WORLD WAR TWO .30 CALIBER M2 AMMUNITION FOR THE M-1 RIFLE –COMPLETE 20 ROUND BOXES - FRANKFORD ARSENAL & CIVILIAN CONTRACT - BALL, ARMOR PIERCING, FRANGIBLE LOADINGS AND SINGLE ROUNDS:  A very nice selection of full packets of .30 Caliber ammunition as issued for the M-1 Garand Rifle before, during, and after World War Two.  Each packet and crate is described individually below with accompanying photographs.  

LABEL CALL OUTS - "MODEL 1906", "M1", AND "M2":   In an effort to clear up some misunderstandings regarding these packets, I offer the following.  The "M-1" included in the label of some packets does not refer to the M-1 Garand Rifle, but rather it was the Ordnance Department’s designation of the cartridge in the packet.   

In 1906 the Model 1903 Ball Cartridge was replaced by the .30 Caliber Ball Cartridge “Model 1906”.  That designation continued through World War One and well into the interwar years.  The packets of cartridges produced during that period bore a label using “Model 1906” in the call out.  While the majority of these packets I’ve seen held the twenty cartridges packed in five round clips, there are packets which held the 20 cartridges packed in the multi-cell paperboard dividers.   

Beginning in the years immediately following World War One, the Ordnance Department pursued a lengthy schedule of experiments based on battlefield experience with the cartridge and including emerging technology which addressed all the components of the cartridge – bullet and case design, powder and primer.  As early as the mid-1920’s, the Ordnance Department began making reference to “M1” when referencing a new bullet.

The record is not clear as to when the Ordnance Department changed the official designation of the .30 Caliber Ball Cartridge from “Model 1906” to “M1”.  This was not a capricious change, it was based on real differences and improvements to the cartridge, but the date of the change of the nomenclature, and important to collectors, the change to the label on the packets is, to my knowledge, unknown. 

What is known is that packets bearing the “M1” label contain cartridges headstamped as early as 1934, and as late as 1940.  At one time I had a set of four National Match packets dated 1937, 1938, 1939, and 1940 respectively, and all four included “M1” in the label.

In 1940, the “.30 Caliber Ball Cartridge M2” appeared and became the standard issue cartridge.  Without getting down in the weeds as to the technical differences, this change is well described in History of Modern U.S. Military Small Arms Ammunition, Vol. II, by Hackley, Woodin and Scranton:

"In 1940 the standard ball cartridge was the M2, which had been standardized for ground use by the Ordnance Committee on November 9, 1939 (approved January 12, 1940).  At the same time the M1 Ball cartridge was reclassified as Limited Standard, except for use in aircraft machine guns by the U.S. Navy where it was still standard." The last loaded at Frankford was Lot 2161 (accepted 24 October, 1941).  The lot consisted of 601,500 rounds.  The M1 Ball was declared obsolete on 17 August 1944.”

As to which cartridge – the M1 or the M2 – is the proper cartridge to be displayed with a World War Two vintage M-1 Garand Rifle, in 1940 and 1941 there were concerns expressed as to which cartridge would function best in the M-1 Rifle.  Tests were conducted at Ft. Benning, Georgia and it was found the M2 Cartridge performed better, but it was noted the M1 Cartridge produced less smoke and muzzle flash than the M2.  Reports from the tests went on to say that the use of the M2 Cartridge in the M-1 Rifle “greatly improved its performance.”  As a result of these tests, the production of the M1 Cartridge was greatly reduced and eventually it was declared obsolete. 

NOTE:  At the bottom of this page are several offerings of single cartridges - both World War Two vintage .30 caliber rounds and the later 7.62 rounds for the M-14 Rifle.

No. 1   WORLD WAR TWO .30 CALIBER M-2 RIFLE BALL AMMUNITION –COMPLETE PACKETS OF 20 ROUNDS – HEADSTAMPED 1942 – EAU CLAIRE ORDNANCE PLANT:  These World War Two issue packets of “20 CARTRIDGES BALL .30 M2” were produced at the Eau Claire Ordnance Plant.  I acquired these packets from an old collection and all of the packets were produced in the same production run - all bearing the same “28150-C” Eau Claire lot number. 

Based on this same lot number, and an inspection of the packets in this group which have been opened, all of the cartridges bear the same headstamp “EW 42” indicating a production date of 1942, and establishing this lot as an early World War Two production run.  The Eau Claire Ordnance Plant, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was operated by the US Rubber Company from August 1942 to December 1943. These packets feature a desirable head stamp date, pre-dating many of the major battles in the European and the Pacific theaters, and are a loading from an Ordnance plant that is not often encountered.  

All of these packets retain the original 20 cartridges with matching headstamps, the labels are all full form, intact and legible, and the packets retain their shape and integrity with no misshaping or weak spots. 

