Corrosive Yugoslavian Surplus Ammo

[hk404me]

Hello,

I am new to Calguns, and have a question that I would like to ask the knowledgeable people on this website. I purchased some ammo (7.62x39 for a Saiga) from a local gun shop, and they did not mention that the ammo was corrosive (Yugoslavian surplus). I have read the post about using Windex, WD-40 and washing with hot/warm soapy water to remove the bad salts.

My question is, if I shoot the corrosive ammo, and prior to leaving the range shoot some quality ammo, such as Fiocchi, Federal, Remington or Winchester would that reduce the salts in the barrel or is it a waste of money? I would then use the Windex and WD-40 at the range and then a complete cleaning at home using the hot/warm soapy water method.

I have also read where some guys don’t like Saiga’s, but I have to tell you that thing is a blast to shoot! I think it’s the old Ford vs. Chevy argument.

This is a great website! I am now a member of the NRA because of this website. I sincerely hope that some of the ridiculous gun laws that California has are repealed or at the very least lessened, for law abiding citizens.

Thank you,
hk404me

[mrlonewolf]

Welcome to Calguns, you are going to love this site.....

I recommend you the Windex method, we are looking for that chemical reaction in order to neutralize the salts, very fast and inexpensive.
I shoot a lot of surplus ammo, after shooting I field strip the gun right there at the range/desert and use the Windex, spray it generously and wait a little bit, I always have a small spare air tank with a blow nossle to blast the windex from the receiver and barrel ( just to prevent the residual moisture and remove some of the foul) and thats it, you can finish cleaning your gun at home.

[rg_1111@yahoo.com]

Welcome to calguns. After you clean remember to use a good coat of oil.

[gunboat]

All you need to neutralize the primer salts is water - period - Shooting non-corrosve ammo or cleaning immediately with windex can't hurt but is not necessary. Cleaning with water (hot and soapy if you like) within few hours of firing corrosive ammo and then oiling is all that is required.. Too much drama about this issue --- my ha-penny

[Scratch705]

my process for my mosin with corrosive ammo is to shoot it first in the day, get my fill, then rise it with half a bottle of water. then let it sit in the sun with bolt out and any wood handguards off. usually the 3 hrs of sun will get whatever leftover water dried up, and i just run a few patches soaked with my brand of CLP.

then after i get home, i scrub away with hoppes or heavier cleaner if needed.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

As mentioned above, water is all you need. Water is the only thing that will easily dissolve and wash away the corrosive salts. Windex works because it is mostly made of water. Windex also has ammonia (which helps remove copper fouling) and detergent (which helps remove other fouling). But water is all you need to remove the salt.

[Leon75x55]

There is no longer any ammonia in Windex. All you need to do is mix 3 parts water to 1 part ammonia, dampen a patch (not soaking wet) and run it through. That is all, when you get home you clean as usual. If anyone is afraid to use mil surplus corrosive ammo in their guns I will be happy to take it off their hands.

[Caseless]

My question is, if I shoot the corrosive ammo, and prior to leaving the range shoot some quality ammo, such as Fiocchi, Federal, Remington or Winchester would that reduce the salts in the barrel or is it a waste of money? I would then use the Windex and WD-40 at the range and then a complete cleaning at home using the hot/warm soapy water method.

Pay special attention to the gas tube. The barrel is chrome lined, the gas tube and its thread is not.

[hk404me]

Thanks ALL

WOW! I am truly blown away by the helpful response. I had a real concern about the corrosive Yugoslavian surplus ammo, but by the response here, it is no longer an issue.

Thank you all for you input. CALGUNS is the best!

Thank you again,
hk404me