UMC 30 US Army (30-40 Krag) Oldest Box Of Ammo I Own

[oldfoneguy]

Just picked this up at the gun show with my M1898 Krag. It's now the oldest box of ammo I own previous being Chilean Kropatschek ammo from the early 19teens. Box is in excellent shape and the label is fully readable unfortunately it is lifting off the box. I'm guessing as it's listed as 30 US Army that it was made before 1903? It was an incomplete box that someone added 6 surplus rounds to. They look to be Frankford Arsenal and are dated 5/01 making them officially 121 years old this month. I highly doubt I'll shoot them!

I also picked up a mixed box of 10 rounds all surplus with mixed headstamps that date from early in the century to WWI. They are a mix of Frankford and Rock Island Arsenals. Probably won't shoot these either. Worry not my friends I have 50 new Hornady 30-40 cases and a set of dies on the way. I couldn't pass these up to go with the rifle and add to my collection.

[browningautorifle]

Some nice old Frankford arsenal ball rounds there too. I bought into a box of that stuff one time at a show, still have some to dig out and photo...nice.

[CINDERS]

I use UHU paper glue in a stick form to re-attach labels on my cartridge packets that have come adrift its easy to use as its not in liquid form its a bit like say a lip balm stick .

[butlersrangers]

Must have been an interesting job stamping the letters on "W" and "R" primers!

[RCS]

The Winchester Model 1895 rifle and carbine was chambered for many years after the 30-06 was introduced in 30 Army (30-40) and marked.

I have some old Krag cartridges from many years ago. they are from left to right

30 Krag with Thomas target bullet, 30-40 dummy, 30 Krag muti ball guard load and 30 40 nickel case.

Also have both a Krag and 38 Colt Army both with 1900 headstamp 00

[RCS]

I found this years ago and got around to make a positive identification.

It is a Model 1904 guard cartridge with a copper band around the lead bullet, it was replaced by the Model 1905 guard cartridge so had a short life in service

[browningautorifle]

Must have been an interesting job stamping the letters on "W" and "R" primers!

Done during the initial drawing of the cup from the plate...

[oldfoneguy]

I found this years ago and got around to make a positive identification.

It is a Model 1904 guard cartridge with a copper band around the lead bullet, it was replaced by the Model 1905 guard cartridge so had a short life in serviceAttachment 129748Attachment 129747Attachment 129749

What was the purpose of the band, a different type of crimp?

[Daan Kemp]

Gas check?

[butlersrangers]

Done during the initial drawing of the cup from the plate...

Jim, where's the fun in that? Live on the 'wildside' and monogram live primers!

P.S. - It is fun to see the array of early & identified .30-40 cartridges. Some are rarely seen. Thanks to those who posted photos!