.223 Brass ID - Primer Issue

[GrimmLV]

Hello all. I have a bunch of .223 brass that I cannot find an ID of the maker. The only markings on the headstamp is an "83" at the 12 o'clock position, and a "12" at the 6 o'clock position. Any ideas?

Second issue is that I cannot get the primers out of this evil stuff. I think the flash hole may be too small for my lee decapper. I have read about the issues others have had with crimped .223, and have tried about all the tricks with not much luck. Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,

Grimm

 

[SciFiJim]

Grimm,
Can you post a picture of the head stamp on the brass? It might help in identification. For instance, if the 3 in 83 is an incomplete 8 instead, then 88 is from Western Cartridge Company (Olin), East Alton, IL.

So, pics please.

 

[SirYarquest]

We can help too

IF you email me a pic, we'll tell what the deal is. If you don't have any luck eslewhere. Don't want to rain on anyone's pararde, just like to be at service.

[email protected]

Sir Yarquest

 

[evan price]

Take a small penlight or flashlight and look into the bottom of the case. If there is one flash hole in the middle it is just Boxer primed with a tight hole and probably a crimped primer.
If there are TWO flash holes off center, you have Berdan primed brass and for all intents and purposes it is not worth the hassle of messing with- they have not imported Berdan primers in years.

It sounds like some I had last year that had a 3-notch primer crimp and Berdan primed. Scrap bucket in that case.

 

[fatelk]

I've seen this brass, I think. I don't know what nationality it is, but is is berdan primed and not reloadable without special tools and berdan primers. In other words- not worth the trouble even remotely for a common round like .223.

 

[GrimmLV]

That's it! Thanks!

"Berdan primed" was what it was guys, thanks much. Amazing what a little light on the subject can do.

I am still interested in knowing what make these are.

Regards,

Grimm

 

[Remo-99]

At a guess that headstamp resembles some soviet bloc ammo I've seen mostly 7.62x39mm, though.

The "83" most likey the year and the "12" plant of manufacture, I'm thinking possibly in China, and yes berdan priming would be no supprise there.

Like I said, I'm mainly guessing, someone that's more upto date with headstamp ID resources maybe able to clear it up some more.

 

[WNTFW]

I've had some of those. Same crimp
Berdan- As you already Know. Source was China according to my web search.