Spam can markings

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Sporkman

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Found this handy guide on how to read the markings on combloc spam cans and cases:

http://www.conflictarm.com/publications/

look under 'guides', there's one guide with info on cases- round count and weight for each country; one guide on case/can markings, and even a bonus guide on kalashnikov markings.
 
What do we have here?

49775545386_e88ff4bbc7_z.jpg
 
As best I can make out from my x54R markings notes (from a Gunboards thread), they are Type 56 (7.62x39) ball rounds in steel cases.
 
Thanks for the replies! Helpful info.. :cool:

Wayne W said:
Well, if i'm correct, it should be Chinese surplus 7.62x39 :) (Probably 770rounds/can)
Click to expand...

My initial impression as well. Ordered a different surplus crate, but these cans arrived in two cardboard boxes. The cans are in remarkably good shape! Deciding whether to keep them..

Rick911 said:
Sign after 7.62 means "common"or "normal" which is fmj

56 means 7.62x39
Click to expand...

FMJ ... very good to know!

joelvca said:
As best I can make out from my x54R markings notes (from a Gunboards thread), they are Type 56 (7.62x39) ball rounds in steel cases.
Click to expand...

Type 56 makes sense.

Will maybe post a few more photos when I get into the cans.
 
Just as an aside if you have the 2 spam size ammo crates in good condition you can clean them up a bit and varnish them. With the carrying handles on the side they are heavy, but useful, tray for carrying stuff from the house to the bbq or patio and hold drinks and condiments well. Hell of a conversation item too! Great way to spend time now if you have some. If you have a few you can make a gunny happy next birthday or Christmas with a unique gift.

BTW not to everyone’s tastes depending on their mindset and political leanings LOL!
 
can/crate markings

The best I can offer is a file I built of 7.62x54R markings based originally on the table in http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmoID01.htm with additions as located. The trouble is that I cannot attach it here or upload it for reference. I can send a copy but it would be useful if someone knows a website that could host it for public access/reference.
 
I was reorganizing some ammo and spent some time staring at these spam cans I have left over. I was trying to determine if any of these cans have stripper clips inside and it sent me to this old sticky thread. Looking at the site linked above I don't think any of these 3 cans have clips inside. I think these are a mix of Romanian and Russian (Tula)? So I would assume they are green or grey lacquer as the last few rounds I am finishing from my last open can are marked differently and are copper washed

EDITED: Removed photos now that I deciphered them and posted below

Also, Note to add: Best I could figure with my research, lacquered cases were green from the early 60's until late 80's when it seems grey lacquered took over? Also, the few grey lacquered cases I have are missing neck sealant, which leads me to believe they were for commercial manufacture perhaps?
 
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It was snowing and minus 18 today, so I pulled out the old label maker and deciphered the assorted cans (and old lids) I had on hand. Hopefully the photo is clear enough to see my labeling

20250216_172309.jpg
 
^very helpful. I can only make out the bottom one. Picture of each one or two at a time would really help. Thank you thank you.
 
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