DU Shotshells

[Griff]

I did a search, but came up blank; so if this is a repeat, just direct me to the proper thread.

I have acquired thru various avenues about 200 rnds of the subject 12 ga brass ammo.  As we know these are Berdan primed, generally considered "non-reloadable."  I'ma thinkin' of firin' this stuff off, then setting up a jig on the drill press to drill a new flash hole enabling me to decap and reload with my new RCBS 12ga. dies.

Anyone else try this?  If so, what issues might I encounter?

Thanks, in advance.

[Abilene]

Griff,
I have not owned any Ducks Unlimited brass shotshells but have heard from other folks who have.  I think the main issue you are likely to encounter is that a number of the hulls will split when first fired.  Whether this is due to faulty construction of the brass, loads too hot, or both, I don't know.

You might fire a few and see what happens.  If you get splits, then try disassembling some and reloading with BP.  They may be more likely to survive if fired only with the lower pressure that BP provides.

Good luck!

Abilene

[Griff]

I've fired about 1/2 dozen and suffered no splits, but they are stout loads, my shoulder ain't really lookin' forward to a coupke hundred more!

[Dick Dastardly]

The berdan primed hulls are on sale.  Can't  rightly remember but it's Midway or Grafs.  They are priced real cheep.  I asked about a depriming tool and was told they didn't have any.

Some pards deprime these hulls with water pressure.  I'm told it works fine, but it's messy.

DD-DLoS

[Brian Why]

It's Graf's. They have 16ga, 32ga(?), 9.1ga(??) and .410 left, so if you're looking for something obscure, this could be your day.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy!

Off topic, but ...

When I read the title of this post; "DU Shotshells", I wondered: "Why the heck does that feller want Depleted Uranium shotshells?"    

Sorry - I'm an ex-Tanker.   

[Marshal harpoluke]

RCBS sells and makes Berdun primer tools.

[Grizzle Bear]

WARNING!

Graf's has the Berdan shotshells, BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PRIMERS!

If you want to try drilling them out for a 209 primer, help yourself.

I have a bunch of the Berdan shotshells, but am running out of primers.  If I can find any, I will announce it here on the forum.

Grizzle Bear

[Griff]

Actually, I was just thinking of drilling a new flash hole and reaming for a large rifle/pistol primer.  Or are the Berdan primers larger in diameter?

[Delmonico]

Actually, I was just thinking of drilling a new flash hole and reaming for a large rifle/pistol primer.  Or are the Berdan primers larger in diameter?

Depends on the size of the Berdan one.  Sorry not intended to be a smart arse answer, but I know Berdan primers come in several sizes

[Griff]

Depends on the size of the Berdan one.  Sorry not intended to be a smart arse answer, but I know Berdan primers come in several sizes

No problem, learn something if one asks the right question.  I'll just have to do a couple and find out.  Suppose the pocket can be reamed if not too large.  Thanks, Delmonico.

[Grapeshot]

I did a search, but came up blank; so if this is a repeat, just direct me to the proper thread.

I have acquired thru various avenues about 200 rnds of the subject 12 ga brass ammo.  As we know these are Berdan primed, generally considered "non-reloadable."  I'ma thinkin' of firin' this stuff off, then setting up a jig on the drill press to drill a new flash hole enabling me to decap and reload with my new RCBS 12ga. dies.

Anyone else try this?  If so, what issues might I encounter?

Thanks, in advance.

I was given a pair of DU 12ga shell a while back.  Thinking that I'd just fire them and have a couple of Brass hulls for my BP shooting.  One of the hulls split from the primer outward across the rim and about a third up the case.

I also have a bunch of Russian 12 ga. copper plated Steel cases.  On all of the 12 ga. hulls, berdan primers were used.  I took a 15/64th in. drill bit and drilled out the old primers.  Now they all can be used with standard #209 SG Primers.

Having said that I'll get into some specifics.  I've used both the Remington DU and the Magtech Brass shells for this.  Once the 15/64th inch hole is drilled, I take a counter sink and gently open up that hole until I can get the flange of the #209 primer to just fit into it.  Once it does I can seat the #209 SG Primer flush with the base.  I haven't had any leakage with either the brass hulls or Steel Hulls.  Hopefully it'll work for you.

[Griff]

Thanks Grapeshot.  I'll havfta gice that a try.  Sounds straight-forward enough.