Why Do Shotgun Shells Rust?
What Causes Shotgun Shells to Rust
Shotgun shells rust due to exposure to moisture, humidity, and environmental conditions. The brass base of the shell is especially vulnerable when it comes into contact with water, mud, or salt air.
Over time, this exposure leads to corrosion forming on the surface of the brass. This corrosion buildup can change the outer dimensions of the shell and affect how it performs.
When shotgun shells are exposed to water and not properly dried, moisture begins to break down the surface of the brass. This process accelerates in environments with high humidity or saltwater exposure, such as waterfowl hunting conditions.
Repeated exposure without proper maintenance allows corrosion to build over time.
What Rust Does to Shotgun Shells
Corrosion on the brass can lead to swelling—often referred to as “fat brass.” This affects how the shell feeds, chambers, and extracts inside the firearm.
These are mechanical issues caused by the condition of the brass—not the primer or powder.
Why This Happens More in Hunting Conditions
Shotgun shells are often exposed to wet environments such as rain, marsh water, and humidity. Shells stored in waders, blinds, or gear bags can retain moisture, accelerating corrosion over time.
Why Most Hunters Don’t Notice Until It’s a Problem
Rust develops gradually, so many hunters don’t notice it until shells begin to stick, fail to chamber, or cause extraction issues. By that point, multiple shells may already be affected.
Keeping shells dry and stored properly can slow corrosion. However, in real hunting conditions, complete prevention is difficult due to constant exposure to moisture.
Routine inspection and maintenance of the brass helps ensure shells remain in usable condition.
Restore What You Already Paid For
Shotgun shells are purchased to be used, not set aside due to corrosion. Removing rust from the brass allows many shells to return to service, improving reliability and reducing waste.
A Purpose-Built Solution
RUSTDEEZ™ is a drill-driven tool designed to clean and polish the exterior brass of unfired shotgun shells quickly and consistently. It removes corrosion that causes chambering and extraction issues so you can recover what you paid for and maintain what you purchase.
Rust is the problem.
RUSTDEEZ™ is the solution.
THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN
No Shell Left Behind.