Styrofoam Shell Trays Discoloring Brass ?

[ellis4538]

I suspect part, but not all, of the problem is from to oils on your hands.  You had to touch the cases when you put them in the boxes.

Richard

[MikeBjerum]

I often see this type of oxidation on factory loaded ammunition in these styrofoam blocks.  I have no idea the exact cause, but protecion of the non-oxidized area by the block, off gassing from the block, and general environment are all things that come to mind.  Right now I have several hundred S&W 500 magnum that is nearly brown where not within the styrofoam.

[Pecos Bill]

Smart Ass 

What he said. Didn't think we'd notice did you Tom?

Pecos

[tombogan03884]

What he said. Didn't think we'd notice did you Tom?

Pecos

No   

[blackwolfe]

The exposed brass has more oxygen around it which is causing the brass to tarnish I'd expect.  The part of the cartridge that's is inserted into the polystyrene is more protected in a smaller area.

I suspect that Timothy is right on the money with this.  May also be that off gasing from the tray may be a catalyst to oxygen present in the air to enhance the normal oxidation that occurrs with brass.

It's because "Styrofoam is made with Di hydrogen Monoxide.

Hey, I'm in the Dihydrogen Monoxide business.  It can kill you.

[Sponsor]

[jj]

KISS... (keep it simple stupid).. Save your plastic baggies and put your ammo it them. 

[jaybet]

That's what I do...the little zip lock sandwich size hold 100 357 or 45 and they'll hold 150 9mm. I just grab a bag or two and I'm good for the range trip.

[alfsauve]

I thought we banned Di hydrogen Monoxide.    Dangerous stuff that.  Besides, some people commit the sin of diluting their "adult" beverages with it.

Yep, ZipLoc bags for most of the ammo.  Still keep the really hot .357/.44mag and the .357 max, and the handloaded rifle stuff in MTM cases, but most of the rest of it goes in bags.   (will be posting the old boxes in for-sale section soon.

[Timothy]

I thought we banned Di hydrogen Monoxide.    Dangerous stuff that.  Besides, some people commit the sin of diluting their "adult" beverages with it.

Yep, ZipLoc bags for most of the ammo.  Still keep the really hot .357/.44mag and the .357 max, and the handloaded rifle stuff in MTM cases, but most of the rest of it goes in bags.   (will be posting the old boxes in for-sale section soon.

I've been known to use a single frozen block of Di hydrogen Monoxide to cool off my libation!

If you keep your clean brass in bags like this and suck most of the air out, they shouldn't discolor at all.

[Solus]

I've been known to use a single frozen block of Di hydrogen Monoxide to cool off my libation!

If you keep your clean brass in bags like this and suck most of the air out, they shouldn't discolor at all.

Just how hot does your libation get!!   Try to keep the talk clean in here....some folks kids visit this site.