lead corrosion

[peytr]

I have a problem with small shot corroding every now and then to the point where it is unusable. I see two effects: lead shot hardening and even decomposing into white powder.

The latter happens in very moist conditions but the first seems to happen in all conditions. It takes a lot of time but is a nuisance still.

Does anyone recognize these problems and is there a way of preventing this from happening?

Best regards,

Peter

 

[rayner]

It's only oxydised a little, squirt it with a smidge of Wd40 then rub it with a paper towel. The trick is to keep it dry.

 

[markcw]

Put silica gel crystals in with shot, failing that a few grains of rice, these absorb moisture.
You can get shot that is coated, Preston Innovations do some, or use non toxic small shot. I ditched my small lead shot a long time ago because I found it had oxidized.