How is it primed?

[mattw]

Quick and possibly stupid question:

How can I tell if some old mil-surp ammo I've got is boxer primed or berdan primed?

 

[scrat]

Two flash holes versus one. On a fired round look inside the case. Berdan primers may have two or even three flash holes. You can not remove Berdan primers with regular depriming rods. Special de primers need to be purchased. Most primers used in the U.S are boxer primers. Boxer primers have a anvil usually made of brass that is inside of the primer. Berdan primers usually have the anvil as part of the casing. See the pics below.

http://www.marplerifleandpistolclub.org.uk/pictures/primer1.htm

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/primer.cfm

 

[mattw]

Thanks!