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Bob Wright · March 9, 2013, 01:32 PM

A question came up on another thread regarding headstamps (H/S) on older cartridges. Thought maybe that deserved its own thread.

Here are some old .45 Caliber cartridges:

And, the H/S of those cartridges:

Note that the .45 Colt Govt. round and the UMC round have copper primers, indicating blackpowder. The nickel primers indicate the rounds are loaded with smokeless powder. The .45 S&W round is loaded with a small copper primer.

These are from Frankford Arsenal, .45 M1873 and M1875:

The "R F" H/S is an early Frankford H/S, the "R" indicating "Revolver." Later the H/S became "F A" and the two digit date.

(The "M1875" and "M1873" are my own invention to designate the difference between the Colt and S&W rounds. I have never actually seen these designations on cartridge boxes.)

Bob Wright

March 9, 2013, 01:32 PM	#1
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,987	Old Revolver Cartridges...... A question came up on another thread regarding headstamps (H/S) on older cartridges. Thought maybe that deserved its own thread. Here are some old .45 Caliber cartridges: And, the H/S of those cartridges: Note that the .45 Colt Govt. round and the UMC round have copper primers, indicating blackpowder. The nickel primers indicate the rounds are loaded with smokeless powder. The .45 S&W round is loaded with a small copper primer. These are from Frankford Arsenal, .45 M1873 and M1875: The "R F" H/S is an early Frankford H/S, the "R" indicating "Revolver." Later the H/S became "F A" and the two digit date. (The "M1875" and "M1873" are my own invention to designate the difference between the Colt and S&W rounds. I have never actually seen these designations on cartridge boxes.) Bob Wright Last edited by Bob Wright; March 9, 2013 at 01:40 PM.