Primer indentification Help!

[retread]

I picked up some old stock primers the other day. I recognize the two bottom one as they are the vintage that I bought when I first started to reload. Both are non-corrosive primers. My question is about the top brick. They were made for a military contract. They are 120's like the ones I am used to seeing but they have an "M" designation. My question is does the "M" designate military or mercuric.
If anyone has knowledge about these I would appreciate the input.
Thanks, retread

[contender1]

Just a guess; M means "magnum"?

[GRUMPA]

This is all I can find on them..

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...Power-shooters

[starmac]

I would guess magnum too. It is odd that they stipulate 30 caliber though.
It is also a shame the seller wrote on the box.

[snuffy]

I was told the "M" stood for Match! At least that's what my failing memory tells me when I bought a bunch back in the 70's when shooting DCM matches.



One of these days I'll test a few to see if they still go bang. No, they're not corrosive. Loaded lots of '06 for a garand with those primers.

[retread]

Thanks snuffy. Looks like your were just a few lots after mine. I have loaded and shot from the other bricks. They must have been stored right because they all performed normally. Glad to have them, especially at no cost! Never can tell what you can run across when you put the word out.

Thanks, retread

[starmac]

Well that makes total sense. Anyone know why it stipulates 30 cal?

[dale2242]

30-40 Krag, 30 M1 carbine, or 30-06?
They are military contract primers....dale

[contender1]

Another excellent idea mentioned above, and may be more likely is the M standing for "match." Especially since it's military stuff.

[MT Gianni]

Winchester never designated magnum or non magnum primers for many years. I believe they are 30 cal Match primers.

[higgins]

I've had this cartridge box since the 1960s. I've saved it for an occasion such as this. It's true that the "M" designation could mean magnum, but note that the "special" primers loaded in these cartridges were mercuric and corrosive. The DCM did sell surplus primers back in the day, and this cartridge box just looks GI. Unless you get definitive advice from someone to the contrary, I would assume they're corrosive and clean accordingly. The NRA may be able to provide an answer.

Heck, send your photo to the Cody Firearms Museum. Years ago I sent them several old factory ammo boxes. They thanked me for my donation, said the boxes weren't particularly unique, but they did find the tax stamps on the boxes interesting! They seem to know about all things Winchester.