Old .22LR bullets got funky

[gdbleb]

Dumb question but I've got to ask.
I have a few boxes of .22LR where the bullets have gone funky with that light grey/white "corrosion" or whatever it is.
I've read lead is resistant to corrosion so I'm a bit confused.
Is this the lube going south?
These are Eley so it is/was good stuff.
It won't chamber in my good rifle.
Could I tumble this clean perhaps?

 

[LCazador]

What you're seeing is oxidation between the lube and the bullet. I don't believe the bullets are pure lead. Antimony is added.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Who said lead didnt corrode? Lead corrodes faster than any metal i know of. Lcazador has the answer right above

 

[mongo chicago]

I wouldn't tumble rimfire ammo - just on the safety side.

 

[Iowa Fox]

Its nothing more than the lube that they use drying out. They are well noted for it. Just take a drop of good lube between your thumb and forefinger and give the bullet a light twist. I wouldn't try tumbling. Or you could wipe the white with a rag then dip them in melted cast bullet lube.

 

[ronsatspokane]

Send them to me. I'll dispose of the properly for you.

 

[jds holler]

Just shooootem. jd

 

[Tommie]

Tumbling rimfire ammo? We’re joking here, right?

 

[divingin]

I'd put em in the tumbler.

I wouldn't. The bullet is marginally held in the case to begin with; wouldn't want to loosen it up more.

Just shoot them. I, and a whole lot of people I know, have done just that.

 

[foxguy]

Do you know how old they are?