Topic: Headstamp/Cartridge Identification

[KClarke]

Hello all,
      I've been looking recently at acquiring a digital Cartridge Case/Headstamp Library to use for identification purposes.  I've found several, and am curious as to what experience, if any, folks might have had with them.
 
    The first is relatively inexpensive, manufactured by a Curtis Steinhauer, located in Canada and found at
 
www.cartridge-corner.com
 
    The second, is a great deal more expensive, and manufactured by a group in the Netherlands, with offices worldwide, though apparently, not in North America yet.  It can be found at
 
http://www.cartwin.nl/IndexUK.html
 
     Any input or advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
 
     Thank you in advance for any help,
 
 
Kenneth Clarke
NIBIN Technician
KClarke@Greenvillecounty.org

[gmlawrence]

The Cartridge Headstamp Guide by Curtis is an excellent product. We just recently ordered the latest upgrade to this product. Lots of usefull information about the cartridge and company. You'll enjoy the search engine that's incorporated in the product. Gary

[Michael Neel]

Kenneth,

I have a copy of the first reference that you mention. We have found it useful as it does provide lots of good information. I have had trouble with the search feature from time to time; however, I definitely recommend the product. I have not seen the second reference that you mention.

Mike Neel

[Jim Roberts]

I've used the Steinhauer CD for a couple of years now and have only stumped it once that I can remember, and that one gave Bill Wooden some pause as well.  Seems to work well.

Jim

[KClarke]

Thanks for all the helpful replies.  From what I can see, Mr. Steinhuaer's work seems to be a safe bet.  Being as it's fairly inexpensive, I may be able to get it and another reference for back-up.
 
   After speaking with the gentleman who apparently helped designed CartWinPro, I find my interest piqued in it.  He says he is going to be demonstrating it at the AFTE show this year if anyone is interested.  I don't know if I'll be able to attend yet or not, but we are trying to wrangle some funds for it now.
 
   Also, a third database has been brought to my attention, and I thought I would see if anyone was familiar with it.  It's called the Centerfire Headstamp Database, and is produced by Forensic Ammunition Service Inc., located in Michigan.  From my reading on this one, it seems to have a large amount of information stored in individual Word documents.  I'm not sure about the search functions incorporated in it, but another large database might help cover anything the first missed.  Anyone had experience with this one?
 
   Thanks for the advice,
 
Kenneth Clarke
NIBIN Technician

[Jim Roberts]

Sounds like George Kass's book in the data base form. I have the book and it is good. I know that George keeps his info in his computer so he probably has released it this way, as such it could be kept more up to date than a book.  Or at least more easily kept up.  I haven't seen it but George knows his stuff.

Jim

[Cole]

We have the Forensic Ammo Service guide here.  It has about 1000 entries on the CD, a text index, and a picture index (for Arabic headstamps and such).  If it isn't in one of the CD entries, you send it to George Kass, and he'll figure it out.  It hasn't failed us yet.

[Dennis Lyons]

We have both of the mentioned headstamp guides here at the NYSP lab and they are both easy to use.  I don't think you can go wrong with either one.