Grey line around rim..advice appreciated 👍

[aboynamedjim]

Hi all, I am pulling apart some very old cartridges to use the brass and after depriving, I noticed a silver/grey line around the rim. There was some oxidation in the primer pocket but this cleaned off pretty quickly.
Any ideas on the below? I have yet to tumble it so unsure if it'll come off with cleaning. My main concern at this moment is safety as I'm new to reloading.
With many thanks

 

[Smellydog]

It's nothing. Don't worry. That's the strongest end of the case.

 

[aboynamedjim]

Cheers SD, I think this brass is pretty ancient tbh

 

[webley701]

Cheers SD, I think this brass is pretty ancient tbh

How old do you think it is?

 

[aboynamedjim]

It's Western Winchester so who knows?! Box similar to this

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Looks like the zinc is leeching/separating away from the zinc-copper mix. It is thick there so should be worth a risk but not with full power loads.

 

[aboynamedjim]

Looks like the zinc is leeching/separating away from the zinc-copper mix. It is thick there so should be worth a risk but not with full power loads.

Much obliged. After a quick tumble they now look like this although you may have to zoom in.

 

[C h r i s]

It's fine, crack on.

 

[webley701]

It's Western Winchester so who knows?! Box similar to this

The box has a barcode which as far as Winchester ammunition is concerned would likely put it at 1980’s or later.

Not particularly old in the grand scene of (ammunition) things.

 

[Smellydog]

Don't fall for the fear mongering. There would be other signs to significant zinc leaching.
Plenty information readily available on the web.

 

[Foxyboy43]

I’m with Smelly on this one…

 

[aboynamedjim]

The box has a barcode which as far as Winchester ammunition is concerned would likely put it at 1980’s or later.

Not particularly old in the grand scene of (ammunition) things.

No barcodes on my box (the photo I uploaded earlier was an example of similar box design I found on the internet), but there is a warning sign to keep out of reach from children. According to chat gpt, this makes it between 1962 and early 1970s

 

[aboynamedjim]

I’m with Smelly on this one…

Due to the oxidation on the bullet heads, can I assume that the case neck is in bad shape too? Thank you

 

[Foxyboy43]

Due to the oxidation on the bullet heads, can I assume that the case neck is in bad shape too? Thank you

I suspect there might be poor obturation but one way to find out….

 

[Smellydog]

It is indeed looking like at some point they have been stored in a damp environment.
Now I would be questioning using them!

I've shot ammo like that and err no, not again!!
I sometimes get 22 ammo not stored well and that also can be erratic.