Conserving lead bullets

[CowCavalry]

I recently came into possession of a box of .41 short rimfire cartridges, UMC brand. The lead bullets are white and flaky with oxidation, what is the best way to preserve them? I read somewhere that Renaissance wax was the product to use. Anyone have any other ideas or tips to use the wax? Would you dip the bullet in it or brush it on?

I have also read to be very careful and not disturb the lead because if it becomes friable, the lead dust is very dangerous.

 

[6thMichCav]

A question in answering your question has to be, "How do you want to preserve them?"

For example, a collector might see any manipulation or preservation efforts as harming the "originality" of the rounds, and thus harming their value.

A shooter might not even care, and would wipe off the oxidation (wearing gloves and discarding the wipes), then dip them in a thin coat of liquid Alox or beeswax. Then shoot them anyway.

A chemist would tell you all the neat acids that would remove the oxidation, but etch the lead in the process.

Just my two cents.

 

[johan_steele]

Few if any reasonable shooter would shoot one as they are rather spendy and an intact box of UMC .41 rimfire will fetch north of $150.

I don't collect ammunition but regularly see such at shows. There is a market & there are collectors of old ammo.

To give you an idea what you have UMC was in business from 1866/67-1912 when they merged with Remington. I once fired off a half box of UMC 45-70 and when I told a friend how well it performed he almost killed me. He was even madder when I told him I paid less than $5 for them.