Hirtenberger 7.62 NATO Berdan-primed - question re primer size

fireguy

fireguy

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Have been doing much research on reloading this brass (yes, I know, huge amount of work comparatively). Be that as it may, I noted that several site sponsors actually sell Berdan primers. Mainly KV24N and KV762. By the info provided in their ads, it appears that the KV762 would be the appropriate replacement primers for the HN 7.62 NATO, but I haven't been able to verify this via independent research (I'm a complete reloading rookie, knowledge-wise!).

Thanks for any input, including whether the staked Berdan primers in this surplus ammo are so firmly fixed that reloading is simply not an option.
 
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To OP - really good question, and please post any results you might get regarding removing the staked in primers. I have a pile of Berdan primed 8x57 that I would like to deal with "one of these days" - your research would basically cover the same ground I would need to do...
 
Really not worth the extra time and effort to reload Berdan primed 7.62/.308. 100 once fired cases runs $26.50.
There's no such thing as large rifle Berdan primers. However, Budget's site says the KV762N are the right size.
If you don't have one, the RCBS Berdan decapping tool runs $61.99 US, Stateside.
 
When Boxer 6.5x55 ammunition was not readily available, I reloaded a lot of Berdan cases. Made a jig from a hardwood block to hold the cases - drilled a hole just the right size, then slit to block to the hole. Block in vise, case in hole, tighten vise. Tap an awl into the firing pin indent at an angle, lever the primer out. Trim any crimp. The Berdan caps I was using were slightly larger in diameter than than standard Large rifle, so I opened out the sleeve on my priming arm slightly. Worked fine.
Given the availability of Boxer .308, I cannot see the point in reloading the HP, even though it is very fine brass.
 
I have re-loaded with Berdan in brass that was unavailable to me as Boxer - 8x60R, for example.

I have also reloaded 7.62x51 as an exercise, just because I happened to have the gear and primers at hand.

I would NEVER re-load Berdan in any caliber for which boxer brass is available. new and once fired 308 brass is easy to come by, so please don't bother with the Berdan. Boxer is so easy. Berdan is a pain.

I happen to have a few thousand new primed (Berdan) cases that I use from time to time. The standard sized 308 cases are used to make target quality ammo. The Berdan primer tends to give a lower ES than a Boxer primer.

I also have Berdan 308 cases that were made 5 thou too long to the shoulder. I use these in my m305s, because they have generous headspace.
 
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