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Old UNOPENED Crate of SHOT SHELLS

Kutenai
I am wondering if someone could help me identify a "crate" of vintage shotgun shells for me. It's actually a heavy cardboard box about the size of the old wooden crates, and still unopened (stapled) and like new. It has the WESTERN logos (and looks very much like the old wooden crates in design - wording style) and reads World Champion Ammunition - Western Cartridge Company - Division of Olin Industries. The ends are marked XPERT - 500 12ga. 2-3/4" - SUPER TRAP - XT12M8. It also has a factory stamp on each end - G3HC22 (lot number??)

What does the M stand for in XT12M8 ? I think the T= Trap, 12= 12 ga., 8= shot size. Can anyone give me an age estimate, and possible value of this unopened box. I think it was quite a find. THANKS!! [^]
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • XXCross
    Are you sure that the letter is an "M"? If it is an "N" it would indicate the shot is nickle plated. Good stuff!
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  • Kutenai
    Yes, it is definately an M... I'm wondering if it designates Minimax? or Maximum?
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  • XXCross
    A photo might be helpful. By any chance does the case (or the boxes inside) have the marking "U S Government" ? Western loaded a fair amount of special ammo for the army marksmanship unit. They used the shells for practice as well as their competition in World and Olympic shooting events. Just a guess but maybe the "M" stands for "military" (most likely it is for the "minimax" loading)
    In any case, the shotshell collectors might go $25 - $30 per BOX if they are in very good condition...maybe more.
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  • Kutenai
    Thanks for your replies! There are no Government or Military designations on the outside of the case. This has never been opened, and is still in near mint condition... I would think the boxes inside are also mint or near mint. I don't really want to 'break the seal' on the case to check the inside boxes. I've thought about the Military possibility also, and that's why I'm trying to figure out a date of manufacture. I will try and post a couple of images soon... it's too bad it isn't a little easier to upload photo's to these forums without having to go through a seperate image hosting service.
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  • Kutenai
    Here are some photo's...

    296831538_o.jpg

    296831570_o.jpg

    296831592_o.jpg

    296831614_o.jpg
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  • 336marlin
    The "M" probably stands for "magnum". A designation given to shot with a high % of antimony. The shot is harder and preferred by target shooters to obtain slightly denser patterns for longer effective target breaking range. The harder shot doesn't deform under propulsion and flies truer than those that get mashed against each other.
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  • Mort4570
    I believe the '3' is for 3 dram equivelant,a very stout load for traop as most trap shooters go for lighter loads so their shoulders last longer.That could definatley make the "m' stand for magnum.
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  • rsnyder55
    If you look at the current offerings, the M seems to designate a faster velocity round. 1200 fps versus 1145 for tne non 'M' designated rounds.

    These look like they may also be paper shells instead of plastic.
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