The packets present in three categories of condition – the first group in “like new” unissued condition, still sealed with all the seams and panels intact; the second group in like condition as the first, but the top flap has been opened by carefully cutting the seam along the front edge of the lid so the cartridges can be viewed, and all the original cartridges intact; and the third group which are still sealed, all the seams intact, but the pointed tips of the bullets have pierced the bottom panel of the packet.   Each group is listed separately below, with photographs of each category example, with a price for each group.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. 

These early World War Two loadings in the original boxes, and with all of the original cartridges present, are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially in this condition, and they will be a nice addition to display with an M-1 Rifle or in any context in your collection of WWII material.   

No. 1 GROUP A   .30 CALIBER M-2 RIFLE BALL AMMUNITION –COMPLETE PACKETS OF 20 ROUNDS – HEADSTAMPED 1942 – EAU CLAIRE ORDNANCE PLANT:  Sealed packets in like new condition (0306a)  $85

No. 1 GROUP B   .30 CALIBER M-2 RIFLE BALL AMMUNITION –COMPLETE PACKETS OF 20 ROUNDS – HEADSTAMPED 1942 – EAU CLAIRE ORDNANCE PLANT:  Sealed packets in which the bullet points have pierced the bottom panel, however the balance of the packet is in like new unopened condition. Displayed upright, the punctures of the bottom are not visible (0306b)  $80

No. 1 GROUP C   .30 CALIBER M-2 RIFLE BALL AMMUNITION –COMPLETE PACKETS OF 20 ROUNDS – HEADSTAMPED 1942 – EAU CLAIRE ORDNANCE PLANT:  Packet lids have been opened along one edge, however the balance of the packet is in like new condition. (0306c)  $75

No. 2   WORLD WAR TWO .30 CALIBER M-1 RIFLE FRANGIBLE AMMUNITION – FULL PACKET WITH ALL ORIGINAL 20 ROUNDS – DATED 1944:  This World War Two issue packet of “20 CARTRIDGES BALL, FRANGIBLE CALIBER .30 T-44” is a special load intended for use in training on short outdoor ranges and indoor ranges with not only the M-1 Garand Rifle, but also the .30 caliber machine guns and as a sub-caliber round for training with the larger artillery guns.  The projectile is a porcelain-like material that would disintegrate on impact and eliminate the danger of a ricochet.   

The packet has a full, legible label with some minor scuffing which indicates this packet was produced at the Lake City Ordnance Plant.  The box has been opened as can be seen in the photos, however the top panel is still attached and all twenty rounds are present.  All 20 cartridges are head stamped “L C 44”, pre-dating the end if World War Two and all manufactured at the Lake City Plant.  The packet is full form, and while showing some soiling due to age, and some traces of old tape, this is still a very credible specimen of a packet not often encountered. 

One of the scarcer packets of the period, this packet will make a nice addition to display with a World War Two dated M-1 Rifle or to add to any display to illustrate the intense weapons training necessary to prepare the troops for combat, will enable you to see the cartridges without having to open a sealed box.  (0720) $65

No. 3   WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS COMPANY  .30 CALIBER M-2 RIFLE BALL AMMUNITION –COMPLETE PACKET OF 20 ROUNDS – HEADSTAMPED 1954:  This Winchester Repeating Arms Company packet of “20 CARTRIDGES BALL .30 M2” were produced immediately following the Korean War. 

This packet is much more simple in construction that those produced during World War Two, consisting of a pasteboard carton with a single line of original tape securing the top panel and a simple ink-stamped label on the front of the packet.  The original top panel has survived with the packet, but it is detached along both edges.  Otherwise the packet is in excellent condition with sharp edges, solid joints and no misshaping.  All twenty of the matching cartridges are present and all are headstamped “WRA 54” indicating a production date of 1954.   

This is an interesting packet from the Cold War years, one I haven't seen before, and one which would display with a M-1 Rifle of that era.  (0722) $50

No. 4   NATIONAL MATCH .30 CALIBER M-1 RIFLE BALL AMMUNITION - DATED 1965 – LAKE CITY ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT – SEALED BOX OF 20 ROUNDS – VERY SCARCE OFFERING OF EARLY NATIONAL MATCH LOADINGS:  A very scarce offering, this is an unopened box of National Match .30 Caliber Ball Ammunition for the M-1 Rifle, manufactured at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, dated 1965.   

As described in Ray Meketa’s article, “U.S. National Match Rifle Ammunition” published in the Rifleman’s Journal, “In 1903, Congress established the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP) and the National Matches. At first limited to the military services using service rifles and ammunition, the program was soon expanded to include all members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, reserves, and civilians. The matches became an official function of the U. S. Government, first managed by the Department of War and later the Department of the Army. Competition consisted of both individual and team matches conducted at local, regional, and divisional levels, culminating in the National Matches at an appropriate range - now Camp Perry, Ohio. When competing in National Trophy (NT) or Excellence In Competition (EIC) Matches, cartridges would be issued on the line and no other ammunition was allowed. 

