Frankford Arsenal 7.62 Match Ammo 1964

Jim567 · October 15, 2018, 01:00 PM

I was just given more than 200 rounds of this ammo.

Its in OK condition, some rounds could use a bit of a wipe down.

I only have modern .308 rifles. Savage Model 11 for example.

Is this ammo OK to fire in my Savage .308.

Cheers,

Jim

50 shooter · October 15, 2018, 03:05 PM

Do you know how it's been stored for all those years?

When you say that the rounds could use a good wipe down, why? Is the brass just dull looking or is there some corrosion on them?

If there's any green goo coming from the case, those are bad for sure. Any corrosion that has eaten into the case is better to toss then risk a KB in your firearm.

Can you post a picture of them?

jonnyc · October 15, 2018, 04:56 PM

If the ammo is in usable condition, yes, you can safely use it in that rifle.

Mobuck · October 15, 2018, 06:29 PM

I'd sacrifice a couple by pulling the bullets and inspect the powder charge for deterioration.

Jim567 · October 15, 2018, 06:35 PM

No corrosion. No green discharge.
There is a redish “dust” on them that wipes off.
I believe it to be the cardboard deteriorating.
Stored in airtight ammo cans but for at least five years in an attic in Florida .

Jim567 · October 17, 2018, 10:58 AM

All rounds fired today.
Managed a 2.75” group with a Columbian FN Mauser,original sights,questionable bore and my 63 year old eyes.
100 meters

Jim567 · October 17, 2018, 11:02 AM

Note this was 30.06 match 1960 Frankford Arsenal about same condition.
The 7.62 NATO also all fired in my Armalite.
No issues but just plinked with it.

4EVERM-14 · October 17, 2018, 01:38 PM

How was the box marked?
Was it M118
XM118 or something else

Jim567 · October 17, 2018, 03:03 PM

7.62 MM Match
XM 118
Lot FA17
173 grains
2550 FPS
1964
————
Caliber .30 Match
M-72
Lot 102
Bullet 173 grains
Velocity 2640 FPS
1960
————-

The 1964 7.62 was a little less patinaed
No corrosion on any

Jim567 · October 17, 2018, 03:08 PM

It also shot noticeably clean,both 30 odd six and 7.62.
Seemed as clean or cleaner than the Hornady steel match I usually shoot.

4EVERM-14 · October 18, 2018, 03:03 PM

Jim567,
What you had was the first of the experimental match 7.62 ammo produced by Frankfort Arsenal for the marksmanship teams and sniper use. XM118 later became M118 made by Lake City Arsenal as well and was a standard for Service Rifle competition through the 80's. Loaded with cannister grade 4895 type powders and 173 grain FMJ projectiles certain lots were considered exceptionally accurate when fired in match graded M14 type rifles. Mex-Matching M118 [replacing the 173gr bullet with a Sierra 168] further improved accuracy.
Save the labels and boxes in good condition. Some old shooter/collector might like to have a reminder of the golden age of Service Rifle competition.

Jim567 · October 18, 2018, 04:35 PM

Wow,

I have ten unopened boxes left.

Will try and post some pictures, the boxes are unique.

Jim

4EVERM-14 · October 19, 2018, 02:36 PM

Both the M72 and M118 brass cases were stamped 'Match' and the year of mfg. What was the stamp on the base of the brass.
That ammo has value. I have seen sellers asking as much as $25/box. The Boxes marked XM118 may bring more from collectors. Sealed boxes are premium.

Jim567 · October 19, 2018, 08:01 PM

Cases are stamped
FA 64 MATCH
I would have included pictures but I am having problems with my Photobucket account
And my new iPhone

Jim567 · October 25, 2018, 10:47 AM

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/...37CC2AD698.jpg

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/...6C082FA6FA.jpg

Finally got photo bucket to work

4EVERM-14 · October 25, 2018, 01:53 PM

http://www.snipercentral.com/history-m118-ammunition/
Good article about M118

Jim567 · October 25, 2018, 04:03 PM

Thanks!

