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Help 204 Ruger ammo

S&sprecisionTx

Silver $$ Contributor
Hey guys I need help what's going on with this 204 ammo
 

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Hey guys I need help what's going on with this 204 ammo
You mean besides the split necks?

I'm guessing the reason there's that blue/green corrosion build up around the cracks in those necks probably has something to do with some kind of reaction the ammonia from the powder is having with the brass and moisture likely is playing a part in it as well.
 
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Pull a few bullets and see if the powder is caked inside the case. Saw this where cases weren't completely dry before being reloaded and they looked similar. In any case, scrap them. Isn't worth the risk to try and salvage, except maybe the bullets.
 
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Are those some of your reloads and if so how long have they been stored and in what condition.
You see corrosion like this on old military ammo often and some old commercial.
 
Even if there was no corrosion at all, with those splits in the necks, there is no way I'd fire that stuff in any of my rifles.
 
Pull a few bullets and see if the powder is caked inside the case. Saw this where cases weren't completely dry before being reloaded and they looked similar. In any case, scrap them. Isn't worth the risk to try and salvage, except maybe the bullets.
I did pull three of the bullets that had the split next that came apart super easy the powder fell straight out
 
Are those some of your reloads and if so how long have they been stored and in what condition.
You see corrosion like this on old military ammo often and some old commercial.
The gentleman reloaded them probably a couple of months ago is what he was telling me

I just threaded his barrel for him
 
Even if there was no corrosion at all, with those splits in the necks, there is no way I'd fire that stuff in any of my rifles.
Yes I brought it to his attention as well He's older gentleman and didn't notice the next being split he said he has like 20 plus firings on some of that brass
 
It could be he was just having a bad day in the shop, or it can be just the beginning of a bad trend.

Only the folks close to him and/or he himself can make that call.

Far too often things are allowed to go too far and then there is the devil to pay...

If we are lucky, we get to live to a ripe old age with all our faculties and we can keep shooting/hunting/fishing/driving/ etc., to the end.

But in too many places we are seeing what happens when it goes too far with the loss of self control with decisions on driving/boating/flying etc. .... and with the guns/reloading things are no different.

Nobody wants to have their keys taken away, so we must all prepare for when to call it enough.

Till then, Carpe Diem!
 
If it hasn't already been said somewhere on the internet, then let's say it here.

Ammonia is known to be detrimental to cartridge cases, but it is also a common part of some of the popular copper solvents used in barrels.

Many times, things like this that come along on the forum are unintentional and are accidents that could have been avoided with a little friendly pointer from the chemists and engineers.

When folks are not careful, sometimes they leave residual solvent in their chambers, then expose test-fit cartridges when checking their ammo. This is bad for the ammo and for the rifle. Be very careful with ammonia around guns and ammo. This includes keeping ammo storage far away from animal urine.

Another way is to experiment with things like brass polish or other unknown materials when trying to improve the shine when cleaning brass. Things included in common household brass polish may include chemicals that weaken and attack cartridges, like ammonia.

Try to stick to the instructions when learning to reload and avoid mixing strong chemicals with cartridges during rifle or brass cleaning or storage.
 
Seeing this late and reading the responses, I'd agree with what's been said so far.

To me, it appears the old fellow left ammonia-based solvent in his chamber; it is clearly seen on the loaded rounds, just where the bottom of the case came in contact with the chems. This along with the need for annealing after say, 5 - 8 firings would both cause split necks and chemical corrosion of the brass cases.

Region Rat pretty much nailed it. Anything potent enough to clean a rifle barrel of the crap we know is in there, has to be some strong chit!
 

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