I was this old when I found the hidden lot number on Norma Tac-22. I reviewed Norma Tac-22 a few months ago, comparing it to Federal Champion in my CZ457. One thing that I found odd was that I could not find an imprinted lot number on the ammo box.

Competitive shooters know that not only does ammo vary with brand and model but that ammo performance can vary with the factory batches (lot) that produced them. Typically match grade or European made ammo will imprint a lot number on their boxes. Savvy buyers will bulk buy ammo based on specific lot numbers.

Norma Tac-22’s packaging says it’s made my Norma USA but upon close inspection, I found RWS head stamps on the casing. RWS is a German munitions company well known for making 22LR ammo. RWS was the brand CZ used when proofing my rifle at the factory.

I looked carefully at the Tac-22 package and I could not find a lot number or any set of numbers or characters that appeared to be a lot number. The only numbers on the packaging were next to the barcode and appeared to be the UPC (Universal Product Code) and the model number. Typically a lot number would be embossed or die-printed mechanically onto a box as these numbers are printed at the end of the packing process at the factory to reflect each batch lot the factory produces.

I mentioned this in my review and a viewer commented on my YouTube channel that the number was embossed on the edge of the box flap next to barcode. Son-of-a-gun, I went back to my box of Tac-22 and found it. This flap is inside the box, when unopened. It is an embossed number on a black printed flap which is nearly invisible to my old eyes and easily missed; essentially a hidden number.

I honestly do not understand why ammo makers do not print their lot numbers clearly on the external panel that also has the barcode, or on any other side on the carboard box like Eley and Hornady? Why do they hide it from users until after they open the box? I guess I’ll have to ask Norma this the next time I’m at Shot Show.