I’ve recently come into a bunch of .45 ammo in a big way; among the boxes are several US military boxes that are produced by federal. Are these collectible enough to make shooting them a huge mistake? I suspect they’re at least as old as when we switched to the Beretta 92 as the US service sidearm. Any general info including deciphering the lot # is appreciated.

No year marking incorporated into the headstamp of the cartridges in the box? I'd suspect if you called Federal they might be able to tell you based on the lot number.

Marked FC 04 Match. My assumption is 2004 vintage as it matches the first 2 digits on the lot#. I just want to know if I’m wasting the value of something truly collectible.

I'm pretty sure the "04E" after FC means production of this lot started in May (the 5th month, E) of 2004.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigmund,

Thanks, that makes sense given the head stamp.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:

...I just want to know if I’m wasting the value of something truly collectible.

Check GunBroker or some similar auction website (cuz I don't know if it's collectable, either!) and if you don't find anything, put it out with a reserve.

That box looks to be in excellent condition, which will add to any value.

I just acquired a box of 230 gr .45 ACP HST with large primers. I think they had been laying around somewhere for a long time. They won’t be safe queens.