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  1. #1
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    Default SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    Hi everyone. I searched this site but unless I'm looking against my eyelids I'm unable to find the info. Recently came into some more R1M1 7,62x52mm and wanted to know if anyone knew what the LOT nomenclature means? In this instance I have:

    LOT 4/A/1/80

    It's probably not too much of an intellectual leap to assume that "80" refers to 1980. Some years ago I read that either the "4" or the "A" represent the geographic location of the plant in which it was produced? Buggered if I can find it again.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    The only info i have is regarding the case markings, not the packaging markings that i can find.

    Whats on the case?

  3. #3
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    Case has the usual R1M1 headstamp.

    What other plants (besides PMP in Pretoria) produced munitions for the SADF? Going off of memory of the article I read those years ago, it mentioned a plant in Cape Town? Could this be referring to the Somchem plant? My understanding is that the Somchem plant has always been a purpose-built propellant manufacturing facility.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    I have several cases of that. I seem to remember that is was produced by PMP. Have some that is /80 and /81.
    Each metal can had 7 180 round sealed battle packs.
    Even though its 40 years old it is very good ammo. I have used it in a FAL, G3 and a Garand.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    This is what i have, Ive lost who the author was. Credit goes to the author.

    "A SERIES (1973 - 1983)
    In early 1973 the new headstamp series was launched. The PMP was replaced with an A, together with a two digit date. The A was for ARMSCOR. Also introduced was a variation of the British Modelling System (L1A1), where the R1M1 was used. R denoted South Africa (RSA) and 1 denoted the first model of the specific calibre. Any change that would affect the operational ability or efficiency would necessitate a change from R1 to R2 etc. M1 is the first mark of the specific model and any concession or deviation from manufacturing specification that was granted to a manufacturer but would not affect the operational efficiency of the design would then change the Mark from M1 to M2 etc."

  6. #6
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    LOT 4/A/1/80

    4 is the lot manufactured
    A is the Factory
    1 is the month of manufacture
    80 is year of manufacture

    Sent from my SM-J530F using Tapatalk

  7. #7
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    Quote Originally Posted by flyinggun View Post
    LOT 4/A/1/80

    4 is the lot manufactured
    A is the Factory
    1 is the month of manufacture
    80 is year of manufacture
    A would denote the old PMP factory to the West of Iscor.
    B would denote the new PMP factory North of the Pelinadaba toll road.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?

    Outstanding gents, precisely what I was driving at - thanks.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: SADF battle packs: Deciphering lot numbers?


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