Brass condition question

[Citadelgrad87]

I was at a recent calguns shoot and I picked up some brass another shooter gave me permission to take. It is 7.62 NATO brass, but as I type this I realize I'm unsure of the headstamp.

He bought it at a discount because it's dis colored, and we discussed what may have caused that, water, rapid temp change, etc.

In any event, I picked it up and tumbled it in walnut, and it has very dark brown stains on it, but feels smooth to the touch. I can post some photos tonight, but in am wondering about whether I should discard this brass. Other than the discoloration, it looks solid and it certainly fired without incident.

Someone must have crossed this particular bridge already.

Thanks.

[highpower790]

its only stained process as you normally would and shoot it.

[JMP]

Probably fine for blasting ammo. Measure its outer neck diameter after resizing. As the brass "ages" it loses its "spring". If it ends up near 0.001" smaller in diameter than your other brass, it has less life, but it varies with the brass type. .308 brass is dime a dozen, I'd just chuck it if in doubt.

[Khromo]

I think it is a good idea to do the math so you know exactly how much money you are talking about. For the amount I shoot, and I usually shoot twice a week, I decided "unknown pedigree" brass is not for me any more. There is a heightened comfort level that comes with knowing what your brass has been through.

A few cents per round, no more than 250 rounds per week, I can live with the cost of using new brass.

[mark501w]

It's a wise idea to know the history of your brass.

[Citadelgrad87]

It's a wise idea to know the history of your brass.

I agree but do t understand in the context of my question. Its surplus 1x, with stains on the cases, well, some of the cases.

[OldShooter32]

SS tumbling would probably clean that off -- make sure it isn't Berdan -- .308 Berdan shows up often.

[damndave]

It's probably just marks from water corrosion. SS tumbling would make them look like new.

[mark501w]

Take a picture .

[Jasonaspears]

Brass gets tarnished easily. Should be fine unless you feel that it is unsafe for some reason. For the cost of brass, it may not be worth going against that peace of mind of knowing its good for sure.

[Citadelgrad87]

Take a picture .

I will snap some this weekend.

[ihasacookie]

+1 on the SS wet tumbling for removing the stain. If the brass was pitted then there would be more for concern.

[shooterbill]

It shouldn't be a problem. As long as there is no corrosion.

[gunboat]

For your peace of mind -- please send it to me --

[knucklehead0202]

don't sweat it citadel, just keep in mind that military brass is a bit thicker than commercial so reduce your load a little if you're approaching max. I'll bet the more you shoot/tumble/shoot that brass the less you'll see the stains. If you don't want it bring it to the next shoot and i'll give you something for it. I have all kinds of something.