Interesting case .....

[RBHarter]

To be added to the " humm that's different file" .
Along with the Savage head stamped 30-30 I've had for some time I stumbled on this this morning in some new to me brass .


Now I'm not really surprised that Winchester made 45 AR brass but that it appears in a typically GI headstamp . Not a bid deal I guess just different .

 

[Pistolero]

I think Winchester Repeating Arms headstamp was also used on civvie ammo, but not absolutely sure.

Bill

 

[KeithB]

If it was government ammo what group or entity would be using it? Which organization would need ammo that was only usable in one (AFAIK) military issue firearm that already had a relatively successful fix to utilize standard ammo? I have no answers, just asking what I think are relevant questions to help track down providence. Seems like the focus would be on target versus combat use, did any marksmanship units/competitors use revolvers in .45 ACP/AR?

 

[RBHarter]

No idea at all .

I've just always associated WCC,WRA with GI ammo .
It has always been my understanding that Remington was the only long time producer of 45 Auto Rim . I don't think I've ever seen , being a 50 yo whipper snapper , loaded 45 AR on the shelf . I expect someone has written up something for Wikipedia . There are probably a dozen books on the subject .

 

[RBHarter]

A quick search suggests that as factory ammo it brings $1-2.50 .
The WRA headstamp originated in 1929 oddly enough on 45AR . Remington introduced the Auto Rim in 1921 .

It looks like the WRA dropped off about 1941 .

 

[fiver]

I'm digging from memory here.
but seem to recall some red/black [or white/red/black] or blue/yellow colored boxes marked Winchester repeating arms that held loaded factory ammo at one time.
I tend to throw away old boxes and stuff.

 

[RBHarter]

I have a blue/yellow Lubaloy Winchester box of 45 ACPs and a 60s vintage Remington box for unprimed AR .