Storing led round balls

[old iron]

I found some rbs that are old with lots of corrosion and I know the health risks,I was wondering how to store without them getting the corrosion?

 

[eggwelder]

i spray mine with WD40 and keep them in old peanut butter jars

 

[user 49399]

Same as eggwelder.

 

[user 36911]

Shoot more often.

 

[user 49399]

Shoot more, pour more.

 

[mushka]

I keep them in a sealed box til used. Mine don't sit around long enough to corrode.

 

[hanshi]

I keep them in air tight jars of various kinds. If they don't get exposed all that oxygen they won't significantly develop any white corrosion.

 

[ord sgt]

Don't store them away, shoot 'em. I found that to be the best way to get rid of old lead.

 

[leadhoarder]

I like to keep mine in a ball bag.

 

[Boston Bill]

Is that white corrosion on the lead a bad thing?

 

[Treestalker]

i spray mine with WD40 and keep them in old peanut butter jars

My late brother Fred used to keep his RBs sprayed with WD 40 a la Eggwelder; he stored them in japanned cans similar to Sucrets cans. worked like a charm.

 

[fishmusic]

Is that white corrosion on the lead a bad thing?

It is definitely a bad thing. Someone on the forum once asked about cleaning them with vinegar. That makes lead acetate, a sweet tasting compound that is highly toxic. It is also called sugar of lead and was the drying agent in paint until it was banned.

 

[Boston Bill]

Sorry, not trying to be dense. Does the corrosion mean you should not shoot them? What does the 'corrosion' do to the chemistry of the bullet?

 

[Grimord]

The corrosion is lead oxide. Will not affect the lead ball, but handling the balls with lead oxide on them is not a good idea due to the poisonous nature of lead. As was stated in previous posts, just put the corroded balls in a shallow pan, and spray them with WD-40.

 

[Boston Bill]

Ok. So I have like 20 or so 54 cal maxi balls from like 40 years ago when I had an Italian replica 1863 Sharps. Whats the best thing to do with them? I am thinking toss them? I currently have an 1863 in 45 and 50 calibers. Even if I had plans to get a 54 cal it wouldn't be soon. I would have to find one and am not presently looking. So should I just keep them?

 

[Zonie]

Coat them with some kind of oil and keep them or shoot them.

The oil will keep the powdery lead oxide from becoming airborne so the only thing that it will contaminate is your fingers when you handle the balls/bullets.
Then remember to wash your hands before handling any food or smoking something. It goes without saying, also don't stick your fingers in your mouth before washing.

With the price of balls/bullets being what it is today, it would be foolish to throw them away simply because they have a bit of corrosion on them.

 

[Boston Bill]

Ok, thank you. BB

 

[Yewbender]

I keep them stored in boxes with plastic bag or in metal/plastic coffee cans with lid on. I have some without lids and just stuff a plastic shopping bag in there and works great.

 

[user 36911]

I keep balls in plastic baggies. I squeeze all the air out before zipping it. If i'm trying to be PC I have a leather ball bag.

 

[Treestalker]

Is that white corrosion on the lead a bad thing?

That is 'white lead' Lead oxide, extremely poisonous, don't get it in your mouth, and don't handle it with your bare hands. The oil or WD40 keeps the lead from 'rusting' and developing a dusty white powder which is the oxide.