Winchester’s Victory Series Begins With .45 ACP In July

by
posted on June 4, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
winvic-open-boxes_1.jpg

Winchester begins release of its limited edition World War II commemorative Victory Series ammunition next month with the “45 Auto, Ball, M1911” cartridge. Fifty rounds of .45 ACP loaded with standard military 230-grain FMJ bullets come packaged in a wooden box reminiscent of the ammo crates of the WWII era.

“M1911” is the official military designation for the standardized FMJ loading, and while the ammunition is regulation GI issue in performance—U.S. Army technical manual TM 43-0001-27 lists M1911 Ball ammo muzzle velocity as 885 fps at 19,000 psi—the Victory Series cartridge case itself has a special “M1911” headstamp to separate it from the crowd. Each cartridge rests in an individual recess in a Styrofoam block enclosed in a brown cardboard box. Printing on the cardboard evokes that on USGI boxes; this commemorative series bears “LOT # 1941-1945.”

Winchester Victory Series .45 ACP headstamp
Victory Series .45 ACP features a unique headstamp.


The wooden box protecting the cardboard box is no rough wartime crate; it appears well-made, with dovetailed joints, smooth finish and conservative but attractive artwork. The top bears an image of the American bald eagle, the end sides printed with the U.S. Army’s cartridge designation as found on the military cardboard cartridge boxes. The back side has images of the M1911 pistol and cartridges.

Printed on the wooden box front is a reminder that Winchester, among its many other contributions to Allied victory in WWII, manufactured 15 billion cartridges. Artwork on the box front accompanying that reminder, the image of a soldier aiming a Model 1911 pistol amid war-ruined buildings, reminds one of the pen and ink style of Bill Mauldin, the WWII Stars & Stripes newspaper cartoonist whose “Joe and Willy” GI characters were very popular with the American troops of the day.

Winchester WWII Victory Series .45 ACP wooden box
The first in Winchester’s WWII Victory Series commemorative ammunition is “M1911” .45 ACP, to be released in July. Photo courtesy Winchester

While perhaps not quite reaching the level of “keepsake” box (depending upon your personal taste), Winchester’s first limited edition WWII Victory Series wooden box is tasteful enough for casual display as a conversation starter, and would make a nice gift for a fellow Model 1911 pistol aficionado. Expected retail price is $25-$30.

Winchester will release three more retro WWII-era combat cartridges in the Victory Series, .30-06, .30 Carbine and 12-gauge, the latter loaded in brass hulls. The .30-06 reproduces M2 Ball, suitable and safe for the M1 Garand’s semi-auto gas system, and will be out in November of this year. Next follows the .30 Carbine, which TM 43-0001-27 labels, “Cartridge, Caliber .30, Carbine, Ball, M1,” in June, 2019. Bringing up the rear in November next year is, “Cartridge, 12 Gage, Shotgun, No. M19.”

Again, these are limited edition runs which Winchester expects won’t languish on dealers’ shelves. When they’re gone, they’re gone, so it behooves the interested to watch for them when they’re scheduled for their appearances.

Learn more at www.winchester.com

Latest

Bagnolirangebag 1
Bagnolirangebag 1

What’s In Your Range Bag, Colton Bagnoli?

Colton Bagnoli: From SWAT Sniper to Precision Rifle Mentor

NRA National Precision Pistol Championships 2025 Begin At Cardinal Shooting Center In Ohio

The 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championships are underway at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio—marking a historic first for the venue.

New: Beretta 92X RDO Inox

Beretta’s new 92X RDO Inox fuses classic 90 Series reliability with stainless steel and red-dot optic compatibility.

Smith & Wesson Supercharges Pro Team, Signs Hunter Constantine & Nick ‘PewView’ Johnson

Smith & Wesson signs top shooters Hunter Constantine and Nick Johnson, expanding its pro team with both firepower and fan appeal.

Hillsdale College Halter Center Hosts 2025 WSPS Para Trap Grand Prix

Hillsdale College Halter Center hosted the 2025 WSPS Para Trap Grand Prix, where Sophia Bultema captured silver in a display of athletic skill.

Jerry McDonough Wins 2025 NRA National High Power Long-Range Championship

Jerry McDonough wins 2025 NRA Long-Range title with 1245-73X at Alliance Rifle Club in Ohio.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.