Reloading Berdan primed cases

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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.

Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
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meles meles
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Reloading Berdan primed cases

#1 Post by meles meles »

We're reading conflicting arguments about the merits of reloading Berdan primed brass, oomans. One of the cartridges we'd like to consider reloading eventually is the Swiss 7.5x55 GP11. We have amassed a fair amount of brass for this now, but it is Berdan primed. Most people say it's a pain to reload, others say not so. What's the collective wisdom of the denizens of these fora?
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Re: Reloading Berdan primed cases

#2 Post by ovenpaa »

It is easy enough to load however you need to source the correctly sized primers as Berdan LR varies somewhat from Boxer LR. I remove Berdan primers hydraulically using water and a simple piston and hammer process. If you try it, do it outside on a summers day as you will eventually get wet...
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Re: Reloading Berdan primed cases

#3 Post by dodgyrog »

ovenpaa wrote:It is easy enough to load however you need to source the correctly sized primers as Berdan LR varies somewhat from Boxer LR. I remove Berdan primers hydraulically using water and a simple piston and hammer process. If you try it, do it outside on a summers day as you will eventually get wet...
Getting the primers out is easy if you use a Wamadet decapper but it does spread the water around.
Radway Green No. 81 or RWS 5,5mm primers work fine in GP 11. Tula also produce the primers but I've only seen them in the USA.
Don't forget to remove the crimp from the primer pocket.
Wear safety glass and ear plugs when seating the new primer as an occasional bang may be expected as the primer seating may suffer from stick/slip!
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Re: Reloading Berdan primed cases

#4 Post by 1066 »

Life's just too short badger - It's an interesting experiment and yes, it can be done. Primers can also be reloaded with red matches, rimfire cases can be reloaded, and in a survival situation, it might be a handy to know these tricks.

If it was a really unusual rifle/calibre, say a pin fire, then any amount of faffing about might be justified to keep it shooting but I really couldn't be bothered with Berdan primers unless there was no other way.
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Re: Reloading Berdan primed cases

#5 Post by 1066 »

I see Henry Krank does the 7.5x55 cases boxer primed for £43 x100.
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Re: Reloading Berdan primed cases

#6 Post by kennyc »

1066 wrote:I see Henry Krank does the 7.5x55 cases boxer primed for £43 x100.
buy the ppu shoot them reload them simples
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Re: Reloading Berdan primed cases

#7 Post by fred2892 »

Convert them. Not too difficult with a bit of practice. I've not tried Swiss, but have done many 7.62x54r.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthr ... s-to-Boxer

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