Crimped 38 Spl

[CJ8281]

Was going through some 38 spl range brass and found some with crimped primers. The cases in question are all stamped "Winchester 38 SPL". I tried to upload a picture from my phone but it had issues. Semi circle style crimp, not 3 stake marks. Using an RCBS hand held primer pocket reamer, I get material removed all the way around the pocket.
Anyone encounter crimped 38's before?

 

[bersaguy]

I've never encountered it before. Staked primers are typically for military contract ammo. Been a fair number of years since 38 special has been issued to US military personnel. Mid 1960's, maybe early 1970's. Someone here with military service would know better than I, but not out of the question that someone had some milsurp 38's out at the range. Not sure if police departments regularly requested staked primers for their orders.

 

[bersaguy]

Ok, here you go. Good info in this thread
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/crimped-38-spl-brass.728485/

 

[FROGO207]

I have in the recent past ended up with crimped primer pocket handgun brass. The range has Coast Guard and National Park rangers use it to qualify. Most of it was TZZ headstamp and in 9MM and 45 ACP though.

 

[CJ8281]

Thanks for the link bersaguy, that was a good read.
I do have quite a few WCC brass cases that I started with in the late 80's, I also have some others that appear to be much older with 6X accompanying the lettering in the headstamp. These don't look military to me though. Working on getting a picture with a digital camera.

 

[.308 Norma]

Been a fair number of years since 38 special has been issued to US military personnel. Mid 1960's, maybe early 1970's. Someone here with military service would know better than I

Navy chopper aircrew 1969 - 1972. I was issued a .38 Special. It was a Model 10 Smith in a shoulder holster. I bought a rig just like it 10 or 12 years back - I'm sentimental.

 

[PapaG]

I used to buy surplus 38 sp from Gil Hebard and they had crimped primers. I used a Lyman hand reamer to remove the crimps. Now, for what they cost I'd toss them.