3D Police 38spl Ammo - What Did I Buy This Time??? - Page 2

Drundel · February 18, 2021, 07:40 PM

Its in one of those brown paper boxes and I swear it looks like its aluminum cased.

Once the killer freeze of 2021 is over, I'll get over there.

**Mike Irwin** · February 18, 2021, 10:08 PM

"I swear it looks like its aluminum cased."

If it's US military, it's going to be headstamped EC 43.

In 1942 the US faced big time shortages of copper, the primary material used to make brass for cases, so the military approved loading .45 ACP ammo in steel cases.

As far as I know, the only plant to make them was Evanville Chrysler Ordnance Plant, and virtually all were made in 1943 (although there have been reports of some EC 44 steel case ammo).

This ammo was never intended to be sent to combat troops -- it was intended for stateside training purposes only.

The copper shortage also caused the US mint to switch from copper pennies to steel for 1943, as well.

HarryRichardson · February 20, 2021, 12:31 AM

Concerning the 3D ammo, I bought a 50 round box of .223 55 gr. FMJ at an auction in 2007. It is marked 'For Police Use' and had a blunter bullet than usual. I bought it to get .223 cases because all I had were military 5.56 brass, which is thicker than commercial .223. Well, when I opened the box, the cases were all military 5.56. I assumed it was from the 1980s or newer.

February 18, 2021, 10:08 PM	#27
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	"I swear it looks like its aluminum cased." If it's US military, it's going to be headstamped EC 43. In 1942 the US faced big time shortages of copper, the primary material used to make brass for cases, so the military approved loading .45 ACP ammo in steel cases. As far as I know, the only plant to make them was Evanville Chrysler Ordnance Plant, and virtually all were made in 1943 (although there have been reports of some EC 44 steel case ammo). This ammo was never intended to be sent to combat troops -- it was intended for stateside training purposes only. The copper shortage also caused the US mint to switch from copper pennies to steel for 1943, as well. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 18, 2021, 07:40 PM	#26
Drundel Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2000 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 559	Its in one of those brown paper boxes and I swear it looks like its aluminum cased. Once the killer freeze of 2021 is over, I'll get over there.

February 20, 2021, 12:31 AM	#28
HarryRichardson Junior Member Join Date: March 1, 2020 Posts: 3	Concerning the 3D ammo, I bought a 50 round box of .223 55 gr. FMJ at an auction in 2007. It is marked 'For Police Use' and had a blunter bullet than usual. I bought it to get .223 cases because all I had were military 5.56 brass, which is thicker than commercial .223. Well, when I opened the box, the cases were all military 5.56. I assumed it was from the 1980s or newer.