9mm Headstamp
 

This is a picture of a 9mm Luger cartridge headstamp taken with a digital microscope. The letters are "dnh"; "St+"; "43"; and "6". I assume the "43" is for the year 1943. Does anyone know what these other codes represent?

Thank you.

Mauser720 - Ron

You are correct that 43 is the date. The "dnh" is the maker code and the others are the lot number and the case metal code. You may find this interesting:

http://www.eartist.nl/munitions.htm

Regards,
Ron

Re: 9mm Headstamp
 

St+ is for steel case.

dnh---Rheinisch-Westfalische Spengstoff AG, Durlac bei Karlsruhe. SAA
The SAA means they produced small arms ammunition and components. Bill.

Ron,

You got some good answers here.
Produced by RWS, case made of (laquered) steel (St) of the improved design (+), lot number 6 in 1943.

What's the color of the bullet itself?
You can find them in 'sintered iron' (SE) shape, dull grey with a black band around the case rim on the bullet, or in 'mit Eisenkern' (mE) iron core versions with completely blackened bullet.

G. van Vlimmeren -

Yes, I appreciate all this good information.

These are the dull gray bullet, with the black band around the case rim on the bullet.

These came with a 1912 Erfurt, and I suspected they were not correct for that period. All the paper on their cardboard box had been torn off.

Mauser720 - Ron

Hi Ron,

That's the SE 'Sintereisen' version, allright.

'mit Eisenkern' on the right, 'Sintereisen' on the left.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...rman_copy1.jpg

The correct bullets for a 1912 Erfurt would be of the truncated cone design, nickle plated, brass case.

Shown is a 1917 package and two 1917 variations of the P08 9mm round (the switch from truncated cone to ogival was made around 1917). Both rounds shown date from 1917.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...1917_copy1.jpg

Note the canvas pull strap on the box, this is a feature of the earlier packages. In WW2 they switched to cardboard boxes with different lid. The older boxes also have metal reinforcements on the sides.

A bit of a lousy photo, this, but it shows the SE bullet with the corresponding box.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/ww2_se.jpg

This is a bit better, general lacquered steel case WW2 ammunition with box, with iron core (mE) bullet.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/typical_ww2.jpg

I wouldn't recommend shooting any of this ammo in any pistol that you value the bore. That sintered steel will rub out and lands quite quickly. TH

Apart from Tom's good advice, even the German army didn't encourage the use of laquered steel cases in the P08. Jams like crazy and fouls up everything.

No wonder the DDR had to replace that many barrels after WW2.

This is definitely corrosive primed ammo... You have to scrub with hot soap and water and preferably Army Bore Cleaner if you shoot any of it... shooting is not recommended for lots of reasons.