berdan primers and plinking loads

[kevin.303]

i have one the lee hand loading kits that comes in the little red box. all my .303 cases(dominion-CIL) are berdan primed and i want to know if there is any way i can use this brass in this kit? also i have heard of plinking loads for the .303 using .32 ACP and light .308 bullets. can i load them with the tools i already have?


:gun4:

[Loader 3009]

There are two types of tools made to remove Berdan primers and your Lee tool ain't one of 'em.

One uses a plunger and water to force the primer out under pressure. The other is a hook-like device which penetrates the primer and lifts it out. I have no idea who manufactures them or if they are still being made.

You may be able to drill a small hole in the spent primer, thread in a flat-pointed screw and lift or screw it out. Or, you may try to duplicate one of the above methods. they are very low tech. I, personally, wouldn't waste my time unless you crave a challenge.

Loader 3009

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Question:
Where would a person get the new Berdan primers even if you can figure a way to remove the old ones?  

Did hear of a 3rd method of making a rod with two small pins offset from the center enough to fit into the two holes at the bottom of the case.  Think it was in American Rifleman a goodly number of years ago.

[bfoster]

Cheyenne Ranger,

I use a single short piece of music wire fitted into a probe. This will remove all but the most stubborn non crimped Berdan primers easily.

Here in the U.S. the Old Western Scrounger carries Berdan Primers. They ain't cheap!.

Bob