Ammo

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???

Ammo for what??? 30 cal or what?

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.