I was loading up a run of 45ACP rounds tonight and came across a case that was giving me some problems when I went to seat the primer. I turned over the case and read the info on the head, it read:

FA 41

If I understand the marking pattern of the military brass that case was made in 1941 and could be 71 years old. I'm thinking the FA could stand for Federal Arms/Ammo. I saved it and didn't reload it.

For those with more experience on case head code, is this the correct readings?

If so, what are some of the cases you lads have found?

quote:

Originally posted by TEANCUM:
I was loading up a run of 45ACP rounds tonight and came across a case that was giving me some problems when I went to seat the primer. I turned over the case and read the info on the head, it read:

FA 41

If I understand the marking pattern of the military brass that case was made in 1941 and could be 71 years old. I'm thinking the FA could stand for Federal Arms/Ammo. I saved it and didn't reload it.

For those with more experience on case head code, is this the correct readings?

If so, what are some of the cases you lads have found?

FA is Frankfort Arsenal

I can remember qualifying w/ the 1911 in the Army in the mid 70's w/ steel-cased ammo dated 1945. Rounds didn't always go off.

yup frankford arsenal 1941 is correct, but that's not old. I've still got a few rounds dated 1918

I have some 45 ACP loaded up thats headstamp reads .308 WIN

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
I have some 45 ACP loaded up thats headstamp reads .308 WIN

You do know what case the ACP was developed from don't you?

FA most likely Frankford Arsenal .Some of those have odd primer size no longer available -That would casue problems trying to install primers !!

TEANCUM, 45ACP was made with both large and small primers. I do not know about the FA, but I ALWAYS check mine that I get from the indoor range and separate the ones with small pockets.

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
You do know what case the ACP was developed from don't you?

I don't believe it was developed from anything else. It was designed to be a 45 caliber of the prototype Colt 41. Also the first 45acp's had 200 grain bullets instead of the 230 we know today.

The 30-06 was the parent case

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
The 30-06 was the parent case

I think Ted is correct.

IIRC, when the 1911 was developed the call for proposals stipulated the new pistol must use the cartridge designed and distributed by the Army to the various companies competing for the contract.

Prototype competitor pistols were received from Savage, Mauser or DWM (Luger, anyway), Colt, and several other firms.

Anyway, as Frankford Arsenal provided the ammo, and was a primary source of .30-06 ammo for the Armed Services, it only makes sense that they would use a case head diameter which when extended would properly house a .45 bullet, and at the same time be something for which they already had some of the tooling, gauges, etc. At that time that would have been the .30-06.