Headstamp
Videos
A headstamp is the markings on the bottom of a cartridge case designed for a firearm. It usually tells who manufactured the case. If it is a civilian case it often also tells the caliber: if it is mil
The left cartridge's headstamp says "FC 223 REM" which means that it was made by Federal Cartridge Co. and it is in the caliber ".223 Remington". The cartridge on the right has a headstamp that says "LC 99" with a symbol that consists of a cross in a circle. This cartridge was made in 1999 by the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, in Independence, Missouri, USA. The symbol on this headstamp means it meets NATO specifications.
Cartridge base with a headstamp by Hirtenberger
RWS headstamp on an 8×68mm S rifle cartridge
Western Cartridge Company
Videos
The Western Cartridge Company was an American manufacturer of small arms and ammunition formerly based in East Alton, Illinois. Founded in 1898, it was the forerunner of the Olin Corporation, formed i
Headstamp
…NT on a headstamp stands for "Non-Toxic". It indicates that the primer compound is Diazodinitrophenol (DDNP) rather than Lead styphnate. ♦ Western Cartridge Company – East Alton, Illinois. Used on the base of rimfire cartridges. *⁀* (5-point stars or 6-point asterisks at 10-o'clock and 2-o'clock connected by a…
Typical consumer packaging from the Western Cartridge Company, c. 1960
Western calendar, 1927
World War II era advertisement explaining ammunition shortages and the company's contribution to the war effort