Older bullets - flaky substance

Apologies for what may be a dumb question. I acquired a bunch of old Remington HBWC .38 cal bullets a while back. On inspection, they have a black flaky substance coming off that disintegrates into small particles.  Any idea what it might be? I am not an expert on lead bullets, nor much of anything else.  And the important question, how should I handle them? I don’t want to get lead all over so wondering if I should gently wash them or wipe them down?  Are they useable or should I hand them off to be remelted?


Many thanks in advance.

That's pretty much how they come. Kinda scaley looking.

Some use them as is, while others wash them in solvent before loading them.

Please contact me before you decide to melt them down!

God, I love this forum.  Thank you! I’m slowly gearing up to load 38 wadcutter and will go ahead and clean a batch. 

I’m not uber freaked about lead, with appropriate precautions, but it was a bit disconcerting to see tiny flakes and wondering how to control the dust.

PS thanks for the link to the washing and relive relube thread.  Pure gold around here.

It's their lube. I used them as is. Dirty? Sure, but they shot beautifully.

It looks like the folks who wash them turn around and apply a different lube - can't let them lead up your barrel.

For God's sakes don't melt them down. Oh the humanity!

I am truly sorry for even mentioning the possibility of melting them. That was uncalled for on my part.

I'm sure that there is an ordinance regarding abusing Remington HBWC's. 

It may even involve the use of them in anything other than serious competition!

It's a Federal crime. You'll probably get a visit from the ATF, FBI and CIA - 'cause you know they're watching!!!

Unfortunately JB doesn't shoot 38WC, AFAIK.  Otherwise he definitely would help disposing these "dirty" things.  I can step in though if such a need arises!

AP

It’s a crime to shoot anything less than an X with Remingtons…