Can you identify this (5.56) ammo?

[Tyler-The-Piker]

I posted in this subforum because of the higher volume of traffic. I hope this is appropriate and doesn't get moved.
Anyway...I've got this 5.56 ammo of unknown origin. The head stamping is a "13" and "68".
Does the "13" indicate "Belgium"
Does the "68" indicate "1968"
???

sorry if these questions are laughable

thanks in advance for any help...

 

[sig1473]

I've got about 300rds of that floating around as well but mine is marked "13" and "88". I believe it is SA(South African).

 

[sig1473]

And it is probably 89 not 68.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

And it is probably 89 not 68.

after closer inspection, I believe you are correct!

 

[red_zr24x4]

Was just downstair depriming some 5.56 , everyone I found marked like that was berdan primed.

 

[sig1473]

Was just downstair depriming some 5.56 , everyone I found marked like that was berdan primed.

Yup, this is good M193 spec stuff. Comes out @ ~3,100 FPS. Pretty accurate as well.

 

[sig-man]

Yes I would agree that it is South African. Berdan primed, but noon corrosive. I scored a case of 7.62 x 39 that was South African. Stamped 13 over 88.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/ammunition-reloading/321944-7-62x39-score.html

 

[other dave]

See if this helps.

Headstamp Codes - International Ammunition Association

 

[STEEL CORE]

I used to shoot that stuff too, wish I had those battle packs again?

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

So from what I've read + the info from you guys, I've got:

country of origin = South Africa (1989?),
M1A3 = similar to the M193 round,
56gr (non-corrosive Berdan primed) brass cased FMJ ball round
with a velocity of ~3100 fps



...we'll take it...

 

[ryknoll3]

South African. Still have a few boxes of that laying around. I bought a case of it (2,700 rounds) back in the day for something around $275. =(

 

[Robert Richardson]

Yep