45 surplus ammo corrosive or not

[joncon]

I have 800 rounds of WW2 surplus 45 ammo. Steel cased FMJ, boxer primed , most is dated 43. I bought this in the 80's for $200/1200rnds. How do you tell if it's corrosive or not. I've shot around 400rnds in my Colt 1911, shoots good, smokes some. Doesn't dirty up the gun to bad. I've always cleaned the gun good after firing with this ammo, just in case it's corrosive. The only problem I've had with the ammo is the primers seem to be harder than other ammo as I've had to strike them more than once in some 45's I've owned. No problem with my current Colt.

 

[1775usmarine]

Well you could always shoot several hundred after a complete cleaning and let your firearm sit for a month and see if you get rust.

 

[Tydeeh22]

All ammo causes corrosion. It has more to do with the primer and the sulfer salts used in it.

 

[Leo]

I would just automatically assume the ammo is corrosive. When you come home from the range, drop the barrel is a pan of boiling water with some soap (not detergent) in it. Scrub it out some and rinse with really hot water. Then clean/oil as normal.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

When in doubt - clean it out.

Just don't believe the crap that you have to use Windex.

-J-

 

[SEIndSAM]

If it's WWII vintage and not labeled "Non-corrosive", I would bet money that it is.

 

[CarmelHP]

All GI .45 before 1951 is corrosive primers. Click on to view the chart.

 

[357 Terms]

What is stamped on the head of the case?

It may have been made in Evansville, EC or ECS it was.

And yes it is corrosive, only the 30 carbine ammo of that era wasn't.

 

[BogWalker]

More than likely corrosive. Only US ammo of WWII that wasn't was .30 carbine I do believe.

 

[joncon]

It has E C 43 & E C S 43 stamped on it. So it must be corrosive. I guess I'll just clean the gun good after I shoot it. I have 796rnds left. It's loose, so I guess no collector value. I've only had 1 round that didn't fire. Thanks for all the info.