Surplus 303 British

[mkrainc]

I acquired a box of 30 rounds of FMJ 303 british. In trying reload, I discovered these were berdan primed. Also, these primers were larger than regular rifle primers. Are these primers available somewhere?

 

[hk33ka1]

The short answer is probably not. Even in the USA Berdan aren't found in many locations, and I don't know of anyone offering new stock in Canada right now.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

Throw them in the scrap brass bin and start looking for a place that will eventually buy it from you. The effort you'll put yourself through looking for Berdan primers, is better used finding Boxer primed cases and going from there.

 

[purple]

You can use the Berdan primed brass to make up dummy rounds. Just remove the pin from your de-capping rod to re-size the case then drill a couple of holes in the case body below the shoulder. After that seat a .303 bullet of your choice.

 

[ki11ercane]

I have used this website link as a reference before:

hxxp://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/topic/25275/t/Berdan-to-Boxer-Conversion-Method.html

Basically, don't throw out your brass. It can be converted and once it's done it doesn't have to be done again.

One tool I suggest you buy is a Dillon Super Swager. I have never regretted buying mine.

 

[mkrainc]

Thanks all for your input. I won't throw them out. I will play with them.