I picked up some .45-70 at the gun show this past weekend from a feller that clearly didn't know what it was.

I got 100 rounds in an unmarked paper box- it looks as though it was made for it.

The headstamp is "WCC 1943 .45-70 Mk 1"

Am I correct is assuming that these were blanks that have been reloaded some years ago, or were these loaded from the factory with a military lead load?

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Lost it all in a boat accident

I believe they were blank charges for the Navy's mk.1 Line thrower.

Original box looked something like this

That's what I figured.

I really appreciate the information!

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Lost it all in a boat accident

Western made several lots of those during WWII. I have understood that the line-throwing gun they were used in was a modified trap-door Springfield rifle. The cartridges are fairly common.

Here's another box from my collection:

Could you imagine some 18 year old sailor using a trapdoor Springfield that was made before his father was born. I had never heard of these cartridges thanks for posting the info and pics.

I know it's OT but what you said made me think of the B-52 Bomber. Most of the pilots flying those bombers were not born yet when the planes they are flying was made. There are pilots flying the same planes their fathers flew.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Considering the last B-52Hs flying today were produced in the early '60s, it's doubtful any pilot flying one today was born when the planes were made.