5.56 headstamp cuts around primer

**Crawley** · 27-07-2023, 11:13

I bought some 5.56 Winchester White box M193 and noticed some of the cartridges has cuts in the head stamp around the primer pocket. What would cause this? Seems like used brass almost, dirty with random marks and cuts. Can it cause problems our of an AR?

headstamp cuts around primer.jpg

**oafpatroll** · 27-07-2023, 11:17

I think it's just a different method of crimping. I dont know that for a fact but it's my best guess.

**SSP** · 27-07-2023, 11:20

Originally Posted by oafpatroll

I think it's just a different method of crimping. I dont know that for a fact but it's my best guess.

Primer pocket swaging to stop primers blowing out.

**Crawley** · 27-07-2023, 11:32

Originally Posted by SSP

Primer pocket swaging to stop primers blowing out.

Thanks for reply, I learnt something new today.

**oafpatroll** · 27-07-2023, 11:54

Thought I hadn't seen that method before but realise now that I got a batch of Israeli 9mmP tracers that were exactly the same, i.e. 4 'slots' rather than a full circle indent around the primer perimeter.

**Crawley** · 27-07-2023, 12:05

Originally Posted by oafpatroll

Thought I hadn't seen that method before but realise now that I got a batch of Israeli 9mmP tracers that were exactly the same, i.e. 4 'slots' rather than a full circle indent around the primer perimeter.

What was strange for me is that it is only here and there, not all the similar. Must be different factory processing/loading setups that converge somewhere along the packaging pipeline.

**oafpatroll** · 27-07-2023, 12:13

Originally Posted by Crawley

What was strange for me is that it is only here and there, not all the similar. Must be different factory processing/loading setups that converge somewhere along the packaging pipeline.

My guess there is that they are made to different customer specs and that the odd ones are just overruns from one of those orders but because they are functionally identical they get into the white boxes for ultimate retail sale.

**Zuku** · 27-07-2023, 19:22

Originally Posted by SSP

Primer pocket swaging to stop primers blowing out.

Military ammo?

**Mark357** · 27-07-2023, 20:31

Originally Posted by Zuku

Military ammo?

Current Winchester White box M193 is made in Lake City (LC on headstamp) which is the main US Military supply factory for small arms ammo.

The Circle with X or cross in it in the headstamp as seen in the picture above also means its NATO spec ammo

**Koekie Monster** · 28-07-2023, 11:39

Originally Posted by Mark357

Current Winchester White box M193 is made in Lake City (LC on headstamp) which is the main US Military supply factory for small arms ammo.

The Circle with X or cross in it in the headstamp as seen in the picture above also means its NATO spec ammo

It is also a bitch to remove the primers and remove the primer crimp so you can relaod!