Ammo

[tom123]

I recentley purchased some vintage 1938 ammo. It is clean and seems to have been stored properly. It was less expensive than 1970's surplus ammo. Is it collectable or should I just shoot it???

[browningautorifle]

Ammo for what??? 30 cal or what?

[tom123]

I don't think they made M14 ammo in 1938 , I'm sorry I should have said 30-06

[browningautorifle]

They made .30 cal ammo from the turn of the century. M14 ammo is 7.62. 30-06 is the civilian designation of .30 cal. It just needs to be a bit more specific. I doubt it's special ammo but there are some that are more collectible than others. Some descriptions of headstamps would help. Pics would be great too.

[RCS]

On your 30 cal cartridges, do they have the headstamp F A and then the date like these in the photo ? If they are F A 38 they are in all probability 30 M2 cartridges, what color is the bullet ?

They are better for collectors if they are still in early eight shot clips - but they are corrosive !
not worth the problems with possible hangfires and being corrosive, there is alot better to shootAttachment 23981Attachment 23982

[tom123]

It is Frankfort arsenal 1938 30-06 headstamp is fa over 38

---------- Post added at 10:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:15 PM ----------

Bandoliers of 60 rounds in striper clips for 03 or 03a1

[browningautorifle]

You are correct. Like he said they would be corrosive. = rusty bore

[jmoore]

Only rusty if not cleaned with a water based solvent. Hot water, Windex, Hoppe's Number 9 Plus, etc.

Hang fires and misfires are worries. A "sqiib" or underpowered load that leaves a bullet stuck in the bore is another. Try them if you want, but they were cheap for a reason! Might be more trouble than they're worth.

[RCS]

Enclosed photo shows the following: 30-03, 30-06, 30M1 and early 30M2 cartridges

When the 30M2 was first issued the bullets had a stannic stain (gray color) in order to tell the difference between 30M1 ball. The stannic stain was elimated by 1940, that is why I asked the color of your bullets. The early M2 cartridges could be used by collectors for displays.Attachment 23985

[browningautorifle]

Agreed, most people who aren't aware wind up with rusty rifles because they haven't heard of corrosive. Therefore they don't know about the boiling water thing. I think this ammo is like you say and probably anything but consistant.