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16887 - 50 BMG Ammo Worth
10/10/2026

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 50 BMG, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I recently purchased a .50 cal rifle with around 300 rounds of .50 BMG/AP belted ammo all marked with KS 43 headstamps and the original side opening cans. They still have the cardboard separators still in them and are in very nice shape with no signs of corrosion. What is this ammo worth?

Answer:
While the ammo is almost certainly still capable of being fired, it is corrosive primed and many owners of .50 BMG rifles are reluctant to use it in their expensive rifles. People with .50 BMG machine guns probably like it as ``blasting ammo`` where they can use a rough barrel and not worry too much about it being corrosive, as long as it goes bang, and is cheap.

There is limited collector market for relatively common W2 .50 BMG ammo (Ball or AP) with more interest in exotic Incendiary, API, APIT, but then in small quantities for display.

Check GunBroker.com to see what it is selling for now. You may find it on some of the auction sites, but when comparing prices there, remember to factor in any buyer/seller premiums and other assorted fees and shipping.

My wild guess is maybe $2-3 per round, but that may be high or low, and vary more depending on what the buyer wants it for. Post Korean war NON CORROSIVE ammo would sell for more.

Hope that helps.

John Spangler

16886 - Antique Vintage Rare
10/1/2026

Maker: Various, Model: Various, Caliber: Various, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have no idea who or how to find parties interested in items I have. Gun sales stores don`t know. Gun shows font know. Cannot find at all google etc. Full 25 pound tin can #8 lead shot. Full original box cork 12 gauge rags. Vintage empty cases 12, 15, 28, etc cardboard type cases. A wooden unopened military box of British .303 62 pounds so about 1240 bullets. Old reloaded as 1894 etc with all parts and shell holders etc. lots of items as vintage or older gun cleaning bottles cans etc. no one knows or has seen.

Answer:
People collect all sorts of stuff like that.

If I were trying to sell it, I would list any ammo on GunBroker.com. Use as many related words as you can in the description and have LOTS of photos. Start bidding low and hope two people get into a bidding war. Or, make it a high price "Or Best Offer." It is amazing what some people will offer for something they want but others think is junk.

List any tools or things other than ammunition on eBay.

You can waste a lot of time trying to find exact matches and comparable sales. Good photos and decent description will attract people who are willing to buy, and get you a fair market price.

None of it sounds especially valuable other than the .303 ammo, so I would not waste too much time on stuff that might only be worth a couple of bucks. But, I've seem junk sell for silly money, so give it a shot.

Good luck.

John Spangler

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