Decapping Military Brass

More
11 years 10 months ago #18120 by jtallen83
Decapping Military Brass was created by jtallen83
I'll start with a kudo's for Lee Precision customer service. I broke my first decapper Thursday night and there was a new one in my mailbox this afternoon,all I did was email, I haven't even mailed the broken one yet like they ask. Problem is I broke it again right away :banghead:
In a stroke of genius I decided to actually look inside the case.......there is no hole in the center but two small holes just off center. The lee decapper for military brass does not work on FN, Radway, or Pakistani(not that the Pakastani stuff looks worth reloading). I guess if I want to use them I'll have to try the water and hammer system, anybody have any experience with that? Is there another option for decapping military brass I'm not aware of?
I take it there must be some military brass that uses a center hole for the primer? I assumed they all did :naughty:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago #18136 by Siscowet
Replied by Siscowet on topic Decapping Military Brass
L have some OFV 7.62 brass from India, Circa 1975. The plant was set up by Winchester, and the brass is center holed with a very consistent weight case to case. Apparently in the 1990's OFV ammo went to crap, but reloaders actually like the 1970's stuff.
The following user(s) said Thank You: jtallen83

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago #18140 by jtallen83
Replied by jtallen83 on topic Decapping Military Brass
Cool! I'm sitting on a bandoleer of just that! I wasn't real sure about the dates so I've just left it in the ammo can for SHTF stock. Now I'll move it to the front of the line and make sure I don't loose the brass.
I went and ordered the "hydraulic" remover; www.ebay.com/itm/350734117664?ssPageName...id=p3984.m1439.l2649
I'll report back on how it works. Sounds like it may be a little messy, maybe an outside project. It is the only thing I found that wasn't centered around a center pin. I thought I saw a claw style device once but can't find it now, odds are it would be way more money than the water thing anyway.
thanks for the tip! :usa:
The following user(s) said Thank You: Siscowet

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago #18155 by jtallen83
Replied by jtallen83 on topic Decapping Military Brass
It is turning out difficult to source the right primers for this "very efficient" berdan system. Should have got them before I started but now I'm stuck working it out. :banghead:
If anybody has a lead on Berdan primers for 7.62x51 I'm on the hunt!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago - 11 years 10 months ago #18157 by 13fcolt
Replied by 13fcolt on topic Decapping Military Brass
Dang, sorry I missed this JT. It sounds like you are into some berdan primed brass. This stuff is considered to be non reloadable. The first reason you have already discovered is getting the old primer out. The second reason is that berdan primers don't have an anvil like boxer primers do, the anvil for berdan primed brass is in the brass itself. It sticks up in the center of the primer pocket, like a little firing pin and this is what the primer gets crushed against.

Loading standard boxer primers is dangerous. SOME brass can be converted if you want to go through the hassle.
do a search on converting berdan brass to boxer. I think there are a few videos out there as well.
and send back that hydraulic thing, just poke a hole in the DEAD primer and pry it out.

I stole this pic from somewhere else

This image is hidden for guests.
Please log in or register to see it.
Last edit: 11 years 10 months ago by 13fcolt.
The following user(s) said Thank You: jtallen83

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago #18161 by jtallen83
Replied by jtallen83 on topic Decapping Military Brass
I've read some of the conversion info and decided not to, for now. Tula has made the correct primers recently and I guess they are available overseas and have been here. Rumor says there are boxes around you just have to search the gun shows and shops. This is if I get the pocket cleaned right. If I can swage it to the regular size then maybe conversion would be ok......I like the idea of just using the correct primer the brass is made for though.
One thing for sure, it will add some challenge!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago - 11 years 10 months ago #18167 by VTIT
Replied by VTIT on topic Decapping Military Brass
I'll look at my LGS tomorrow (closed today) and see if she has any. She used to but I don't know if she let them run out of stock or....

I'll let you know.
Last edit: 11 years 10 months ago by VTIT.
The following user(s) said Thank You: jtallen83

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago #18168 by OleCowboy
Replied by OleCowboy on topic Decapping Military Brass
I will say I have never been a hand loader, but have had lots of friends who do. That said this is as close as I have ever followed the process and if I ever had any thoughts of hand loading after following this thread I have given them all up...this is definitely above my pay grade.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago #18169 by jtallen83
Replied by jtallen83 on topic Decapping Military Brass
Between the times and a bit of a stubborn streak on my part it just seems difficult. It is normally a pretty relaxing hobby, at least that is how I remember it. Being disabled and without work I need some challenges that will occupy my mind and reloading is doing that! Odds are WHEN I find steady work it will all end up back in a box but it will be nice to know I can feed my own.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 10 months ago #18181 by Siscowet
Replied by Siscowet on topic Decapping Military Brass

jtallen83 wrote: Between the times and a bit of a stubborn streak on my part it just seems difficult. It is normally a pretty relaxing hobby, at least that is how I remember it. Being disabled and without work I need some challenges that will occupy my mind and reloading is doing that! Odds are WHEN I find steady work it will all end up back in a box but it will be nice to know I can feed my own.

:twothumbs:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.