We just had to clean out my grandfather's house, and while doing so, found some old .22 LR ammo, in a box of some other stuff. T

[huntfishtrap]

We just had to clean out my grandfather's house, and while doing so, found some old .22 LR ammo, in a box of some other stuff. The ammo has "HP" stamped on the head, and I've never encountered that head stamp before, any of you old-timers know what company made ammo with that stamp? I'm guessing it's at least 40-50 years old. And is it safe to shoot?

[charlie elk]

Federal the HP stood for High Power.
There is an image gallery of head stamps. OL will not allow me to post a link so Google
association of firearm and toolmark examiners image gallery. Go to Rimfire gallery and see some very interesting head stamps.
Not too bad for an "Old Timer", eh?
later,
charlie

[JM]

It would be safe to try, but no guarentee it will fire.
-I gotta add though: Are you sure you would want to shoot it? Probably not my place, but I would probably try to shoot one, and as long as it went off I would store it in a waterproof case and wait another 40-50 years to shoot it. Ammo will last a long long time as long as it is kept dry.

[6phunter]

LOL/ HEY OLD TIMER''' sounds like your memory hasn;t deteriated too bad. nice job.

[huntfishtrap]

Okay, thanks guys. I've heard of Federal High Powers too, just didn't put 2 and 2 together I guess.

[charlie elk]

Because OL keeps rejecting my post as obscene with the gallery link I put up a post on my personal website www.charlieelk.com along with links to the gallery.
They have some really good stuff there check it out.
Some old cartridges are collector items personally I would not shoot them. Heck the box these came in has been selling for $10-$45.
If you shoot them you will need to clean your gun well soon. That old powder was very corrosive. In the old days a gun left uncleaned quickly developed barrel pitting.
later,
charlie