Reloading GP11

[Cessnapilot89]

i have found some berdan primers and want to reload my GP11 brass for my k31. Is there any special tools I need for reloading berdan besides the berdan primer remover?

[tteng]

The decap/resizing die is usually designed for boxer primed brass. Therefore when resizing the berdan brass, the decaping tip will break. Therefore get a backup in case you want to reload boxer primed brass later on.

Also, the berdan primed brass will last (in my case) about two reloads before the anvil of the brass gets too short and hang-fire or no-fire starts to happen.

I use a 3/8" metal dowl pin and 'water hammer' method to remove the berdan primer (search on internet).

[kkritter]

Sorry, I have to disagree with the previous post on a couple of points. I reload GP11...1, if you buy dies by Hornady or Redding (I have those) and I believe Lee as well you can remove the decaping pin, you don't have to "break it" and you may bend the rod in the process. 2, I have GP11 brass that I have reloaded at least 4 times and the anvil has gone nowhere. Once you get the primer removed it's the same as reloading boxer primed brass just remove the decap pin when you size. Also even though a 5.5mm Berdan primer will fit in the cup of a primer seating tool it's a snug fit and any automatic primer feeding devices don't work, you'll have to prime one at time on your press. My Hornady hand primer was a big fail as well. I just picked up an older RCBS standard priming tool and the thing works great, I don't know why they discontinued it....