A question about M2 ball ammo

[Rumpelhardt]

I picked up few rounds of 1942 vintage Frankfort Arsenal M2 Ball ammo. Would it be corrosive?

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[rcathey]

I picked up few rounds of 1942 vintage Frankfort Arsenal M2 Ball ammo. Would it be corrosive?

As far as I know, all war time 30-06 was corrosive. I just assume anything USGI made in the 40s is corrosive and call it a day.

[Rumpelhardt]

Thanks. That's kind of what I thought but I didn't know for sure.

[USMA79]

Here is a link to a very useful chart related to this subject:

Noncorrosive Chart - Page 3 - CMP Forums

I carry a copy of the chart in my wallet. It comes in handy at guns shows, etc. The lot numbers can be used for classifying boxed GI ammo as corrosive or noncorrosive, while the acceptance dates give you a general idea with respect to headstamp dates.

Respectfully,
USMA79

[Sunray]

U.S. switched to non-corrosive priming in 1954. Some Match ammo was still corrosive though.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

And, if you clean your rifles correctly, straight after shooting, and re-clean them a few days later, you will NEVER have a "corrosion" problem caused by the ammo. It worked for a LOT of very large military organizations around the world for a LONG time.

The brass will probably survive a few reloads, as well. The usual caveats about processing boxer-primed "once-fired" surplus cases apply.

[Rumpelhardt]

I'll probably just pull it apart and reuse the brass and projectiles. It's only 50 rounds and it only cost me $15 so it's no big deal I just wanted to make sure.

[browningautorifle]

I'll probably just pull it apart and reuse the brass and projectiles.

I'd use all three parts...and re-prime only. Done it lots, .303 is a classic for it.

[RCS]

I understand all Soviet manufactured military 5,45x39mm is corrosive - reason longer shelf live

[browningautorifle]

longer shelf life

That was the original reason for the change to that priming compound too I think.