The box reads: 50 POLICE CARTRIDGES, .38 Speical, Guaranteed Accuracy. The cartridges do not have heads. Can anyone tell me why? Is their something special about this type of cartridge?
2007-01-24 11:37:34 · 5 answers · asked by CyndiDrum 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
These are cartridges with heads (yes, I said with no head earlier). BUT the heads look like they're inside out. The top is silver and sunken in.
2007-01-24 12:24:19 · update #1
Those cartridges were actually called "wadcutters". In their day they were presumambly known for accuracy, but were best known and remembered for cutting a "clean" hole in a paper target. Therefore the shots on a target could be easily scored by a "range officer" or the shooter. Their popularity was short lived in competition although it would not surprise me if some antiquated departments continued their use..
2007-01-24 12:17:08 · answer #1 · answered by Papa-Dan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Un less they date back to wjhen 38 special became new to weapons entry do they have no any monetary value.
You mentioned they have no head on them and I take it to mean the cases are empty and if so no need to worry about fire danger or such if chldren find them. Make sure the closed ends have either a hole in them or a dent in center of base because they could still have a primer, center cap that could set of with a bang thast while not overly dangerous could scare soemone.
Many police departments and even some such as Washngton State patrol hired out the bullet supply to cheapest contractor so box marked police cartridges may not be anything special. If there is a brand name on box and on casings and in execellent shape a arms collector may pay a few bucks for decoratrive use.
the 38 special is still in use but not as wide spread as the .357 that is same size bullet but in a longer case with more powder behind it.
Could be a good keepsake remembrance of father in law if he had police background.
Another point is to learn more of in law as maybe he picked hem up after a local shootout or some such of historical signifigance.
I once saw some old shotgun casings said to of been used in shoot out with of Bonnie and Clyde, verified by the police department and they sold for over 250 USD each.
Like I said value in cash very little otherwise.
2007-01-24 20:07:37 · answer #2 · answered by theooldman 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He was probably keeping the cartridges for reloads.
A cartridge that has been used once is more acurate than a brand new cartridge if you are particular about exactly how you re-load it.
Also, it is cheaper and more acurate to load your own cartridges once you have all the equipment. Some people will even take cartridges to a gun salesman and have them do the reloading for them for a small fee. If the dealer is good, they are more accurate than the facotry produced ones.
The box it came in my be insignificant.
I found the same thing in my Dad's gun locker when he died two years ago. I didnt keep the shells, but I kept two of his pistols, for sentimental reasons.
2007-01-24 20:10:10 · answer #3 · answered by Richie.Rich 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like you have a box of WAD cutters. If my spelling is correct I have not used or seen them in years.
papa dan is the man and right on the money!!!
2007-01-24 21:46:34 · answer #4 · answered by DarkPrince139 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They probably have a lot of sentimental value to you. So please hang on to them!
2007-01-24 19:51:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