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June 2, 2014
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Was reloading a box of Winchester .45-70 brass, mostly W-W headstamp, this afternoon that a friend had given me and found a W.R.A. Co. headstamped case. Further markings were .45-70 W..H.V., plus it has a very large diameter primer (0.236″). Would this be a #2 1/2 primer? Case condition is good, so I assume it is not “antique”, and some online searching leads me to understand that WRA headstamps probably ended around 1961. I’d appreciate if anyone could give me an estimate of this case’s age, plus what the WHV stands for? Possibly “Winchester High Velocitiy”?
April 15, 2005
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“W.H.V.” is the abbreviation for Winchester High Velocity which means the cartridge was originally loaded with smokeless powder and most likely a 300-gr jacketed bullet.
I believe that the “WRA” headstamp made its appearance after the Western Cartridge Company had acquired the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in early 1931 (out of Bankruptcy). I have no idea which primer was used at that time.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 2, 2014
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Thanks for the info, Bert. Much appreciated!
Mike
December 9, 2002
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As I am in agreement with Bert here. I will add that Winchester did offer 45-70 WHV Low Pressure ammo in a 300 gr. soft point bullet as early as 1903-1905, 1906, and as late as 1929, according to Giles & Shuey’s book. Definitely a Smokeless powder. In the early yellow sunburst box. This ammo being listed for the model 1886.
Looks like a large primer in other pics to me but I would verify before I tried to re-load. More information might be sought on the IAA, (International Ammunition Ass)., site.
Anthony
November 9, 2008
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I have a box dated 7/26 
June 2, 2014
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Thanks Anthony. So, it looks like the case might be circa 1929? As I mentioned, it is in quite good shape.
I’m not going to try to reload it, but am intrigued by the huge primer. It’s larger, 0.236″, in diameter than what I could find listed for the #2 1/2 primer,
Brass No 2 1/2 .210 1879-1885 Medium to Large
Rifle Calibers
but I’ve not found descriptions of any larger primers.
Appreciate you providing the IAA site.
Mike
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