Ammo Contamination

Tankist

New member
This is getting to be quite a concern for me. Maybe I use too much lube when cleaning my S&W 629 or maybe this is perfectly normal. Despite my best efforts I can't seem to keep the chambers completely dry. I noticed that whenever I unload it the cartridges come out with some lubricant on them.

Could this lubricant somehow make it's way inside the cartridge and contaminate the propellant. The 629 is my HD, which is the reason for my concern.
 
May migrate into primers.
Can hurt your gun. Well lubed chambers allow excessive force to be applied to recoil shield when fired.

NO, zip, nada lube in chambers except for storage and then should be completely cleaned out before firing.

Sam
 
Don't use oil to lubricate your gun.

Use a light-bodied grease.

The oil is very likely migrating into the chamber from the ejector rod where it passes through the cylinder. It wicks its way to the extractor star, and then through capillary action works its way up to the chambers.

You'll need to use gunscrubber or brake cleaner to flush everything out VERY thoroughly, let it dry, and then use a light-bodied grease to lube the ejector rod.

You could also use a dry lube like Dri-Slide.
 
Concur with GunScrubber, etc.-like products on your chambers.

Solvent clean & then hit 'bout the whole shooter with like product to remove all traces of solvents & then, if needed, "touch up" very lightly any small area that may require lube - usually not needed at all, but if, only a very small dot in particular spots (read that as internal interfacing spots, if that)

"Out West," we do not have the humidity to deal with, so about zip for rust in storage, but storage is different than having a shooter at the ready.

Penetrative lubes, such as CLP BreakFree, etc. can migrate to beat the band. Excellent lubes/protectorants, but the same properties that make 'em so good, can "invade" yer bullets.

For any rust preventative, you only need a very light film. After a thorough cleaning (& GunScrub treatment) hit a cleaning patch with CLP (or etc.) & wipe the firearm to just give it a coating - a light film - nothing more.

There's no need to use so much as to cause your problem. Use a lot less. & do not lube your chambers - ever.

Your cleaning will preclude rust even in high humidity areas & if worst case, you'll just have to clean more often, but don't lube those chambers.
 
Thanks Guys,

That makes sense. The oil must find it's way into the chambers from the extractor. Also, it sounds like I really do use too much oil after cleaning.

I'm going to have to change my routine a bit. thanks again for all the great info.
 
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