Question about Berdan case trimmin

[Matt Dillon]

Folks, I currently only load Boxer primed cases, but recently have purchased a quantity of Berdan primers, for use in my GP11, 7.5 Swiss, and scrounged Berdan brass cases in 7.62x54 and 7.62x39.
I have only used the Lee trimming system for the Boxer primed cases, but that won't work for the Berdan primed cases.
I have looked at the Wilson and Forster case trimmers, and know that Sinclair and Lyman also make case trimmers, but they each have separate collets, bushings, etc., that really jack up the price for a case trimmer.
I don't expect to use it a whole lot, and thus can't justify spending $100.00 for the case trimmer and all the extras.
Do you all have any recommendations regarding precisely what I need to purchase in order to trim the above-mentioned cases? I am only interested in trimming Berdan primed GP11 (7.5 Swiss), 7.62x39 and 7.62x54.
Thanks so much in advance for your help!

 

[baker1425]

I've never trimmed berdan, but I have with a lee trimmer and boxer. Could you get an extra pilot for your lee and then carefully file the end down until you got the proper trimming length?

Variations in case web thickness between mfgs is the only potential problem I see

Whered you find berdan primers and were they reasonably priced?

 

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks for your suggestion, but unfortunately the Lee system is great for Boxer primed cases (as the trimmer extends through the primer hole), but it just wouldn't work for the Berdan case. I found the primers on a gun auction site, I don't know what reasonably priced is, but they cost just about what I paid last year for Boxer primers. I'm sure that they will only go up in price - I am shocked at how much all components have gone up this last year. Thanks again, and please continue to offer advice and suggestions!

 

[toecutter]

If I remember correctly, the 7.5swiss is a bit longer than the .308. So, in theory, if you could find another way to control the length (drill press) you could just use a .308 "length gauge" as a pilot. Or you could file off the end of the rod as was said, but I don't think this is the ideal method.

Otherwise, there are plenty of trimming options available. But, I'm a big fan of the gracey trimmer I bought, and encourage everyone to get an automated trimmer.