*IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL ARM CARTRIDGES*
By Birddog

  1. 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.

    2. 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

     

     

  2. Again this is for informational only, and it only applies to 50 cal. or less.

 

Birddog

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