I found an unfired cartridge at the range?

Question

I was shooting last Saturday and was looking around for my brass before we left, while doing so I found what appears to me to be a 5.56x45mmNATO (.223). It doesn't have a brand stamped on it, or what it is. the only markings are "86", and on the other side of the primer "13". The primer is almost completely flush with the case and is crimped in. It is FMJ. I am just curious, where did this come from? Is it military surplus? I have rarely seen commercial ammo without the manufacturers name on it.

What do you mean by "spare" ammo?

Answer 1

86 is the year of ammo. It more than likely was someone's "spare" ammo. I wouldn't actually think it's surplus. There have been shortages on ammo for some time, and most bases I have worked at keep begging for ammo.

Answer 2

As tempting as it may be....do NOT try to shoot that round in a civilian gun that uses .223 ammo. The 5.56 NATO is the same externally but different internally and civilian guns designed for the .223 are NOT designed for the NATO round.

An example of this is the Ruger Mini-14 and subsequent versions of the gun. While it is lists the .223 and "Military equivilent" ammo, that was before the 5.56 NATO came out. The 5.56 NATO is a more powerful round that could cause major damage to a gun designed for a .223.

I would take it to a gun show. Maybe an ammo collector will give you a few bucks for it. But do NOT shoot it.

Answer 3

It sounds like surplus.
you're right. manufacturers put therir name on the casings of civvie ammo.

The"86 could be a year, . i'm only guessing.

Answer 4

Surplus ammo is very easy to get. That is all I fire from my weapons. You can get 5.56 NATO ammo cheap on line.