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Bofors 40mm rounds from WWA

batonroundcollector

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
was eyeing up the 4-round clips and individual rounds from WWA:

https://www.worldwidearms.com/product/m617-clip-of-4-bofors-shells-395

https://www.worldwidearms.com/product/m614-ww2-bofors-shell-inert-ffe--394

can anyone tell me any more about the rounds pictured - type, country of origin, period etc? WWA are a bit 'ambiguous' with their descriptions so was unsure if they are American as described (the Bofors being in service with many nations) or if they were drill rounds (note the projectiles are unpainted to denote type etc)...

don't have any Bofors in my collection but think I need one :)
 
These are American rounds. Brass washed steel cases and all steel (practice?) projectiles. I’d save my money and wait for a “real” round.
 
I have one bought ages ago not sure if the heads are genuine but they are well made with no metal stampings, not sure on the original finish of the projectile but the case is original, the case is not brass washed but a passivate zinc wash.
 
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thanks both... WWA don't tend to point out what is repro amongst their items etc so am always cautious... would like a real (preferably British) 3-round clip or even single round.
 
There are two types of Bofors rounds to get, one a L/60 and the other a L/70. The L/70 a longer case. I would get case and projectile that can be separated as there are some out there which are crimped in which looks good but you cant examine the projectile and bofor rounds have base fuzes which is nice to take apart.
I would like to know if the bofors round i have with steel head is a genuine head or not, case is original as its 44 dated.
 
The good thing about bofors cases and projectiles are you don't need a arm or leg to get one. I have a L/70 with a base tracer igniter rep plug and nose fuze need a nice L/70 1950s brass case for it and a nice WW2 projectile for my WW2 case. They are a good talking point as there are Bofors emplacements all round the country from the war, two i have had listed with English Heritage locally, both used by the Canadians.
 
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WWA sent me pic of headstamp:

bofors_40mm_headstamp.jpg
 
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When pressed on whether the projectiles were repro they admitted that "we presume the heads to be latter replacements..." repro then! I offered it would be helpful if this was noted in item descriptions (of these and other items...)
 
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They are great rounds to collect, but a little thin on the ground, worth buying a few of the cases if they are cheap enough. and keep an eye out for the US Army cases for as well. The two picture below are my UK and US rounds, taken along time to get these. Best Weasel

US Bofors Group 1.jpgUK Bofors Group 1.jpg
 
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