[Nando Aqui]

I bought three + cases of this great mil-surp ammo, and every time I go to the range I like it better. Ditto with the Aussie .308.

While trying to compare the Port and the Aussie (again, but with my M1A this time) I noticed that I have at least two different headstamped Port.

The boxes and the sealed packs look the same, and even the label on the boxes look and read the same: 20 ROUND 7,62 x 51mm •BALL plus the circle with the cross. But then one says BF 79-59 and the other FNM 81-48.

The BF 79 59 and FNM 81 48 are what the headstamps read as well. Any others? And what do BF and FNM stand for? (I think this has been asked and answered before, but I can't remember or find it.)

Alex

[guy sajer]

FNM and I assume also BF are the manufacturers initials . The cross in circle is the NATO symbol seen on their ammo .

The Portuguese .308 has always been some of the best surplus available . We have sold it off and on for 15 yrs based on availablity . Good stuff !

[MarineTech]

BF and FNM are both headstamps for Fábrica Nacional de Munições de Armas Legeiras, Chelas, Portugal. I'm not sure when they changed it over.

It's kind of like Winchester over the years. They've used the following at different times and across various owners: W, WIN, WRA, WRACO, and W-W.

You can find most headstamps here: http://cartridgecollectors.org/headstampcodes.htm

[Nando Aqui]

MarineTech -

Notice that the BF is dated '79, while the FNM is '81; so FNM must be the (more) current one. By the way, that's a great link for the headstamps.

Thanks!
Alex