Foul odor

[hstout1143]

I inherited some ammo and some of it has a really foul odor, it is all in military ammo cans. The odor is close to an ammonia smell. Can ammo go bad?

[soundguy]

not 303 is it?

[BETH]

what's 303

[hstout1143]

I don't know which caliber the odor is coming from but there is .303 in the bunch.

[soundguy]

.303 is a common brit ammo loaded with cordite sticks instead of common stick/ball/flake smokeless powder

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordite


this link is to wiki on cordite.. even shows some cordite sticks from a 303 cartridge..

could it be an acetone smell.. it's strong like amonia...

[BETH]

so that would cause the stink

[soundguy]

decaying cordite ( of a certain type ) will likely throw off solvent fumes. and acetone was a solvent in use. i don't sniff amonia alot but it seems to smell strong.. same as acetone.. which I use as a pre-paint leaner on tractors.. or to remove varnish from some engine parts.. etc.

[hstout1143]

It could be an acetone smell, its been a long time since I've smelled acetone so I don't remember what it smells like. Is it unstable? Possibly dangerous? How should it be disposed of?

[whymememe]

Could it be mouse urine?

[soundguy]

if it was.. I'd expect case corrosion and a pungent odor and an oil stain.. and.. well.. a dead rodent in the ammo can..

[hstout1143]

No, not urine. It's definitely coming from the ammo.

[whymememe]

Absolutely. If it has been improperly stored (think hot) then it can deteriorate. It should have almost a sweet solvent smell (which is ether), not grassy or ammonia. I would ditch it.
I got this answer from (myfriendis410) he hanging out over on the Ammo and reloading forum. check it out.

[soundguy]

wasn't ether only used in the early cordite manufacture, then acetone to jellify it before extrusion? and then later on they went to a solvent free cordite.

I agree though.. high heat would have been the cause for breakdown, If it is breaking down.


in any case.. my opinion on vintage ammo is when in doubt, toss it out.. or.. deactivate and keep for historacle use.. or simply don't shoot it. i'm no nitrocelulose expert .. but I have broke down a few cordite rounds for looksee's

[Haligan]

I'd have to agree with most here. It's just not worth it. If your life depends on having ammo, mabe. But other than that it's time to get two pairs of plyers, open em' and throw the powder in the garden.

[shorter260513]

if a person had time and a puller could you break down and reload the already primed cases and just replace with modern powder

[hstout1143]

Yea, What Shorter said.

[whymememe]

have you been eating parmasan cheese. It could just be your upper lip.

[whymememe]

Speaking of foul odor, it is time for my weekly hygiene.

[hstout1143]

Originally Posted by whymememe

Speaking of foul odor, it is time for my weekly hygiene.

It's not saturday yet.

[whymememe]

Originally Posted by hstout1143

It's not saturday yet.

I know,but it's been hot here, and I may have to use some water, take my bath a day or two early. I'm one of the weirdos who don't like all the natural oils washed out of my skin, plus I don't like to waste water. I don't believe god meant for us to use anti-bacterial soap either. So I don't smell nice and pretty very long after I take a bath. If folks don't like the smell, they, can just step back a little. It kind of preserves my space so I don't get crowded.)

[soundguy]

only in america. in other countries.. they get right up on you. personal space is limited to the thickness of your shirt...

[gun runner]

Dont shoot the ammo