To save time lte's just say I inherited a bunch of 270 reloads. I'm not sure what they are. I do know they are lead bullets and they used 19.5 grains 4198 I assume IMR. They cases are corroded and I wanted to dismantle them so I could dispose of properly.I started to tear them apart some of the bullets won't come out but the ones that did there is a brass or copper cup down inside. Can some one tell me what to do here safely? Any input would be great. Thanks Capt.

[To save time let's just say I inherited a bunch of 270 reloads. I'm not sure what they are. I do know they are lead bullets and they used 19.5 grains 4198, I assume IMR. The cases are corroded and I wanted to dismantle them so I could dispose of properly. I started to tear them apart; some of the bullets won't come out, but with the ones that did there is a brass or copper cup down inside. Can some one tell me what to do here safely? Any input would be great. Thanks Capt.]


I'd pack them in cat litter / used up vibratory cleaner media, in a coffee can, spent oil over that and bury them in the back pasture -- deep.

If that dog won't hunt, seat the bullets a little deeper to break the "weld" and pull with what you got. (Side-cutters work -- grip tightly and use the ram on your reloader to pull them.)


Or, crush them in the middle with Channelocks and cover in spent oil. Then send to the dump.

1. How many, approximately, is "a bunch"? 20? 50?
2. How corroded is "corroded"? Turned green on the outside? With noticeable pits?

I suggest you chuck up one of the cartridges by the bullet in your electir drill or drill press and spin it at slow speed, holding a pad of fine steel wool against it. Does it come out bright and shiny with no pits? Then shoot them up and salvage the cases. If they are pitted, pull the bullets in your loading press(channel locks will do nicely), empty the powder down the toilet and crush the cases.

The copper cups are gas checks. Push them down into the case and pour the powder out around them.

The police dept here in my town will accept unwanted ammo for destruction.
Phil

If I had less than 50 I would just put them in the trash; in the landfill they won't hurt anything.
Burying them in the back yard is good too.
Small arms ammo is not C4 or comp B. Just keep them out of the reach of kids and idiots.

The copper cup "down inside" is the gas-check for the bullet. You can gently punch that down into the case (but you first have to pull the bullets), dump the powder on your lawn or flower bed, put oil into the case to neutralize the primer, throw everything in the trash.

Zeke

These are great suggestions thanks for the input. I didn’t think of the channel locks. I think some are corroded farther than I want to shoot. Thanks again that’s why I love this web site. Capt

Yep folks that worked fine the channel locks were the trick. I have a grip and pull that worked on some but the channel locks worked great. Have the unwanted casings soaking in oil and tomorrow is garbage day. Thanks again

quote:

Originally posted by Phil McFall:
The police dept here in my town will accept unwanted ammo for destruction.
Phil

I disposed of a lot of unwanted ammo in my career. The guy the took it was always giving it to me to dispose of properly.

If it looked good I dispose of it the best way by shooting it.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
If I had less than 50 I would just put them in the trash; in the landfill they won't hurt anything.
Burying them in the back yard is good too.
Small arms ammo is not C4 or comp B. Just keep them out of the reach of kids and idiots.

This too

Once it's safe, toss it in the brass
bucket and sell for scrap.

IF you or anyone you know casts, use the
slugs for melt metal. too good to toss out.

Hell I even save dead primers in a coffee can.
I sold one full for $38 a few years ago. Next
can is nearing half full now.

Sold a bucket full of brass and jacket scrap
from an indoor range that I'd melted the lead down.
Got almost $60 for it. That more than
paid the propane bill.

George