Question about used 7.62 NATO brass

[steelpatriot]

Hey guys, been reading posts forever, but this is my first actual post.

I came upon a significant box of once-fired 7.62x51 NATO brass. It was fired through a MG3. Due to the nature of the MG3, every case has a decent sized dent in the case mouth. See the pics attached.

My question: Is this brass reloadable? Is that dent too much to resize? Is it worth anything to anyone for reloading's sake?

Thanks for the input!

 

[Grumulkin]

Those are indeed the mother of all case mouth dents but the brass is reloadable. One would first have to put some object into the case mouth to get it to a little semblance of round; it would have to be round enough for the expander ball to get through.

So yes, the brass is reloadable but since you would have to do a bit of work on the case mouth in addition to swaging the primer pockets some would not bother with it and the market for it isn't as good as for civilian brass.

 

[steelpatriot]

Thanks for the speedy reply. I didn't even begin to ponder the primer crimps! It's nice to know its usable, just maybe a bit tedious. I'll hold on to it, given the uncertainty of the future of supplies, but it'll be relegated to deep storage.

I had a chance to let it rip through the MG3 last week, and it definitely is a reliable piece of machinery. Very positive ejection made for a reliable gun, but left those monstrous dents in the case mouths. I was left with a bruised shoulder to boot!

 

[oldpapps]

My guess was those were ran in a full auto weapon

Re-loadable? Yes.

I would use a pair of 'long nose' pliers (round outside and tapered to the point) to open the brass mouths, use the outside to expand, not as pliers. This is to open up the case for the depriming plug/expander to to its thing.

Lube well, they will be very expanded, run a paper clip in to check the web and trim to length.

 

[stubbicatt]

The Lee FL die *might* be able to flare those out with its expander rod.

 

[USSR]

Save your time and effort, the brass is berdan primed and not readily reloadable.

Don

 

[lightman]

I think USSR is right. You need to look down inside at the flash hole. I think you will see two. If they are Berdan primed, save them for scrap.

I have a center punch on my bench, for straightening out case mouths. The polished tool steel enters the case mouth smoothly, and saves wear and tear on the expander rod. Lightman

 

[bfoosh006]

USSR is correct, it is Berdan primed.

However, Berdan primers are available, and the cases can be deprimed.Not as readily as Boxer primed cases.. but....

So rather than toss those cases , you might consider saving those great cases for a rainy day project.


http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/Berdan Primers...

 

[rcmodel]

However, Berdan primers are available

Where are they available. And what size Berdan are they??

There are too many sizes to contemplate.
http://www.dave-cushman.net/shot/berdan_supplies_dimensions.html

Bottom line is, they are scrap brass.
Sell them for scrap and use the money to buy some Boxer primed cases.

rc

 

[TexasShooter59]

FWIW, I use a nail punch on brass like that and a small ball pein hammer. When you are lightly tapping the punch, the sound will change when the case mouth gets fully round.

 

[Jim Watson]

Straighten one out, look down inside and count the flashholes.
A quick search found mention of some lots of DAG as Boxer primed. Most is Berdan, though.

 

[FROGO207]

All DAG brass that has the three stake points has been berdan primed so far. That is what I have found with my brass. The newer brass may be sourced from another factory and have boxer primers. FWIW I have been saving my berdan 308/7.62 and 7.62X39 Berdan brass as I can get primers from Powder Valley that fit both when they have them in stock (May,last year).

 

[dprice3844444]

check for case stretching marks near the base

 

[steelpatriot]

Always a plethora of information and knowledge around here! Thanks for all of your input.

Yes, you're right, they are Berdan primed. Two flash holes under the primer. I really don't see it as worth my time or effort to mess with it. Scrap may be my best bet!

It all came from a joint training and qualification effort, and with no easy option for disposal, so I had to find a place for it.

FWIW, I've attached a pic of the berdan primer flash holes.

 

[oldpapps]

Alas, scrap brass
Maybe next batch

 

[Hondo 60]

Where are they available. And what size Berdan are they??

Powder Valley has Tula Berdan primers available.

As far as size - ???? I don't reload berdan primed brass, so I don't pay attention.

 

[evan price]

I have a lathe-turned brass cone that I use to reshape bent mouths like that. Brass won't damage the brass case.

As you already know those are Berdan primed, scrap brass value unless you find some masochist that wants to work with them.

 

[howlnmad]

You could always deprime them hydraulicly.