Spam can identification...

[blkbrd666]

Spam can identification...

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I have this spam can of .308 that I don't really want to open right now, but would like to know the specs on the contents. All the OD is gone, so the can is just galvanized. Does anyone recognize the imprinting shown below in its relative position on the top of the can:


7.62 x 51 ...................... 53-92-61



BALL ....................... 520 ROUNDS


Hopefully someone recognizes it. The dots aren't there...I added them to keep this post from truncating the spaces. Thanks in advance!

 

[jonnyc]

I'm sure the number of rounds (520) will help, but the 92-61 leads me to Chinese with copper-washed steel cases. Very good ammo, if that's it. Can you post a pic of the can?

 

[lipadj46]

I believe it is chinese. I was going to buy it from this guy and when I asked where it was from he said china:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=114389615

 

[Slamfire]

That can sold for $299! That's 57. 5 cents a round before shipping.

I remember buying two of those cans for $100.00! At nine cents a round, I thought it a good deal.

The world has gone stark raving mad...

 

[lipadj46]

That was an old auction, pre election (when I was looking to buy it from him it was less $ but still too much) and no it did not sell then but I'm sure he would get that no problem now.

 

[blkbrd666]

Thanks guys! This can is just like the one in the Gunbroker auction. I was assuming the paint was just gone, but this may just be the way it's packed. Well, if I thought it was U.S. I would leave it sealed, but now I want to see what the Chinese ammo looks like.

So,it's supposed to be pretty good stuff? I got a bunch of ammo from a friend, spam can and Ziploc bags full...I think the bags are FN, if they make ammo. I guess I'm set pretty well with .308.

 

[lipadj46]

I think it is copper washed steel, some rifles like it some don't. My M1A does not. I would not call it "the good stuff" like say Lithuanian 7.62 Nato but it's not terrible. If you have Nato ammo I would cache that and shoot the chinese. Or sell the chinese I bet you could get $300 for it on gunbroker.

 

[blkbrd666]

I'll probably just us use it for plinking. I finally got a chance to mount a bipod and scope in my new rifle so I can take it out and shoot it...for now it's an ornament on the safe.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

It is Chinese. The 92 61 should be the headstamp on the actual rounds, and most likely means ammuntition plant #62, mfg. date 92=1992. Only way to know for sure is to open it and look at the head stamp on an individual round.

If that is the actual headstamp, there's a 90% plus chance that it's non-corrosive, but I'd still test one round to be sure before you ass/u/me it isn't and screw up a rifle.

 

[lipadj46]

How would you test it? We are talking corrosive primers not the powder correct? If in doubt I always assume it is corrosive and make sure everything gets soaked in water and cleaned real thoroughly.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

The easiest way to test:

Pull one slug out, dump the powder, put a damp peice of steel in front of the barrel and pull the trigger. Clean the rifle, and let the steel plate sit overnight, you'll know if it's corrosive in a hurry. If it is, the steel plate will be rusting like crazy anywhere it took primer blast within 24 hours.

 

[blkbrd666]

Another question on the Chinese ammo. The bullet/slug is attracted to a magnet as is the casing. Does anyone know the makeup of the bullets? Are they copper washed steel cased lead bullets, or just copper washed steel bullets?

 

[blkbrd666]

Anybody?