Rifleman Q&A: Bullet & Primer Sealant

by
posted on September 19, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Qamain

Q. I recently purchased some pulled, military surplus bullets. They have quite a bit of black residue on them that I assume was the water sealant between the bullet and inside the case mouth. What is the sealant material made of?


A. The sealant used by ammunition manufacturers on bullets is usually an asphalt-based chemical. Very few handloaders think it to be necessary, and I personally don’t know of any who do try to duplicate the factory waterproofing. Handloads are typically used within a few years, and in that time, with the handloads stored in reasonably uniform conditions, there is very little possibility of moisture penetrating the physical seal between bullet and case mouth. The same goes for primer sealers. These two seals are primarily used on military ammunition, where storage and time considerations are more important.

—Dave Andrews


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the October 2004 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1
Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

USA Clay Target League Breaks Participation Record—Again

The fall season is underway for the USA Clay Target League, and the number of student athletes participating speaks volumes about the growing popularity of shooting sports among high school- and college-age students.

Hunting For The Perfect Partner: Ruger/Dead Air’s Centerfire RXD

The result of a joint venture between two giants of their respective industries, the new RXD30Ti exemplifies just how beneficial a well-designed hunting suppressor can be in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.