1900 headstamp

[RCS]

I found these two cartridges in a box of old cartridges and set them aside because of their headstamps. Both being US military, one is the 38 Colt for the standard issue Colt revolver and the other being a 30-40 Krag for the standard issue rifle & carbine in 1900

[browningautorifle]

I had a box of Krag come to me at the Calgary gun show some years back, all military ball too. The dates on them were all over the map but there were a few from '98, '99 and '00 included. I kept the cursory collectors set and used the rest. Most didn't last long. When the bullets were pulled they ranged from powder as new and shiny cases inside to powder turning back to liquid and cases exuding acids turning black... The bullets worked just fine though, most cases did too. Here's a couple pics. The tinned cases are so light in stamp and the shine makes it hard to read. You get the idea who's who by layout...

[browningautorifle]

I also pulled out the rest of the US stuff, some 6mm Navy Lee, some early .30 cal. The '18 ball and '18 M1909 blank both came from Ft Lewis Wa, those that know where the MG range is will remember the narrow firing template and it's been the same since 1917. The piles of brass are there still. The blank came from the training area. The '30-03 cartridge is the only one I have since I never did pursue collectors to buy. Just kept what came to me. I had lots more Navy Lee but I guess some was used when I had the sporter model.