Berdine Primer Removal

[Ret.CWO]

Most likely been asked befor, but does any member know of easy manual Berdine decap tool ?

 

[mdi]

As an experiment I decapped some Berdan primed cases with water and a 30 cal. dowel. Fill case with water insert dowel in case neck and tap smartly with a mallet. Hydraulic pressure drives primer out. But I could find no primers to replace. Berdan primers are slightly different diameter than Boxer primers...

 

[hoghunting]

I've never been interested in reloading berdan primed brass, but found this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/245983/rcbs-berdan-decapping-tool

 

[Reloadron]

You can find a few tools as shown in post #3 but the method I have used is covered in post #2. None of the actual tools I have seen are fast or easy but the simplest and effective is using hydro pressure, a mallet and wooden dowl, not to mention inexpensive. You may get a little wet too.

Ron

 

[PCCUSNRET]

I use one similar to the hydraulic ones mentioned above but came with a stainless decapping rod instead of a wooden dowel. It also came with a base to hold the brass that has a hole drilled down through the top meeting with one drilled through the side where the primer exits the tool. I bought this tool at the Armory in Virginia Beach about 15 years ago and the last time I was there they didn't have any in stock.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Dave Cushman has some good info on Berdan primers, how to decap and what to substitute when possible.
http://davecushman.net/berdan_supplies_dimensions.html

 

[salpal48]

I load Berdan a lot But only use the 6.45 MM and english #172 . These are for original 43 spanish, 11 Gras, and english nitro. . I have used the conventional Tools but always go back to a Home made Pick. . just basicly a sharp Ice pick with a Square sharp front. . works Fine for me but It is a labor of Love.
Sal

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I remembered that Powder Valley had stocked Berdan primers prior to the last great shortage. I e-mail Bryan and was told they have no plans to sell them again. So much for the last good source.

 

[ny32182]

I would have to have a reason much better than any I can currently think of to even bother...

 

[kcofohio]

I remembered that Powder Valley had stocked Berdan primers prior to the last great shortage. I e-mail Bryan and was told they have no plans to sell them again. So much for the last good source.

I'm sure the berdan primers were slow movers in the sales department. But at this time, I haven't seen any Tula primers in stock. I can only guess it has to do with Crimea.

 

[Ret.CWO]

Berdine Primer

I just want to say THANK YOU for those of you who replied. I agree that it's a lot of bother, but it just kills be to toss fine brass in the recycle bin.

 

[zeke]

It is a lot of bother, but it was not that long ago that new 308 brass was very difficult to find. It is still expensive, as is loaded surplus rounds.

During component shortages, didn't have to worry about the range being crowded.

 

[mstreddy]

CWO,
I know it's a shame to toss perfect brass because it's Berdan. I briefly toyed with the idea of working with Berdan primed brass, even bought the RCBS tool linked in #3. I ended up selling it though, as finding the correct berdan size primers was tough.
I have traded or PIF'ed a lot of my Berdan primed brass here in the forums.
So, I just collect it, put it away, and when an opportunity comes up for some one that can use it - it goes.

Thankfully, in my more common calibers, and even some of the more uncommon, I've gathered enough Boxer brass.

 

[salpal48]

It really does not Pay and effort to work with berdan with available Brass, like 223 308. I only use Berdan for Old black Powder Cases like 11mm's mauser, Werndl , Gras and Big English Kynoch. Old metric Brass is aways available @ gun show. . Prime Are There cheap large 6.45MM. Recently picked Up a sealed Brick for $15.

 

[gillmeister692]

Berdan.
Berdan.
Berdan.
Berdan.
Berdan.

 

[Ret.CWO]

Got IT !!!!!!!!!