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10-15-2017, 08:12 PM
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Western .38 Special
Anyone have any idea what the vintage of this ammo is?
Any way to tell what year by the lot numbers?
They are original factory, full boxes.
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10-15-2017, 08:31 PM
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The box on the right was loaded on 15 October 1960 and the one on the right was loaded in May 1962 (I cannot make out the day). The last 2 digits are the day reversed. For the one on the left, 51=15.
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10-15-2017, 08:39 PM
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Thanks DeWalt, that's just what I needed. These are perfect for display with late 50's early 60's vintage revolvers.
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10-15-2017, 08:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt
The box on the right was loaded on 15 October 1960 and the one on the right was loaded in May 1962 (I cannot make out the day). The last 2 digits are the day reversed. For the one on the left, 51=15.
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Just noticed you said the box on the right twice.
Can you decipher the date code for me. How did you arrive at 15 October 1960? Can't quite figure it out.
I'll try to get a better image of the other lot number.
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10-15-2017, 09:07 PM
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The box on the LEFT is 15 May 1962, the one on the right is October 1960. My mistake. Western uses a code for months and years. T=1962, E=May (5th month). R=1960, L=October (Western does not use I and J for months). The year letter codes cycle every 20 years.
Last edited by DWalt; 10-15-2017 at 09:14 PM.
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10-15-2017, 09:20 PM
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Are the bullets copper coated ?
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10-15-2017, 11:52 PM
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Jacketed .38 Special RN bullets were uncommon at that time, except for FMJ military loads. Some lead .38 Special bullets were given a copper wash that W-W called Lubaloy, which is not a jacket, just a very thin coating. Very common for .22 RF bullets. .38 full wadcutter bullets would definitely not have a copper wash.
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10-16-2017, 12:46 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt
The box on the LEFT is 15 May 1962, the one on the right is October 1960. My mistake. Western uses a code for months and years. T=1962, E=May (5th month). R=1960, L=October (Western does not use I and J for months). The year letter codes cycle every 20 years.
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I took a closer look at the right box and am pretty sure the day is the 28th, so October 28, 1960. Thanks again for the information!
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10-16-2017, 12:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj
Are the bullets copper coated ?
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Read the boxes. Simply hover over the thumbnail and it enlarges. Left is 158 Luballoy (Copper wash), Right are 148 wad-cutters. They would be hollow-based, plain lead.
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Last edited by Alk8944; 10-16-2017 at 12:18 PM.
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10-16-2017, 12:41 PM
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"WARNING: Keep out of reach of children" became mandatory for commercial ammunition in 1962.
If the box does not have the warning printed on it it was probably made prior to 1962.
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