M1906 paper bullet blank (.30-06)

[sksvlad]

This round measures 7.62x63 but the headstamp indicates .30-03 origin. C.Punnett's book says that "When reloaded cases were used, these were supposed to have a line cut across the head". So, this round started as .30-03, was fired, then cut down to .30-06 and the headstamp was hit with a cut, after which the paper bullet was inserted. What is financially cheaper, melting this case and using the metal to make a brand new .30-06 case OR sorting fired .30-03 brass for still usable cartridges, cutting the length down and then headstamping the cut? I intuitively think the smelter is cheaper, because the metal would be merely added to an already existing manufacturing line of .30-06. Am I wrong?

 

[smle2009]

I would have thought the re use of cases for blanks would be a lot less work involved considering the 'draw' processes and machining involved in making a new case.....reject ball cases used as blanks was common practice in the UK with our old .303"

 

[sksvlad]

Let me elaborate on my not so intelligent looking question. Firstly, I'd not ask this if I talked about exactly the same calibre. That was a common practice 100 years ago. Secondly, I'd not ask this if I talked about something like KNIL reloading cartridges in tropical Indonesia far away from Dutch factories, also with real cheap native labour abundant. I am talking about peace time USA doing this next to already existing running .30-06 production lines. The machines are already performing all draw stages so adding a bit of metal wouldn't hurt anything. I work in bio-pharmaceutical industry where entire lots are something abandoned because re-work and follow-up paperwork will be too labour taxing.

 

[peashooter]

Considering the 30-03 was only around for such a short time this could easily be a round from around the change over and used already pre formed 30-03 cases that were converted to 30-06 especially with this round being a blank and as you have already said the line indicated re-used case it does not have to have been a fired case it could just as well be a part finished or even a reject case so shortening and necking to 30-06 would have been a much simpler task that re making the whole case just for a blank. I also agree with SMLE2009, The use of rejected cases for blanks was widespread.

bio-pharmaceutical industry is a lot different to ammunition production


Rich

 

[smle2009]

Your blank (M1906) was only around for a few years until replaced by the M1909 blank which has an open neck sealed by a red disc(which stayed in use just about the entire service use of the 30-06)...as your example is made from a shortened 30-03 case it would indicate it is an early example of the M1906 blank and would have made sense to use up existing stocks of 30-03 to convert to 30-06 ammunition...early examples of converted 30-03 to 30-06 ball ammunition can also be found.