullets back to their proper diameter so I can use them? I tried dry tumbling for a couple of hours with no noticeable difference.

[rcslotcar]

Try a green scrub pad, a few twists should do the job.

[edgerly779]

Scotchbrite and some patience. Do it while watching march madness it will give you something useful to do.

[george223]

Ok, so I just cleaned up 30 rounds using a scotchbrite pad, also tried sandpaper. Now my fingers hurt. I was hoping to get through a box of 325. Not sure I want to continue with this method.

Ok, my plan B. I'm going to find a couple small blocks of aluminum (or steel), clamp them together and drill a .22 hole through the point where they meet. I will then attach each block to the jaws of a pair of large lineman's pliers and will then try to squeeze each bullet down to size Wish me luck.

However, this is going to have to wait. Time for a beer.

[sofbak]

Do you have a vibrating tumbler? I'd try seasoning some corn cob or lizard litter with a mild abrasive like chrome polish and let it run over night-8 to 10 hours.

[george223]

Do you have a vibrating tumbler? I'd try seasoning some corn cob or lizard litter with a mild abrasive like chrome polish and let it run over night-8 to 10 hours.

Already tried the tumbler for about 3 or 4 hours, walnut shells w/ Dillon polish, with no noticeable improvements. Decided not to continue. Brass looks good.

[Guns R Tools]

Maybe use dremel with brush attachment to clean away build up.
It would be much like sand paper but your finger will hurt less.
Maybe use washer to hold ammo stable.

[mif_slim]

This thread will scare all the 22lr hoarders out there!! Oh wait... who's actually stocking 22?? Lol..

[Jimi Jah]

I've seen this with 1990's era Winchester .22LR's It looks like white crap on the side of the bullet. It won't feed a semi-auto and you have to force them into a wheel gun. Rather than polish 5 cent bullets, sell them to the flippers.

[traveler1952]

Wow I'm shooting 22 LR from 1985, no oxidation at all, Shoots just like new

[george223]

Success!!

For those of you still interested, I was able restore my oxidized ammo by resizing the bullets. I bought a pair of 10" lineman's pliers from Harbor Freight for $5.99 and drilled a .221" (#2 drill) hole between the jaws. I was then able to resize the bullets. I tested 100 rounds last night with my Ruger Mk II. All fired as expected with no jams.

The attached picture shows the before and after. I used the cylinder of my .22lr revolver to verify the resized bullets.

[2shotjoe]

1. throw in tumbler
2. ??
3. profit, its looks brand new.