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Berdan Primer Source ?

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17 March 2007, 08:47
Chris E Nelson
Berdan Primer Source ?
Anybody know of a source for Berdan primers in the States???
17 March 2007, 09:13
Jim Manion
Good luck.

Grafs used to carry them, but I have not seen any there for a while.

Last I heard, some guy on Gunbroker was selling some, but I am not sure in what sizes. If they are from Russia, there is a decent chance they are corrosive.

I have almost no experience with berdan primers, but I do know they come in at least 3 different sizes.

I also know that you need a special decapping tool-RCBS makes one, but I do not like the design in which you basically pry the primer out from one side of the case. The better method seems to be to get some tubing with a plunger and rig up a device that uses water pressure to pop the primer.

And finally, if you are dealing with casings from fired ammunition, some cartridges will have crimped primer pockets. I seem to recall that there is another tool to decap crimped primer pockets.


SCI Life Member
DSC Life Member
17 March 2007, 14:03
500N
Graeme Wrights book has a pic of a Berdan decapping tool.

I think RWS MAY make Berdan Primers.

I believe Shotgun primers can / have been used
as a substitute.
18 March 2007, 08:51
BiggPa
there are some on gun broker right now

2000 and 5000 count


________________________
Mosin Nagant m91/30 (1942)
Winchester .22 (1943)
19 March 2007, 22:39
butchloc
i've got a few hundred stashed away in a drawer someplace that fit my old 450 3 1/4" if you need some