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Hello, and reload ammo identification help request

Hi folks. I'm a new member, and I've joined mostly to ask some help from some experts here.
My father died last week and in going through his guns and ammo I came across two boxes of 30-06 cartridges marked in the same way, "Caution!" (See attached photo)
Can someone please explain the hand written reload info on the box means and why it is marked caution?

Thanks in advance
 

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Hi. Sorry for your loss. I don’t have my Reloading Manual in front of me to check the load but your Dad says it’s a “Hot load” so I’d believe him. “Hot” means it’s loaded with a larger powder charge than “normal”, creating higher pressures in the gun.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss, Wheeliefun; I hope you and your family are finding as much peace as you can and that his memory is a blessing.

Re. your question: that load is marked "Caution" most likely because it's approaching (or perhaps beyond) the limits of safe. I added some notes to your photo (see below), but my guess is that the rounds in those boxes were intended for one specific rifle and may not be safe in any other.

1675309157365.png

Best practice here would be to disassemble them (if he has reloading gear, is there a device that looks like a hammer but has a screw-off cap on the hitting stuff end? You can use that to get the bullets out without firing them), snap the primers, and dispose of the components. That's the safe bet with rounds of unknown load.

I wish you all the best in what I know is an incredibly trying time. If you have other questions please don't hesitate to ask.
 
Thank you so much. This is exactly the specific information I was looking for.

He didn't reload these himself, he didn't have reload equipment. He bought them from somewhere. The only 30-06 in our collection is a Remington 700 ADL.
 
He didn't reload these himself, he didn't have reload equipment. He bought them from somewhere. The only 30-06 in our collection is a Remington 700 ADL.
In that case I would definitely just dispose of them. If you have friends who load for rifle they'll almost certainly have the means to do so, otherwise I would reach out to a local gun store, gun range, or your local police department for help. Don't throw them in the trash assembled: the heat/pressure from the compactor has been known to make them cook off. Once they're in pieces they're safe to throw out.
 
Sorry for your lost.
This is the problem. No one knows if these are safe loads or not. In my opinion the only option is to disassemble them and reuse the case and bullet. This process can be done via inertia or by using a collet or something similar. A competent hand loader and / or gunsmith can help you get this done.
Duane
 
I've looked through the info you've posted and as a layman I can't draw a conclusion. Are these rounds safe or should I dispose of them as mtncwru suggests above?
Those reloaded ammo are worth some 1 buck per shot. It is your call.
30-06 ammo is easy to find at any Walmart.
 
I would assume, since your father didn't reload, that is NOT his writing? Since you do not reload, and can't safely disassemble and check the accuracy of the information DO NOT fire any. This ammo should be "pulled" down, and if done properly will result in primed brass and useable bullet. Powder should likely be used as lawn fertilizer. Another issue besides the unverified components, is the fit of this ammo in the firearm(this can be a damage/injury causing situation for firearm or shooter). 40.00 is not worth any risk.
 
Just throw em away. Dont even mess with em. No telling how old they are anyways.

Easy to move on here. Aint worth thinking twice about.
 
I would assume, since your father didn't reload, that is NOT his writing? Since you do not reload, and can't safely disassemble and check the accuracy of the information DO NOT fire any. This ammo should be "pulled" down, and if done properly will result in primed brass and useable bullet. Powder should likely be used as lawn fertilizer. Another issue besides the unverified components, is the fit of this ammo in the firearm(this can be a damage/injury causing situation for firearm or shooter). 40.00 is not worth any risk.
Great advice and exactly what I'd recommend. Far too many unknowns to even consider using the ammo.
 
Hi folks. I'm a new member, and I've joined mostly to ask some help from some experts here.
My father died last week and in going through his guns and ammo I came across two boxes of 30-06 cartridges marked in the same way, "Caution!" (See attached photo)
Can someone please explain the hand written reload info on the box means and why it is marked caution?

Thanks in advance
Based on the information provided in the OP, my opinion is that the gun powder used in the reloads is neither H4831 nor IMR4831, but is most likely 4831 surplus powder as used in WWII and Korean War 20mm Cannon rounds.

Speer Number 7 Manual, Copyright 1966, refers simply to 4831. However, 4831 is not shown as suitable for 165 grain 30-06 bullets in that manual.

Powder deteriorates over time. Others have already suggested disposing of the subject rounds. Since you do not reload, I suggest contacting your local Police Department about safe disposal.
 

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