Cool WW2 Ammo Box

[Rogue5]

Found this Empty (no ammunition) WW2 metal Ammo box at a local swap meet. All Embossed can
The cool thing about it is that it still has Yellow Paint Packing mark indicating 8 Rnd Clips (for an M1 Garand)
Although the Packing Lot Number is missing.

[Smokey]

Interesting, M2 AP was the primary amm used by the infantry later in WWII.

[Rogue5]

Why did they use AP ammo late in WW2? Was there a shortage? Was this done in Both Theatres (ETO and PTO)?

[Beltfed]

As to ‘Rogue5’, AP was considered more accurate. The ammo can above is interesting, but let’s go back in even further.

[Rogue5]

Neat Ammo boxes. The metal one on the Right marked "NR33"? I've never seen that before who made that one?

[Smokey]

Rogue5 commented
Why did they use AP ammo late in WW2? Was there a shortage? Was this done in Both Theatres (ETO and PTO)?

Actually, M2AP was considered more effective both for personnel and anything else of the enemy. It also allowed shooting the enemy taking cover behind things like railroad tracks.
It was a fairly hot load driving a 165gr bullet just under 2800 fps (at the muzzle). It ran around 54,000 psi and used 55gr WC852 propellant, fairly similar to Winchester 760 ball powder.
Interestingly, barrel life ran around 10,000 rounds, about double that of M2 Ball. I'm guessing the slower powder was used because of far high pressure needed to engrave the bullet into the rifling.
30-06 “30 CAL M2 AP” Armor Piercing | The Ammo Channel

[Rogue5]

One of my favorites is this WW2 Ammo Box which has 3 Different Packing Lot paint marks.
The one side with side carrying latch is dated 10.54 (maybe October 1954)
The other side of the can "...Functional Lot" is painted over another marking (barely seen yellow)

The top lid paint is darker than the whole can giving it a 2 tone transitional look