Ammunition Identification

 

The cross contamination of Ammunition is a rare occurrence but such a situation is not impossible within the world of re-enacting. As a reenactor who is taking part in a firing display or battle reenactment you should take great care to ensure the ammunition you have is the correct calibre for the weapon you are using, for your own and other people’s safety.

Here are a few things to keep a look out for.

Blank Ammunition

From Left to Right – (1) 7.62mm NATO (2) .30-06 (3) 7.92mm/8mm (4) 7.62x54r Russian (5) .303 British Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

As you can see from the image above these rounds all look very similar to the inexperienced eye, but a closer look and you can see that the distance from the base of the cartridge to the shoulder of the cartridges varies in size, also looking at the two cartridges on the right you can see they have no extractor groove, They have a Rim or flange that is wider than the base of the cartridge. If you suspect one or more of the rounds you have are different you should check the base of the cartridges. Each cartridge will give you the relevant information about the blank rounds you are handling.

.303 round 22 April 2018 Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk (Paul David Drabble)

.303 round                                          Copyright Paul David Drabble  www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

7.62 x 54 R 22 April 2018 Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk (Paul David Drabble)

7.62 x 54 R                                           Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

7.62 Round 22 April 2018 Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk (Paul David Drabble)

7.62 Round                                         Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

7.92 Round 22 April 2018 Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk (Paul David Drabble)

7.92 Round                                          Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

30-06 Springfield Round 22 April 2018 Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk (Paul David Drabble)

30-06 Springfield Round                      Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

If you are at all unsure whether you have an incorrect round you should find Martin Riley (The Association Armourer )or Andy Boyle the (Association Health & Safety Officer) with your ammunition and the weapon you are going to use.
They will ensure you have the correct ammunition before you go onto the field.