Howdy folks,

Looking for an answer, i.e., if anyone knows what I have. Recently came into a batch of 8x57mm GI ammo on five shot stripper clips in 15 round brown cardboard boxes. The paper label is marked EJERCITO, then there is a fancy crest with flags an eagle and a picture of a snow capped mountain, desert, and a palm tree, and under the crest is the term ECUATORIANO.

Also on the paper is the following identification of the ammo

15 Cartuchos "SS"

Cal. 7.92mm.

I assume this is a Spanish load. The headstamp is 7.92 over 1955, with the capital letters A on each side of the primer. Has a normal brass case with a cupro-nickel spitzer bullet. stab crimped. Have not fired any of this ammo, just looks old, some is corroded. Only a few of the stripper clips are uncorroded.

Any ammo experts out there??

Larry

Larry, I beleive what you have is some 8mm Mauser from Ecuador. It would have been for the M-43 Spainish Mauser. ECUATORIANO means Ecuadorian. The "SS" you refered to, usually when you see the "SS" on Mauser ammo it refers to "Schweres Spitzgeschoss" which is German. Im not for sure what the translation is but I was always told when you seen it the ammo was made in Germany. Hope this helps.

Put a magnet on the bullets and see if it sticks; not uncommon for European military ammo to have steel-jacketed bullets. A little rough on bores, so keep that in mind if you shoot it. Likely corrosive-primed, so wash the bore out with hot water after shooting, then oil as usual.

Sounds like garden-variety surplus 8mm Mauser ammo.

Put a magnet on the bullets and see if it sticks; not uncommon for European military ammo to have steel-jacketed bullets. A little rough on bores, so keep that in mind if you shoot it. Likely corrosive-primed, so wash the bore out with hot water after shooting, then oil as usual.

Sounds like garden-variety surplus 8mm Mauser ammo.

Yep, the magnet sticks!! Steel jackets. I bought the stuff for popping in some old Mausers anyway, not my good ones. Thanks guys!!

Larry

Larry, I beleive what you have is some 8mm Mauser from Ecuador. It would have been for the M-43 Spainish Mauser. ECUATORIANO means Ecuadorian. The "SS" you refered to, usually when you see the "SS" on Mauser ammo it refers to "Schweres Spitzgeschoss" which is German. Im not for sure what the translation is but I was always told when you seen it the ammo was made in Germany. Hope this helps.


Thank you guys. Cracked the SS in my German English dictionary to mean "hard pointed projectile", and every bit helps! Thanks

Larry