Frosted Lead Bullets in Wooden Cigar Boxes

[Texasflyboy]

Having moved recently, I discovered a wood cigar box full of lead rifle bullets I had cast last year. When I slid the box top open, what was once shiny lead bullets now appear to be a dull frosted grey.

I can only surmise that some sort of chemical reaction occurred either with the wood box, or a chemical used in the processing of the cigars and it reacted with the lead causing the frosting.

Has anyone ever seen this reaction before? In all my years of casting this is a first for me.

I will update the post tonight with a before and after photo of the bullets.

[snuffy]

It's just lead oxidation. No worries, just lube 'em, load 'em and shootem! If it REALLY worried you, melt them and re-cast them.

[C1PNR]

I've stored boolits in the heavy cardboard cigar boxes for years with no problems.

I wonder if your wooden box is Spanish Cedar and the off gassing from that wood is maybe what is affecting your boolits.

[DLCTEX]

I have some cigar boxes that are Spanish Cedar, but I've never stored boolits in them, just brass and jacketed rounds, but I haven't noticed any corrosion problems after 2 years in some cases. DALE

[Namerifrats]

I wouldn't think Spanish cedar would do anything to the bullets. I smoke alot of Cigars and can say this. If spanish cedar will cause harm to anything in the box, it wouldn't be used for $250 worth of cigars.

[runfiverun]

i would bet they were exposed to moist air at some point.

[dwtim]

Seconding humid air.

I pan lube mine, then push them through a Lee sizer die. I rub the excess lube on the exposed metal. No, it doesn't make a difference in how they shoot, but I just love the look of a shiny, silvery boolit.

[Cloudpeak]

but I just love the look of a shiny, silvery boolit.
Me too.

I think, no matter what the humidity, the lead will oxidize. I live in a dry climate and have several cast bullets in my desk drawer that have been there for several years. They are now dull.

I've got quite a few cigar boxes in the shop. The Punch Oscuro boxes hold alot (50 count). I didn't know there were so many cigar smokers in this group. Take a look at: http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/index.php A great group of guys (and a few gals). Some real "gun guys" on that forum, as well.

Heck, I about have to cast bullets so I can afford to keep my two, 120 quart Igloo coolers full of cigars.

Cloudpeak


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