S+B
Definition
Sellier and Bellot headstamp code (Czech Republic, now part of CBC Group); a major European commercial and military-contract producer exported globally including to India, the US, and UK markets.
- Full name
- Sellier and Bellot
- Country of origin
- Czech Republic
- Parent group
- CBC Group (Brazil)
- Market type
- Commercial and military-contract ammunition
Common questions
What does finding an S+B headstamp tell an examiner?+
It identifies the manufacturer and, combined with the caliber marking, narrows the likely source and legal import route of the cartridge case, which is useful when tracing ammunition recovered at a scene against dealer or import records.
Is S+B ammunition only military surplus?+
No. Sellier and Bellot sells heavily into civilian sporting and commercial markets worldwide alongside government contracts, so its presence at a scene does not by itself indicate a military or law-enforcement source.
Related terms
- CIP
- Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes a Feu Portatives; the European proof body that standardises chamber and cartridge specifications for European...
- GRC Database
- General Rifling Characteristics database maintained by the FBI Laboratory's Firearms and Toolmarks Unit; includes an ammunition component section that references headstamp codes...
- Imperial Calibre Notation
- Calibre designation using decimal fractions of an inch, often with a name suffix indicating the designer or intended firearm (e.g. .45 ACP,...
- IOF
- Indian Ordnance Factory headstamp code (produced at Khadki / Kirkee, Pune); the primary Indian government producer of 9x19mm, .38 Special, and 7.62x51mm...
- LC
- Lake City Army Ammunition Plant headstamp code; the primary US military ammunition producer for small-arms calibres including 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm, and .50 BMG.
- Metric Calibre Notation
- Calibre designation using bullet diameter in millimetres multiplied by case length in millimetres (e.g. 9x19mm, 7.62x39mm, 5.56x45mm); standard in NATO and European...
- NABIS
- National Ballistics Intelligence Service; the UK police intelligence service that maintains a national headstamp and firearm reference collection and coordinates ballistic intelligence...
- NATO Cross
- A circle with cross symbol stamped on military cartridge headstamps confirming the round meets the relevant NATO STANAG specification; found on production...
- Primer Sealant
- Coloured lacquer applied at the primer-to-case-head junction on military cartridges to prevent moisture ingress; colour varies by manufacturer and is not a...
- RG
- Radway Green headstamp code (UK); BAE Systems' Royal Ordnance Factories facility and primary UK military small-arms ammunition producer.
- SAAMI
- Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute; the US voluntary standards body that publishes chamber and cartridge drawings and maximum average pressure (MAP)...