Berdan military primers with modern smokeless powder.

[ell198679]

I was considering removing the bullet from a case, using my kinetic hammer. Then I would load the case with 2400 magnum pistol powder and load my cast boolit. Then use the original primer. I believe the ammo is 70's or 80's surplus ammo would that work? Are their any issues that you guys now about with mixing surplus berdan primers with powder usually used in boxer cases?? I was considering, perhaps, also using surplus powder from my 1950's Yugo 8mm ammo with a boxer primer. But again I wonder if this is okay maybe too risky, but I am curious. I would assume it would be okay but assuming isn't good when reloading.. Yes I googled this and it seems to be okay.

[Larry Gibson]

There are no issues, just work up the load as usual. I've used many, many 7.65 Argentine, 7.62x54R and 8x57 Berdan primed cases with various "modern" powders including 2400. All primers function the same in igniting any smokeless powder....

Larry Gibson

[Oldeyes]

No point in wasting primed brass so go ahead and work up some loads... I have a stash of 8x56R and 7.62x54R brass that have lost their bullets to other projects, so they eventually get reloaded. Since primer strength is an unknown, use the normal caution and start low and work up... As to using the pull down powder, it would help to know what it is. I save mine hoping for an eventual use in a similar jacketed round but can't advise on developing cast loads.

[LynC2]

There is also a good chance they are corrosive, so clean accordingly.

[ell198679]

Good the only thing I was really asking is not if the powder would ignite, but if there would be any pressure issues with various non military powders. Since, I thought maybe the berdan primers were designed for the military surplus flake powder what ever it may be.. Anyways, I get the idea always work up loads with new primers you are not familiar with thanks.