*IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL ARM CARTRIDGES*
By Birddog- Here is the color coding system that the U.S. and other NATO forces utilize for identification of small arm cartridges. WARNING : this is for informational use only! These color codes work only on modern current issue and ammunition manufactured after the mid sixties. These codes do not apply to former Warsaw Pact or non NATO issued ammunition. If you are unsure as the status or identity of your ammunition do not use it. There are some type of cartridges out there designed to test the strength of the gun system and should you try and fire these types the results could be fatal. With all that said here is the code system that is currently in use.
MARKING TYPE OF CARTRIDGE
BLACK TIPPED ARMOR- PIERCING (AP)
SILVER- TIPPED AP, INCENDARY (API)
RED-TIPPED BULLET WITH SILVER ON RED ANNULAS API -TRACER (APIT)
BLUE-TIPPED BULLET INCENDIARY
BULLET TIP PAINTED ORANGE, RED OR MARON TRACER
YELLOW-TIPPED BULLET WITH RED ANNULAS SPOTTER- TRACER
CARTRIDGE CASE TINNED OR STANNIC STAINED HIGH PRESSURE TEST
ENTIRE CARTRIDGE PAINTED BLACK INERT LOADED
Again this is for informational only, and it only applies to 50 cal. or less.
Birddog
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