Headstamp Codes

Codes are listed by number codes, then in alphabetical order from A to Z, followed by a list of suspect codes at the end.

*Note 1- Headstamps often contain multiple pieces of information. The maker is almost always identified. Military ammunition usually includes date information, and civilian ammunition often has caliber information. Sometimes dates are fairly obvious (44 = 1944; 72 = 1972; 6 12 = June 1912, etc.). Sometimes the caliber information is either spelled out or abbreviated (30-06; 38 SPL, etc.) and other times, such as on German made DWM ammunition, a catalog number code is used for the caliber. Sometimes information on the headstamp indicates the type of load (VII Z on .303 British indicates Mark VII ball ammunition loaded with nitrocellulose powder.) Sometimes markings are deliberately deceiving, as with some .30 carbine ammunition ammunition marked LC 52, made by the Chinese, or .30-06 marked B N 4 40 made in the U.S., both probably intended to arm allies while hiding their source of supplies. Sometimes the headstamp only indicates the maker of the cartridge case, or distributor of the loaded cartridge, or the using activity, not the actual “manufacturer” of a loaded cartridge.

Even collectors with years of experience and extensive reference libraries end up with a few cartridges they cannot identify, so don’t feel bad if you cannot identify everything.

The following headstamps have been reported to exist, but it is strongly suspected they do not occur on small arms ammunition.

If you have encountered this code on any ammunition, even if it is not small arms ammunition, please contact us with the details.

References cited in the right hand column:

1. Curtis, Lewis E., III, 9mm Parabellum Headstamp and Case Type Guide, GIG Concepts Inc., San Antonio, Texas, 1996-2002, [email protected]
2. Punnett, Chris, .30-06, CTG Publishing, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, 1997
3. White, H. P. and Munhall, B. D., Cartridge Headstamp Guide, H. P. White Laboratory, Bel Air, Maryland, 1963
4. Unknown, The Swedish Military Ammunition Site, http://medlem.spray.se/Coonan/eframe2.html
5. Moss, John, The 9X23mm Rimless Pistol Cartridges, GIG Concepts Inc., San Antonio, Texas, 2003
6. Mishinger, Gerd, Der Volkseigene Betrieb (VEB) Mechanische Werkstätten Königswortha, Hirschau 2002
7. Moss, John, Unpublished Notes, 2003
8. Various, Other References such as the IAA Journal, ECRA, Box Labels, etc
9. Cohen, Jon, Unpublished Notes, 2003
10. de Heer, Rob, Unpublished information provided by Swedish Army Materiel Command
11. Colmant, Patrice, http://users.swing.be/sw017995/303.htm
12. Unknown, http://www.chez.com/mselect/glossaries/fabricants2.htm
13. Cornell, Russ, Unpublished Notes 2003
14. Rebekah M. Simmers, Unpublished ATF Headstamp Code Listing, Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, National Laboratory Center 6000 Annendale Road Annendale, MD 20705
15. Unknown, Small Arms Identification Guide, Volume 1 (Some errors in headstamp identification), Defense Intelligence Agency, Aug 1984
16. Curtis, Lewis, Unpublished Notes-2003
17. Moss, John, Unpublished Notes-2003
18. Witt, Otto, Guide to 38 Special Headstamps-Unpublished
19. Colment, Patrice, The German Codes Page 1967-1945, http://users.swing.be/sw017995/german-codes.htm