cleaning and preserving cartidges and shells

[ghandi1945]

I hope this hasnt been covered before but apologies if it has. I have a large number of ww2 cartidges and shells and would like to clean some up properly for display as most of them have only had the mud brushed off them. what is the best way to do this and then to preserve them against rotting or decomposing.

Thanks for any help.
Matt.

[jesterjim]

Have a look in the 'Military Ordnance' section...should be plenty there....

Jim.

[RRPG]

Personally I would do nothing else to them. Keeping them in relic condition adds to the display in my opinion, much more than a load of shiny cartridges that could've just been in someone's house for 70 years, not found in the ground. They won't deteriorate at all as brass is fairly resistant to corrosion. Keep them dry and warm and they'll be fine.

If you really must take them back to shiny, you can do it one of three ways.

Method 1 : Buy a rock tumbler and bung 50 of them in it with a load of sand for a couple of hours.

Method 2 : Get some distilled vinegar and soak them in it for 12 hrs. Take them out and give them a good scrub with a brillo pad.

Method 3 : Put on some rubber gloves and grab one of those tough scourers, (made from tightly coiled metal strips made into a loose ball). Get five cartridges in your cupped hand and give them five squirts of Cillit Bang. Give the scourer five squirts as well. Now, keeping your hand cupped to keep the Cillit Bang in a little pool, scrub the cartridges, turning them as you do. After 20 seconds of scrubbing they will be gleaming. Rinse and give them a rub with a brillo pad. Sorted.


I have tried all methods and use each regularly. Remember that the weakest part of a cartridge is the shoulder. Don't be surprised if some break during the process. It is unavoidable I'm afraid.

Hope that helps

RRPG

[ghandi1945]

Thanks very much for both of your help, I do keep most of the cartridges in relic condition, but i also would like some like they were new as i have a large number of 303 and 30 cal cartidges in very nice condition. Thanks again for your help.

Matt