Help with identifying the markings on a spam can of 7.62x54r

[ray1970]

I ran a ton of Albanian 7.62x54 through my Nagant. It shot really well.

[VDW]

I'd be guessing, but I'd say either the 88-3 or the 86-2 is the year and date of manufacture. Based on some of the other Soviet spam can codes, one date may be the date of powder manufacture, and the other might be the assembly date. But again, this can does not follow the "standard" soviet spam can markings, and I can't find anything resembling this one other than a few old posts of people asking what they were. The answers were always "check out this post" where there are either a list of headstamps and their corresponding manufacturer or a link to the spam can markings post that doesn't cover this style at all.

[VDW]

Thanks Ray, that seems to be the consensus, although some people say the exact opposite.

[VDW]

Ray, do you have any idea if it was light or heavy ball? Apparently the heavy ball can tear up a PSL, and I assume a VEPR too?

[ray1970]

I don't want to lie to you but I believe it was a lighter projectile. Something like 147 ish if I recall. Been a while.

[XJ]

This is what I used when trying to identify markings on cans.

http://www.7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmoID.htm

[CS1983]

Can marking discussion (same main markings as yours):
https://forums.gunboards.com/showthr...f-7-62x54-ammo

Ammo discussion:
https://forums.gunboards.com/showthr...-ammo-question

Sounds like Albanian and it's either going to be good or horrible, depending on how your rifle likes it.

ETA:

The Macedonians say it's awful.

[VDW]

Thanks CS1983 and XJ. I found both of those sites, but neither actually tells me what year, weight projectile, etc. without opening the crate and checking the headstamps, right? I also found:

https://m1-garand-rifle.com/mil-surplus-ammo.php

http://russianammo.org/russabb.jpg

Both are pretty good for decoding Soviet era spam cans, but not the Albanian cans?

[Gman]

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmoID11.htm

Type 53 bullet (steel core light ball - 147-148gr). Will apparently do a number on steel targets.

Made in 1988 (88) in Albania (3)

[VDW]

Thanks Gman, I guess I missed that (3) was the code for the Albanian factory. Makes sense