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Reloading Mil Ammo

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Old 12-21-2005 | 07:20 PM
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Default Reloading Mil Ammo

I know that the Berdan primed ammo can't be reloaded because,
You can't get the primers.

But how about boxer primed ammo ?
Is it the same way ?

Is there any mil ammo that can be reloded ?

Thank You
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Old 12-22-2005 | 07:08 AM
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Default RE: Reloading Mil Ammo

Sure you can. Most military cases will have a crimp in primer so that crimp will need to be removed before the new primer can be seated. There's a couple methods for doing that. Also, military brass is normally thicker brass, so you may need to rework your loads.
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Old 12-22-2005 | 11:32 AM
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Default RE: Reloading Mil Ammo

Sure you can. Most military cases will have a crimp in primer so that crimp will need to be removed before the new primer can be seated.
Cool,
So how would this work with a 308 or mil 7.62

And do you use regular primers ?

I am thinking of getting a 308 for deer and
coyotes and maybe other animals.

And I wanted to get some surplus mil ammo
And reload the brass.
To custom load hunting rounds that shoot the best
In the rifle.

I have reloaded 357 magnum before but not rifle ammo.

Any help will be apreacheated.

Thank You
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Old 12-22-2005 | 11:51 AM
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Default RE: Reloading Mil Ammo

Standard primers will work fine for bolt guns. Biggest problem is removing the primer pocket crimp. Tis can be swaged out. Both Dillon and RCBS sell a primer pocket swaging tool. The Dillon tool is somewhat less than $100...not worth it unless you are loading an awful lot of milsurp. RCBS has a press maounted swage for a lot less that irons out the crimp...slower than the Dillon, but a lot cheaper. You can also ream the primer pocket with a primer pocket reamer, or even a pocket knife. Some don't like to remove brass from the pocket, but it has never been an issue with my handloads.
You only have to remove the crimp once. Do start your loads in military brass at about 10% lower. Military brass tends to be thicker and heavier, which can increase pressuree. Start low and work up. Lots of people haveloaded thousands and thousands of rounds in military cases. It works.
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Old 12-23-2005 | 03:49 PM
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Default RE: Reloading Mil Ammo

I've used both the reamers and the RCBS swager. The swager is definately better and easier on ur hands.
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Old 12-29-2005 | 03:01 PM
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Default RE: Reloading Mil Ammo

ORIGINAL: jrbsr

I know that the Berdan primed ammo can't be reloaded because,
You can't get the primers.

But how about boxer primed ammo ?
Is it the same way ?

Is there any mil ammo that can be reloded ?

Thank You
You can certainly reload military cases that have Boxer primers. You have to remove the primer crimp to seat the new primers, usually.

I have also reloaded tons of Swedish Mauser 6.5X55mmmilitary brass that had Berdan primers. Brass was too good to chuck out!

I used to pop out the old primers by sizing the necks, filling them with water, and used a Lyman 310 tool 6.5mm expanding plug to pop them out. I'd then shake the water out, put them in a loading block, and let them dry out for a week before repriming them. I used to be able to get both Norma and RWS Berdan primers in this country. I'd be willing to bet that there is still a source SOMEWHERE in the U.S. for Berdan primers. I just don't know who is selling them these days.
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