From: ahahma@utu.fi (Arno Hahma)
Subject: Re: Lapua rimfire powders
Organization: University of Turku
Date: 29 May 1994 09:10:08 -0400

In article <2s4sgf$1lu@tadpole.fc.hp.com>,
Bart Bobbitt <bartb@hpfcla.fc.hp.com> wrote:

#corrosive.  The only thing noticed about Eley ammo after this happened was
#barrel life got cut in half when Eley was used.  Seems the primer compound
#is more erosive to the barrel steel.  That's `erosive,' not corrosive.

Erosion is a problem with all non-lead or non-mercury primer
compounds.  Eley has chosen a lead free composition.

The lead in the primer composition is deposited as metallic lead
(mostly) on the barrel surface and the thin lead coating lubricates the
barrel and protects it from powder gas erosion as well.  In addition,
the lead free composition generates more abrasive oxides than a lead
containing mixture. Lead free primers cause much barrel wear especially
with high power rounds but even a low pressure gun will wear out faster
with them, as you point out.


ArNO
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