RA52 Bandoleer

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   My Brother gave me a 120 rd bandoleer with RA52 rounds in clips. Looks in fine condition, brass is untarnished despite the age, and what appears to be the original cardboard strips still separate the 2-packs. The lot numbers/markings are generally legible on the fabric.Is this something that some of you would consider collectible, i.e., would my kids stamp on my grave in 30 years if I shoot it up and reload the brass instead of treating the bandoleer like a safe queen?
I am not an ammunition collector, but would like to make sure I don't break up something that may be considered of historical interest.

P.S. to strengthen my appearance of ignorance: Does the RA headstamp designate Remington?

V/R

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Timothy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List On Point Joined: Jan 13 2022 Location: Crossville TN Status: Offline Points: 102	Post Options Post Reply Quote Timothy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: RA52 Bandoleer Posted: Jun 02 2022 at 11:54pm
	My Brother gave me a 120 rd bandoleer with RA52 rounds in clips. Looks in fine condition, brass is untarnished despite the age, and what appears to be the original cardboard strips still separate the 2-packs. The lot numbers/markings are generally legible on the fabric. Is this something that some of you would consider collectible, i.e., would my kids stamp on my grave in 30 years if I shoot it up and reload the brass instead of treating the bandoleer like a safe queen? I am not an ammunition collector, but would like to make sure I don't break up something that may be considered of historical interest. P.S. to strengthen my appearance of ignorance: Does the RA headstamp designate Remington? V/R
	T R

W5USMC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: Apr 29 2017 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 2864	Post Options Post Reply Quote W5USMC Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jun 03 2022 at 12:02am
	Yes, many would consider that ammo collectible and yes RA= Remington Arms, the 52 is the year it was produced.
	Wayne USMC Retired NRA Life Member

GotSnlB28 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Hard Corps Joined: Jan 01 2016 Location: WI Status: Offline Points: 856	Post Options Post Reply Quote GotSnlB28 Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jun 03 2022 at 8:25am
	I would say less collectable than WW2 produced but still RA is not that commonly seen -vs- Lake City. WW2 era will always be more collectable IMO. Someone had a full 600rd spam can of RA51 for sale on CMP forum that sat for a while before selling $425. Its not getting any younger either. If you decide to shoot it I wouldn't feel too guilty about it.

Jond41403 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List On Point Joined: Feb 21 2021 Location: East Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 214	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jond41403 Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jun 03 2022 at 11:20am
	It is true that it is less collectible than world war II ammunition but it is still great vintage Korean war collectible ammunition. I would hang on to it since more recent lake City can be had. Just my two cents

Timothy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List On Point Joined: Jan 13 2022 Location: Crossville TN Status: Offline Points: 102	Post Options Post Reply Quote Timothy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jun 03 2022 at 12:03pm
	Appreciate the thoughts. I will keep it in an ammo can and hold on to it for now: still have plenty of brass for reloading. It is interesting that the retail price of new commercial .30 carbine is more currently more per round than the legacy RA51 that our friend from Wisconsin mentions above. Thanks Tim
	T R