Berdan primer reloading

[draconianruler]

I'm looking into getting started with reloading and was wondering if its possible to reload cases that have berdan primers? Is it worth the time and effort?

[Sheldon]

They sell a tool (RCBS) for removing the berdan primers, but it is rather slow compared to how fast and easy the boxer primers are removed by the sizing die. Finding berdan primers can be a challenge as well and probably a little more expensive than boxer primers. For any popular caliber it is a hassle, but for less common calibers it may be worth the time.

[jdberger]

IIRC they used to use water pressure to pop the Berdan primers out. It might get a little messy around the bench, though.

What are you trying to load?

[l0kster]

draconianruler:

try here:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reloading.asp

has several good articles on Berdan reloading

[bu-bye]

i'd stay away from them. Go with the cases that are easy to reload and easy to find primers for.

[762cavalier]

actually reloading Berdan cases is not that difficult. The only problem (presently) is locating Berdan rifle primers. I bought a couple of thousand from Graf's a year or so ago, but they no longer have them and I haven't found them anywhere else

[-hanko]

actually reloading Berdan cases is not that difficult. The only problem (presently) is locating Berdan rifle primers. I bought a couple of thousand from Graf's a year or so ago, but they no longer have them and I haven't found them anywhere else

Midway is a possibility but I haven't checked them. they're no longer listed on the Old Western Scrounger's website, they used to have them as a stock item.

-hanko

[C.G.]

If you want to do that with 5.56 you may want to give these guys a try; they prep the cases and prime them:

http://www.rvow.com/customer%20cases.htm

[GTKrockeTT]

just shoot your south african and be happy with it.

[draconianruler]

just shoot your south african and be happy with it.

LOL, that's exactly what I was thinking about reloading. Thanks for the feedback, I'll just stick with the boxer primer.

[fal_762x51]

Reloading berdan is fun! When OWS had berdan primers 2 years ago I got 6k worth for the 8mm Lebel and 7.5x53 (GP90). I use the drill and drywall screw method; drill a hole off center of the primer and use the drywall screw to pop it out. I would do it on the .303 I have, but the pockets are too big.