Empty Shell/Casing

[CombatBoots]

Two days ago, at ROTC CLC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadet Leadership Challenge) at Ft. Devens, Mass. I found a shell casing in the woods. I have no clue what kind it is, although I'm pretty sure it's a rifle casing. It measures 9 mm diameter at the bottom, by 47 mm tall. The bottom has "L C 4 0" printed on it, although I am not entirely sure which order those letters go in. I'd really appreciate it if any of you can help me out with this, seeing how I am the most newbie-est of the n00bs. Heh. >_<

 

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[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

Ladies, Gentlemen, I am weakening on my data. 47 mm is only approx. 2", the 1906 case was longer, but the base stamp data is curious, as given, it fits the 1906 closer than the 5.56, recheck it please.

Tropical Tramp

 

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[gollum]

YES! I too am rethinking my position. This does look more like a modern blank round than a WWII vintage. Here are some pics. First is a diagram with measurements for a .223 blank round. Next are two pictures of 30-06 blanks. Not even close.

Hey SgtJH, check those markings and measurements and let us know.

Mike

 

[gollum]

Shell for rifle fired grenade

Yes, but were the WWII era blanks crimped the same way as the modern era blanks? See the difference between #1 versus #2 and #3? I seem to remember the M16 blanks as having a purple ink at the tip like this as well. I hated using blanks. They dirtied up a weapon without much fun (except for ONE time in the field, shot a deer with a cleaning rod. Had to follow it for about two miles before it died. Ate well, though)!

Mike.

 

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

gollum, looking at your avatar I see that you are an optomist and especially a dreamer, another Doc. snicker.

Tropical Tramp

 

[CombatBoots]

Here's a detailed diagram of the shell. Please disregard the poor quality of the diagram... I am using a laptop which makes things a bit difficult at times. NOTE: The shell I found does have a crimped top to it, unlike the shell in the photo that gollum kindly provided. However, the dimensions of my shell are remarkably similar to those in gollum's diagram that he provided.

 

[Rusted_Iron]

To think, I could have looked up the case dimensions in my handy dandy Cartridges of the World, but I was too lazy.

With a 7 mm dia. neck, it would indeed probably be a .223 round. 7 mm neck dia. is way too small for a 30-06 neck. The "40" really threw me off.

 

[Rusted_Iron]

To think, I could have looked up the case dimensions in my handy dandy Cartridges of the World, but I was too lazy.

With a 7 mm dia. neck, it would indeed probably be a .223 round. 7 mm neck dia. is way too small for a 30-06 neck. The "40" really threw me off.

.223 is like 5.56mm isn't it?

The bullet diameter is 5.56 mm, but the case neck is thicker, because you have to take into account the brass case walls.

Here are the case diameters for the .223 Rem / 5.56 mm case:
neck 0.249"
shoulder 0.349"
base 0.373"
rim 0.375"

 

[CombatBoots]

Ok, I have narrowed down the following: the cartridge I found is indeed a 5.56 U.S. Military blank cartridge. It was manufactured at the Lake City Ammunition Plant. The only thing I am still unsure of is what the "40" on the bottom of the cartridge stands for. My hypothesis is that it is simply a serial code, or a lot number of sorts. At any rate, I'd like to track down what the "40" stands for in hopes of finding some kind of date of origin for the cartridge. NOTE: the catridge in the photo looks exactly like the one I found, albeit newer and more shiny.

 

[CombatBoots]

Again, referring to my crude diagram here... there is a... hmm... ridged line (reminisent of that on the edges of a US quarter) about 6mm to 7mm from the bottom of the cartridge. The only other "markings" are on the bottom, which I have also illustrated as best as possible. Note the "L C" (Lake City) and the mysterious "4 0". Hope that clears a few things up.

 

[Rusted_Iron]

.249 equals 6.21mm not 7mm.

your turn

We need precise measurements of his case neck, taken with a micrometer. "about 7 mm" could be 6.21 mm.
We also need precise measurements of the base. Remember, I originally suspected 30-06 as well

His case has a base measurement of roughly 9 mm. 9 mm is about 0.356". Too small for a .30 cal cartridge but within ballpark for a .223, considering a margin of error that would be present using a ruler.

Let's get the micrometer out.

 

[CombatBoots]

If only I had one. hmm. I suppose the only means of identification is the "40" on the bottom, otherwise I'm left to guesstimate for now.

 

[CombatBoots]

Awesome Thanks, Doc!

 

[Chagy]

Awesome Thanks, Doc!

"Doctor Watson, well done old chap!"

"Holmes, sometimes I have to start over at the begining to make any sense at all."

"Elementary, my dear Watson, elementary."

I know nothing about bullets.....but by reading the post I must say; great job Doc.....nicely done...

Best,

Chagy........

 

[chong2]

looks like CHONG got it

 

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

HIO

Yer wrong Doc, mi buddy, I don't care what you have said or think, you are wrong. whatever it is. heheheheheh

Give me a little time and I will think of "why" you are wrong, no-one is as perfect as I am, yer close but--- sigh. Shaddup Michellel

Tropical tramp

 

[gollum]

I think Realde is eating a few to many Peyote Buttons down there South of the Border. Either that or licking too many River Toads!

Mike

 

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

[gollum I think Realde is eating a few to many Peyote Buttons down there South of the Border. Either that or licking too many River Toads!
Mike
********


Nah galliumie:I am a Saint, hence do not do any form of drugs, sides you have to admit Doc can drive anyone to drugs or drink sigh.

Tropical tramp

 

[gollum]

[gollum I think Realde is eating a few to many Peyote Buttons down there South of the Border. Either that or licking too many River Toads!
Mike
********


Nah galliumie:I am a Saint, hence do not do any form of drugs, sides you have to admit Doc can drive anyone to drugs or drink sigh.

Tropical tramp

That sigh sounds wishful!?

Mike