Prior to 1975 you are not able to determine the date of manufacture by the serial number.
In the same year Crosman instituted the serial numbering procedure which included a date of manufacture as part of the serial number.
Federal Cartridge Company recommends to all it’s customers to dispose of any ammo that’s over 10 years old.
That being said, I think it’s a ruse to get shooters to buy more ammo whether they need it or not.
In the ‘finds explained’ series we will take a closer look at a number of those objects and at their history.
In one of the test trenches the archaeologist unearthed a number of rifle cartridges.