.308 Ammo Identification

Powerfisher

Powerfisher

New member
Hi all. I came across some bulk military (I think) .308 ammunition. The stamp has .308W stamped on it. It also has an O on opposite sides. There is an 82 stamped opposite of the .308W. The primer seal is red. Nothing on the olive green box other than 20pcs .308 and in brackets it says (7.62X51mm). I’m pretty sure it’s military. My question is, is it reloadable?
 
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Does the 0 look like a scope reticle with cross hairs? If so that is the NATO symbol. Never saw GI w/308W headstamp, however.
 
The 308W would mean 308 Winchester which usually do not have crimped in primers as per mil spec. You need to either fire one round or pull the bullet and look at the flash hole area inside the empty case. If there is a single central flash hole it is boxer primed and reloadable. If there are 2 or 3 smaller flash holes it is Berdan primed and not considered reloadable.
 
Thanks for the information. Hm, no cross hairs in the O. I looked inside of one of my spent cases and there are two holes. If the primer is crimped in, can't I just flatten or remove the crimp? I would hate to toss once fired brass....
 
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Unfortunately, your cases are Berdan primed and not (readily) reloadable. You will also see a post in the center of the primer pocket which serves as the anvil in Berdan primers.
The anvil is built in US, and most standard primers in use now.
There was a tool available years ago for removal of Berdan primers, but they were so much trouble that I never knew anyone who bothered. IDK if Berdan primers are even available any more.

The crimp on regular GI cases is easily removed in several different ways; that is not the problem. Problem is the post and availability of Berdan primers.

Its a shame, but afraid your cases are candidates for the scrap brass can.

Regards,
hm

Regards,
hm
 
Well that’s a big fat bummer! Hahahahaha! Thanks for the education. At least the price was right for them. Happy Hunting!
 
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I bought several cans of Korean 30-06 ball ammo advertised as non-corrosive, reloadable @ a good price.

Was really happy when I opened the first can. Good, clean ammo, and it shot to M2 Ball specs..........but when I went to prime the first round, US large rifle primers (.210") fell into the primer pockets, which were several thousandths of an inch too large.
frown.gif


Oh well, the price was right and scrap brass price was pretty good at the time.
smile.gif


Regards,
hm
 


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