Turning Berdan primed cases for Boxer primers

Tharjoe

Tharjoe

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Greetings all,
Just a quick questions for the wise reloaders here:
Is it acceptable to take a Berdan primed case, de-cap it, then use a lathe to remove the anvil and bore it out for Boxer primers? This would result in three flash-holes rather than the typical one hole for Boxer primers. Would this affect load data at all?

I ask this because I reload for .256 Mannlicher (6.5x53R) and typically form my cases from Winchester Boxer-primed .303 British. This works fine, but I have a fair number of old correctly head-stamped Kynoch Berdan cases which I would like to use. I know that Berdan primers are available, but I don't want the hassle of finding them, etc. even though it may be easier than re-working the cases for Boxer primers.

I would greatly appreciate any insight available.
Cheers!
 
Thanks for the tips. I think I will try turning a few down. They will not need to be swaged, as I can turn them to spec. The cases have a primer pocket measuring 0.197" where a Large rifle primer measures 0.209", so I have the room to work.
 
Tharjoe said:
Thanks for the tips. I think I will try turning a few down. They will not need to be swaged, as I can turn them to spec. The cases have a primer pocket measuring 0.197" where a Large rifle primer measures 0.209", so I have the room to work.
Click to expand...

Let us know how it work's out!
 
Having reloaded ammunition with Berdan primers, I think it would be less work than altering cases.
If I were altering cases though, I think I would use a carbide primer pocket uniforming tool as the last step in sizing the pockets. Would cut them all to exactly the correct diameter and depth.
Watch the primers in older British ammunition. It can be not only corrosive, but mercuric as well. Firing mercuric primers can contribute to case failures down the road.
 
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