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12/5/2005 2:13:29 PM EDT
I have some ammo that I believe to be steel core but am not sure. The round is all copper and has a headstamp of 61/86. I understand from reading this board that the "86" means the round was made in 1986....anyone know about the 61? I would pull the bullet but I am not sure how and afraid the round will go off if I try. Any suggestions would be truly appreciated.
12/5/2005 9:26:10 PM EDT
[#1]






12/5/2005 9:30:00 PM EDT
[#2]
61 is the code for the plant where it was made. Go ahead and pull a bullet, it's not going to go off.  If you don't have a kenetic bullet puller just grab the case with pliers and the bullet with some Vise Grips and twist while pulling. Steel core bullets are boat tailed with an exposed core. Scratch the core. You'll know if its steel or lead!
12/5/2005 10:46:23 PM EDT
[#3]
Check the "AK rifle ammo id" page of my web pages.
mywebpages.comcast.net/jfreeman246/index.htm
12/6/2005 1:14:27 AM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for the advice, I will use some pliers to pull the bullet.  The other question I have is...wouldn't the copper steel core round weigh more than a copper lead core round? I would think that this would be an indicator as well without pulling the bullet. Just a thought and thanks again.
12/6/2005 4:44:04 AM EDT
[#5]
Lead is more dense so it would weigh more if the volume were equal. However, the bullets are constructed so the weight is approximately the same. The difference in the weight of the cartridge is probably minimal, but if you have a powder scale you cuold weigh a few.  
12/6/2005 5:03:04 AM EDT
[#6]
Magnets are attracted to steel and not to copper or brass...why not try the easy way?
12/6/2005 1:09:25 PM EDT
[#7]
I pulled the bullet as instructed and it is Steel Core...thanks for the help! I did notice that on the the page JA545 sent me to: mywebpages.comcast.net/jfreeman246/index.htm had alot of great info (kudo to your hard work) but was unsure if factory 61 made lead or steel. In this case, the 61/86 headstamp I pulled was steel core. Thanks again for all the help and happy shooting!
12/6/2005 8:07:09 PM EDT
[#8]
Chinese ammo like Russian ammo has steel jacketed bullets no matter what the core is made of. A magnet ALWAYS sticks to these bullets and tells you NOTHING about what's inside
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