Reading about Berdan primers, Jack (bunch a numbers) showed a drill bit and wood cutting board. He removes to primers with the drill bit. I got to thinking of some of the things I've done and stuff I've used over the years and though it would be interesting to see what else is there.
I started out of need, short on money so a buck here was better toward another box of bullets or Hodgdons military surplus powder, bring your own container and it was $2 per pound. So I eliminated sizing lube as to costly and used STP. A can of STP went a long ways. I also used it on a Q-tip for lubing the inside of the neck, that had to be removed. To do that I used the right cal brass brush, worn out, or one size smaller and spun 0000 steel wool on it to run in the case on a 1/4" drill. What I found was clean inside case necks, cleaned better than new cases. I could not afford a tumbler, in fact I don't recall any around then. So I held a small omount of 0000 Steel wool in my hand and turned it around the cases. Then I discovered that holding the case with the steel wool while cleaning out the inside of the neck, let off a bit of pressure and the case spun in my hand and came out brighter than new. That left me with dirty primer pockets which then I cleaned out with what we called in the Air Force, a 7 level screwdriver, the one that clips into your shirt pocket. I have since purchased a tumbler and I tumble after I re-size, cleans off re-sizing lube and my cases NEVER hit the ground. But then I sometimes get cob stuck in the flast hole and the 7 level won't get it out. Viola, a new idea. Now I have a piece of 1" dowel that I drilled a hole just big enough for an 8d nail and glued it in there. Then cut off the head and sharpened it, works great for removing the cob and cleaning the pockets. Now after 40 yrs of this nonsense I have finally been convinced that I really need to de-burr the flash holes; my rifles now shoot 1/10th" better groups than befor, or so I'm told! To do that I saved big bucks by drilling another dowel and glueing in a drill bit which I turn by hand.
I'm still looking for a way to drill hollow point's into 22LR and 22 mag ammo and I saw a setup up just like I need about 35 yrs ago. Yes I know that it cost no more to just buy factory HP's but, making my own I could salvage the drilled out lead to make handgun bullet's! Reloading, it's all about saving money!
