Warning for users of hydraulic method of removing Berdan primers on GP11 cases

[desporterizer]

That's the web and case head area, the strongest part of the case. And that doesn't explain the anvil and flash hole's being in the wrong place

The distortion may be explained by the user bashing the bottom of the case with whatever tool he is using to generate hydraulic pressure.

 

[tiriaq]

They look to be in the wrong place because the web of the primer pocket has been displaced.

 

[tricky]

I use a 7mm diameter aluminum rod with a 3/64" (I think? Maybe smaller) drill bit offset from the center of the rod, stuck in the end. Drill it in, snap it off.

I put the case on the end and spin it around until the end of the drill bit falls into one of the flash holes, then give the rod a whack with a mallet.

It works fairly well, not the speediest method, it can be a bit finicky. But at least there's no water.

I found it on youtube a while back, can't seem to find it again

 

[Ganderite]

I have used Berdan when required because Boxer brass is not available.

I bought 100 Privi (Boxer) cases for $56. That sure a seems like the way to go.

284 Win brass is almost identical in size, except for the neck. It would seem to me that one fire forming shot would make perfect Swiss brass, if you can't find the real deal.

If a hobbyist want to fool around with Berdan, then by all means have fun, but please don't do it because you think there is no Boxer option.

 

[Dinocrome]

I'm well aware of the differences in primer and pocket sizes. And if I learn something from the process, even if it doesn't work, I'd hardly call it wasting my time.
All the tutorials I've looked at use a steel rod, a hammer, and a ball bearing. It reduces the edge of the primer pocket to smaller than a LR boxer primer. You then use an RCBS primer pocket swage tool to bring it to normal size. Even though only the edge is holding the primer instead of the entire depth of the pocket, there are various reports of over a half dozen full power loadings without gas leakage or anything else. Then you again just use a hammer and rods to crush the berdan anvil which fills the flash holes, drill a new flash hole, and you're good to go. I just don't know how much time it'll take per case.

I was going to start with greatly reduced pressure cast loads and work up to regular loads (regular based on US manuals which is significantly below original GP11 loadings).

Here's a system to covert to boxer.