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44 Russian and 38 Colt ammo markings

333_OKH
I have cartridges in both calibers that are so stamped but for the maker it say U.S. Is this the US Cartridge Company, or the US Government? Thanks for all of your help on these questions.


333
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4 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    You might be better served vis a vis in your questions regarding cartridges and ammo by posting to the cartridge collectors forum, at this link.



    http://cartridgecollectors.org/f/forum.php

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  • heavyiron
    Rufe-Snow provides correct information. The International Ammunition Assocition is an excellent website for cartridge-related questions.

    However, I like to answer some of these questions and stimulate discussion on this website. Also, Iconoclast [who is a moderator (referee) on this website] is a world-class expert on ammunition.

    If the headstamp says "U.S.", the manufacturer is probably United States Cartridge Co., Lowell, MA.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron

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    "If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix
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  • Iconoclast
    These are US Cartridge Co. as others noted.

    (1) Ammunition made for the government, except for a very few contract rounds, is headstamped with arsenal codes - e.g. 'L C' for Lake City or, in the case of ammunition produced by a commercial company for the government, an arsenal code assigned by the government - e.g. 'F C' for Federal Cartridge Co. The letters 'US' have, I believe, been used on some large bore items (20mm & up), but not on small arms.

    (2) Again, with a few *very rare* exceptions, military ammo will have a date code of some sort.

    (3) .44 Russian was never a martial chambering here in the US.

    (4) .38 Colt was used briefly until the Moros proved the fallacy of small caliber rounds, but all the military loadings, including those produced for the re-issued .38 caliber revolvers (to secondary units) in WW I, have standard military headstamps.

    "There is nothing lower than the human race - except the french." (Mark Twain)
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  • 333_OKH
    Again, I appreciate the notes. I hope other enjoy too.

    Dan
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