Norinco Steel Core Ammo

[Devil Dog]

I just went through my cartridge collection, notes and box collection looking for some general guidelines for identifying steel core vs. lead core Norinco 7.62x39 ammo.
It appears that lead core ammo in this caliber started coming in to this country around 1992. So, any chinese 7.62x39 dated 1992 or later has a good chance of being lead cored. Brown lacquered steel cases with a knurled bullet cannelure will
be lead cored and often found with a red
primer seal, indicating non-corrosive priming. Cartridges from factory "31" that are lead cored are marked with a green lacquered case mouth seal, starting in 1992. Chinese ball cartridges from other factory codes with lead cored bullets do not seem to follow any special markings to indicate bullet type. The last year of import
seems to be 1995, as this is the latest date seen on any Chinese 7.62x39 cartridges to my knowledge. Boxes may or may not be marked to indicate bullet type. Generally,
the lead cored ammo is marked as such, and the steel cored is not, but there are exceptions to both. These are general guidelines, and there are always exceptions. If you have any questions regarding the identification of any 7.62x39
ammunition, please contact me!

D.D.

[AK KRAZY !!!]

Hows about 3121/81 or 31/92 chinese all copper color brass looking primers, no lacquer seal ? thanks !

------------------

AK KRAZY !!!

[Devil Dog]

The first one is a mystery. Perhaps it is
9121 81 instead of 3121 81? If it is
9121 81, then it is steel core ball. If it is
actually 3121 81, then it is a new headstamp to me, but still likely to be steel core based on the date of 1981. The second, 31 92, is likely to be steel core ball if it does not have a green case mouth seal. Often, Chinese 7.62x39 will have a clear primer and case mouth seal that is hard to see. The usual markings on steel core ball from factory 31 is a pink case mouth seal and a clear or amber primer seal. I have examples of steel and lead core ball with headstamps 31 92, with the
lead core ball having a green case mouth seal, and the steel core ball having a pink
case mouth seal. Both have an amber colored primer seal. Double check all the seals and headstamps, but I think both of what you have are steel core ball cartridges.


D.D.

[copmedic]

Is ammo marked 71 on top & 87 on bottom of the head steel core?

[General Ourumov]

I have some Norinco ammo in yellow boxes of 20. It is FMJ with a copper washed case. The headstamp indicates it was imported in 1991. The yellow box doesn't state composition. Is this steel-core ammo?

[Devil Dog]

Copmedic,

your 71 87 ammo is most likely, if not definately steel cored. With this factory (71)
lead cored ball has a knurled or serrated bullet cannelure and no case mouth seal.
Steel core will have a smooth or no cannelure and a clear lacquer case mouth seal. The date of 1987 is also a good indicator of steel core, as lead core stuff appeared around 1992. The definate test is to cut the bullet in half with a hacksaw to
see if there is a steel core. As the tip is filled with lead, you should cut about half way down the bullet to get to the steel core.

General O.,

The yellow boxed 7.62x39 I have encountered were steel core from factory 31 (date unknown) and lead cored from factory 311 dated 1993. The date of 1991 should make it steel core, but early lots of lead core COULD have been made this early. I suggest the hack saw test described above for absolute proof. If your ammo is in fact from factory 31, all known lead cored 7.62x39 will be marked with a green case mouth seal.

Hope this helps, and let me know the results of the tests.

D.D.

[General Ourumov]

Cut the bullet in half. Unfortunately, I forgot to cut close to the mouth of the bullet. I cut right across the middle of the portion of the bullet which is visible, and it looks like its a lead core. Factory is 311, date is 91. The primer sealing is clear and the bullet mouth is smooth. I don't really want to cut the bullet again closer to the mouth, as cutting it took me almost half an hour. Maybe this additional info will help in identifying it.

[Devil Dog]

Where you cut would have revealed the steel core if it were there. You have a lead core cartridge, I am afraid. Thanks for the update!

D.D.

[General Ourumov]

DOH!! :-)

[Biggame223]

I have some 311 92 it is steel core all copper case/ brass primer no sealer is evident.


Biggame223

out

[glock19]

I have some 311 91 copperwashed case and bullet and brass colored primer with clear sealer with groove around the bullet that is steel core,it's in yellowish/orange colored NORINCO boxes.

[Devil Dog]

This information shows why the only way to positively identify some Chinese 7.62x39 ammunition is to cut open a projectile!

Devil Dog

[ndm86]

I save one box or 10 rounds of every different year or type of ammo i come across. I then pull one round of every type of ammo i have.

Just a thought.
ndm86

[glock19]

Just got another yellow box of NORINCO with head stamp of 311 92 that is steel core no visiable primer sealent & with bullet grove.The store had probably 1/2 case,price was $4.95.

[This message has been edited by glock19 (edited 10-12-2000).]