This may be for chemistry majors

[itchyTF]

I've got a .243AI using H4350. Fire a shot, chamber a new round with a shiney new bullet (for a second or two), remove from chamber and bullet is tarnished. Won't rub off with fingers. This one isn't as dark as some others I've had. ????? Any ideas?

 

[expiper]

Well ...I just dont know what to say....but I bet if you wuld pull the trigger the smoke would get blown rite off the bullet on the way to the target....OBTW...what do the groups look like ...that is what matters....do the bullet holes look smudged or tarnished......I hope Im not the only one who sees the humor in this....Roger
PS..your neck turning looks smooth as silk....what tool are you using??

 

[GerryM]

If you pulled the round out of the box by grabbing the bullet with your fingers, You have a chemical reaction from salt {sweat] and chemicals on your fingers.

 

[queen_stick]

I think it's heat in the chamber causing the bullet to change color slightly...

 

[itchyTF]

Expiper -
OK, I know I get a little anal about some things. I know the PDs aren't going to be concerned if they get hit with a tarnished bullet, but then again, who knows they might get offended! :
I neck turn with a Sinclair NT-4000.

GerryM -
I know salt and other materials will attack copper but it was shiny going in and 2 seconds later it came out tarnished. My finger chemicals don't work that fast! Besides, I can handle them all I want outside the chamber and they won't tarnish that fast.

queen_stick -
One shot out of a cold barrel won't warm it up that much.

I thought it might be left over gasses so I blew in the action and it still did it.

 

[jonbearman]

You have got to quit using black powder,LOL I have had it happen with my 30-06 and cant figure what causes it. It looks bad but I think it is nothing to worry about. It could be residual powder working on it or cleaning chemicals left over in the bore.

 

[GerryM]

If you install the round into a dirty hot chamber it will cause a reaction.
Try wiping the bullet off with a paper towel firstl and see what happens.
If it comes out clean , then i was correct.

 

[TheSnake]

If you install the round into a dirty hot chamber it will cause a reaction.
Try wiping the bullet off with a paper towel firstl and see what happens.
If it comes out clean , then i was correct.

Is that put a dirty round into a hot chamber? If a dirty hot chamber is causing this, I can't see how wiping the bullet first would make a difference.

Itchy, does this only happen with one bullet brand or do you see this with other brands? How about other powders or a different lot of the same powder? Lastly, have you tried running a patch down the hot barrel and while the barrel is still warm and see if it still happens afterwards. Seems like you should be able to eliminate most of the variables here.

 

[GerryM]

the post. Clean round with sweat and solvent on bullet from fingers.

 

[DBailey]

IIRC, Most bullet manufacturers tumble the bullets in a type of wax before packaging in order to stop tarnishing.
If that is correct, the discoloration is probably just a heat effect on the wax.

 

[itchyTF]

This post will have to go into hibernation since I won't be doing any more shooting/experimenting until after a planned PD shoot in 2-3 weeks. I may do some minimal experimentation while out there. The trip hinges on my son getting leave after he passes his last test (an oral one) in the Prototype phase of nuke school.
Hope the rain slows up and cools down a bit!

 

[TheSnake]

Well good hunting and don't forget then pictures.