What are the letters and numbers stamped on bullet casings by the manufacturer called?

The term for the letters and numbers stamped on bullet casings by the manufacturer is known as a headstamp. A headstamp provides important information about the cartridge, such as the manufacturer's name, caliber, and sometimes additional details like the year of manufacture. This information is crucial in forensic investigations as it helps identify the source of the ammunition and can link the ammunition to specific events or individuals.

In this context, other terms may refer to different aspects of ammunition or ballistic analysis but do not accurately describe the stamped markings on the casing. For example, ballistics markings refer to the unique impressions left by the gun barrel on the projectile or casing when fired, which can be used for forensic ballistics comparison. Firing pin imprints are the impressions left on the primer of the cartridge by the firing pin during discharge, which can assist in determining whether a particular firearm was used in a crime. Case identifier is a more generic term that does not specifically relate to the stamped information provided by manufacturers.