Found ammo

[Guest Major Pain]

Need a little info and wondered if someone could help. Was going through the attic at Moms house today, she passed couple months ago, and found some of Dads old ammo and have a question. Ammo can with about 1k rds of 30.06 and all was fmj but some had black tips painted on the bullets. I know the orange tips usually designate tracers but what was the black markings? The markings on the two different shell bases was TW53 and LC51 any info appreciated.

Also found 1k rds of 38. Dad and I had ordered 1k rds each of 45 and 38 about 10 years ago and his was still there but mine is long gone. Still looking for the 45 ammo, bet its here somewhere.--MP

[Reservoir Dog]

I believe black tips indicate armor piercing (AP) ammo.

[Jasongar8]

The black tip .30-06 is AP. Also the headstamp LC51 is Lake City produced in 1951. This is govt stuff. I dont know for sure about the TW53 headstamp but if its like most ammo the number is usually the year of production.

-Jason G

[Reservoir Dog]

TW53 is the Twin Cities Ordinance Plant (Minneapolis, MN). The "53" indicates it was probably made in 1953.

[Guest Major Pain]

Thanks guys, should have remembered that. Looks like about every 5 out of 10 are armor piercing and makes me wonder if it was taken out of a belt.--MP

[Jasongar8]

It could have been. The military was still using Browning 1919's which were .30-06 in the early 50's.

-Jason G

[KahrMan]

Those Ap would be fun to play with. I wonder how thick of steel they would go through. Do some testing and let us know.

[Guest Major Pain]

Would be glad to if you'll send me something to shoot it with. At present only EBR's and none in 30.06.--MP