carbine cartridge box

[RCS]

JackP, for those of us that do not have the War Baby Book, could you explain the details ?

Thanks RCS

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I've been watching this thread and waiting for someone to mention WBIII. The information in my four Ruth books has been very informative over the years.

This Information is attributed to Carbine member Ronald Dalhamer. There is also a picture.

A box of 45 cartridges in three sleeves and has a green primer sealant. That example was headstamped RA43

Stated rare.

[rcathey]

So what’s the story behind them? Was there a purpose for this style packaging? Why didn’t it take off?
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a lend-lease thing. As someone alluded to above, boxes that fit some multiple of magazine loads are more common across the pond.

[JackP]

Apparently this was a "short lived" packaging method devised in 1942 that may have been intended to provide ammo in quantities that were convenient for loading into 15 round magazines. There would be 60 of these 45 round cartons packed in a wooden crate (2700 rounds weighing over 90 pounds). It was not adopted for overseas shipping and only used stateside for a very limited time.

[rcathey]

Well there’s that. Very interesting. Thanks for the info!