“From 1931 through 1940, all ammunition manufactured by Frankford Arsenal intended for National Match use exhibited virtually identical characteristics: 172 grain, 9 degree boat-tail, M1 bullets at 2600 fps, loaded with IMR #1185 powder. The 1931 ammunition appears to be standard M1 (FA 31), and, except for 1934 when none was produced, all others bear the traditional National Match headstamp (FA 32 NM to FA 40 NM).  

“Except for a few local and regional events, most matches were cancelled from 1941 through 1952.” 

Resumed in 1953, the National Matches continue to this day and the ammunition is still provided to the contestants on the firing line to insure consistent competitive standards. Due to this limited manufacture and issue, surviving boxes of ammunition from the earlier National Matches are a collector’s item in their own right and are quite scarce on the market.   

This box is in excellent condition, completely sealed with no evidence it was ever opened.  The labels are printed directly on the paperboard packet walls and they are all complete and fully legible.  The box is full form with no misshaping and only the most minor evidence of shelf wear in isolated points on the edges.   

That any of these boxes of National Match ammunition survive today is remarkable to say the least.  (0205) $85  (Only two identical boxes available)

No. 5   .30 CALIBER M-2 RIFLE BLANK AMMUNITION IN A M-1 RIFLE CLIP:  A M-1 Rifle Clip loaded with eight unfired blank rounds with various headstamps dating from the 1950's.  The clip shows no evidence of use or wear and presents in very good condition.  An interesting piece to display with your rifle. (0719) $15

No. 6  .30 CALIBER M-2 RIFLE BLANK AMMUNITION IN A SECTION OF A MACHINE GUN BELT:  A section of belted .30 Caliber M-2 Rifle Blank Cartridges, loaded with thirteen unfired blank rounds with various headstamps dating from the 1950's.  The links appear to be unused and all are full form with no misshaping.  An interesting display piece to add to your collection.  (0717) $20

No. 7   FRANKFORD ARSENAL ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT SHOP TEST .30 CALIBER CARTRIDGE - DATED 1944:  An uncommon Frankford Arsenal Shop or Bench Function and Test Round.  This is an inert cartridge, incapable of being fired that was used in the arsenal and armory workshops to test the function of all of the firearms chambered for the .30-06 cartridge, such as the .30 Water cooled and Air cooled machine guns, the M1903, M1917 Bolt Action Rifles, the M1 Garand Rifle, and the Browning Automatic Rifle.  The aluminum cartridge case has four holes drilled through the case wall to preclude it from holding a powder charge and the primer pocket is not drilled through to the powder chamber.  So designed, this prevented a live round from being fired in a populated working environment.  These test cartridges were loaded with a live primer and then cycled through the firearm to ensure such functions as loading, extraction, firing pin strike, etc. were operating properly.   This cartridge is head stamped “F A” for Frankford Arsenal and “4” for 1944.  This is one of those scarce Ordnance Department items that only surfaces once in a while to add to your collection.     $20

No. 8  .30 CALIBER BLANK CARTRIDGE w/ WOODEN BULLET- DATED 1957:  Aluminum case .30 Caliber Cartridge with a wooden bullet, headstamped "NMW .30  57".  Bullet is painted dark green.  Excellent condition.  $15

No. 9  FRANKFORD ARSENAL 7.62 CALIBER SHOP TEST/DUMMY CARTRIDGE - DATED 1958: A 7.62 Caliber Ball Cartridge in a ribbed case with no primer used for shop tests or loading drills, headstamped "F A 58" - excellent condition.  $8 

No. 10  LAKE CITY .30 CALIBER M-1 RIFLE M-2 ARMOR PIERCING CARTRIDGE - DATED 1953: From the Korean War era, this Armor Piercing .30 caliber cartridge was produced at the famous Lake City Ordnance Plant.  Headstamped "L C 53", the cartridge is in excellent condition.  I have a few of these if you need more than one.  (1002)  $20

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Due to the influx of single cartridges, it is no longer practical to photograph each loose cartridge.  Instead, the following is a list of the single M-2 and 7.62 cartridges I currently have.  Each cartridge is listed with a basic description and price. The prices indicated are per cartridge. 

.30 CALIBER M-2 CARTRIDGES

FOR THE M-1 GARAND RIFLE 

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7.62 CALIBER CARTRIDGES

FOR THE M-14 RIFLE 

Ordering Instructions

Identified Items  

Firearms

Edged Weapons

Saddles and Horse Equipment

Accoutrements

Collectors Ammunition

Uniforms, Insignia, Hats

Canteens and Mess Gear

Gun tools, Bullet molds and Parts

Field Equipment and Artillery

Original Ordnance Manuals, and Photos 

US Army Medical

Reference Books and Reprints