October 15, 2018, 01:00 PM	#1
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	Frankford Arsenal 7.62 Match Ammo 1964 I was just given more than 200 rounds of this ammo. Its in OK condition, some rounds could use a bit of a wipe down. I only have modern .308 rifles. Savage Model 11 for example. Is this ammo OK to fire in my Savage .308. Cheers, Jim

October 15, 2018, 03:05 PM	#2
50 shooter Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2002 Location: SoCal PRK Posts: 986	Do you know how it's been stored for all those years? When you say that the rounds could use a good wipe down, why? Is the brass just dull looking or is there some corrosion on them? If there's any green goo coming from the case, those are bad for sure. Any corrosion that has eaten into the case is better to toss then risk a KB in your firearm. Can you post a picture of them? __________________ I see the world thru bloodshot eyes Streets filled with blood from distant lies The dogs of war never compromise, No time for rearranging.

October 15, 2018, 04:56 PM	#3
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	If the ammo is in usable condition, yes, you can safely use it in that rifle. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

October 17, 2018, 10:58 AM	#6
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	All rounds fired today. Managed a 2.75” group with a Columbian FN Mauser,original sights,questionable bore and my 63 year old eyes. 100 meters Last edited by Jim567; October 17, 2018 at 03:20 PM.

October 17, 2018, 11:02 AM	#7
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	Note this was 30.06 match 1960 Frankford Arsenal about same condition. The 7.62 NATO also all fired in my Armalite. No issues but just plinked with it. Last edited by Jim567; October 17, 2018 at 05:37 PM.

October 15, 2018, 06:29 PM	#4
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I'd sacrifice a couple by pulling the bullets and inspect the powder charge for deterioration.

October 15, 2018, 06:35 PM	#5
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	No corrosion. No green discharge. There is a redish “dust” on them that wipes off. I believe it to be the cardboard deteriorating. Stored in airtight ammo cans but for at least five years in an attic in Florida .

October 17, 2018, 01:38 PM	#8
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 720	How was the box marked? Was it M118 XM118 or something else __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

October 17, 2018, 03:03 PM	#9
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	7.62 MM Match XM 118 Lot FA17 173 grains 2550 FPS 1964 ———— Caliber .30 Match M-72 Lot 102 Bullet 173 grains Velocity 2640 FPS 1960 ————- The 1964 7.62 was a little less patinaed No corrosion on any Last edited by Jim567; October 17, 2018 at 03:21 PM.

October 17, 2018, 03:08 PM	#10
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	It also shot noticeably clean,both 30 odd six and 7.62. Seemed as clean or cleaner than the Hornady steel match I usually shoot. Last edited by Jim567; October 17, 2018 at 04:51 PM.

October 18, 2018, 03:03 PM	#11
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 720	Jim567, What you had was the first of the experimental match 7.62 ammo produced by Frankfort Arsenal for the marksmanship teams and sniper use. XM118 later became M118 made by Lake City Arsenal as well and was a standard for Service Rifle competition through the 80's. Loaded with cannister grade 4895 type powders and 173 grain FMJ projectiles certain lots were considered exceptionally accurate when fired in match graded M14 type rifles. Mex-Matching M118 [replacing the 173gr bullet with a Sierra 168] further improved accuracy. Save the labels and boxes in good condition. Some old shooter/collector might like to have a reminder of the golden age of Service Rifle competition. __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

October 18, 2018, 04:35 PM	#12
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	Wow, I have ten unopened boxes left. Will try and post some pictures, the boxes are unique. Jim

October 19, 2018, 02:36 PM	#13
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 720	Both the M72 and M118 brass cases were stamped 'Match' and the year of mfg. What was the stamp on the base of the brass. That ammo has value. I have seen sellers asking as much as $25/box. The Boxes marked XM118 may bring more from collectors. Sealed boxes are premium. __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

October 19, 2018, 08:01 PM	#14
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	Cases are stamped FA 64 MATCH I would have included pictures but I am having problems with my Photobucket account And my new iPhone

October 25, 2018, 10:47 AM	#15
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/...37CC2AD698.jpg http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/...6C082FA6FA.jpg Finally got photo bucket to work

October 25, 2018, 01:53 PM	#16
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 720	http://www.snipercentral.com/history-m118-ammunition/ Good article about M118 __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

October 25, 2018, 04:03 PM	#17
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	Thanks!