I got a red colored plastic carrier of 50 9mm cartridges in a recent deal and would like to determine if they are factory loads or reloads.
The headstamp is FC 97 over 9MM L. They have JHP bullets with 6 light serrations in the copper jacket.
Is there any easy way to assertain if these are factory loads?
Thanks
Bob

All same headstamp? Brass colored primer? Crimped primer (rare, but happens)? Rounds spotless and polished?

If all the above, could be factory. If any discrepancies in appearance, probably reloads. No surefire way of telling, if in doubt, throw them out. (or break down for components )

The "9MM L" on the headstamp indicates that this load, if original and not a reload, is 147grs in weight and loaded to subsonic velocities. It sounds like it's probably Federal's 9MS loading. A clear picture of the bullet would be helpful to determine if it a Federal brand bullet.

Short of this, you can use a good magnafing glass and check the case for scratches along the cases. This can help indicate that they were run thru loading dies. Also check around the extractor groove and look for any damage on the case where the extractor would have gripped the case upon extraction and ejection.

That's a good explanation...

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I think CTG gave good advice but I sure wouldn't shoot it in my gun unless it could be identified as a certain brand and type with 100% certainty which I don't think you will be able to do.

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John. SWCA #1586

Thanks to all for the good info & suggestions.
All: headstamps are identical
loads appear identical
primers are all brass
show no signs of being in a sizing die
no sign of extracor contact
I'll try to get a picture of the bullet up over the weekend.
Thanks again!
Bob

I don't have any Federal factory, but wouldn't the FC and 97 indicate this was loaded for the military? If so, I am not aware of any jhp loaded for the military. Realize, I could be wrong.

I have several boxes of new military contract FC 97 9MM. The boxes are white and have a contract # and are loaded with a 124 grain FMJ/RN. They were a contract over run that I purchased several cases of in 1999/2000 time period. (Y2K frenzy, remember) I'm convinced the ones asked about are reloads in the original red tray without the white sleeve.

I have some 45 Auto packaged in the same manner from the same time period also marked FC 97.

You are correct about the date code being a military indicator. The vast majority of nations use some style of date codes on the headstamp.

Back in the 80's Federal was tasked with developing a subsonic 9mm JHP for suppressed weapons. The first load they developed was a 140JHP that they designated Type-B. This load was rejected. The second design was a 145JHP (still dubbed Type-B). This load wasn't accurate enough. The final design was the 147JHP Type-L.

Winchester's designed 147JHP subsonic Type-L OSM (Olin Super Match) was the loading designed for the SEALs for use in their suppressed MP5s.

Winchester's OSM load is what the FBI chose to use after the FBI incident in Miami in '86. The FBI and every LE agency that followed the FBI in using the OSM load was using a round that was designed for use in suppressed subguns and not for SD pistol use.

The U.S. still uses the 147JHP load for their military Intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

All headstamps are identical loads appear identical
I sort all my brass and load identical headstamps in batches.

primers are all brass
All current Winchester primers are yellow brass.

show no signs of being in a sizing die
A friend tumbles his loaded ammo and it looks brand new when he's done.

no sign of extractor contact
I have no explanation for this one! LOL

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Factory loaded ammo that has been chambered and unchambered a few times can appear as if it has been reloaded. Depending on the components used and the condition of the brass, I can often load ammo that looks like it's factory new. A better indicator would be to pull one of the bullets and look inside the case. If the case walls are anything but pristine, then it has been reloaded.

Dave Sinko