Unknown tool

pete5409 · October 17, 2022, 02:19 PM

A friend found this tool that belonged to his grandfather and we have no idea what it´s for. Can someone help me?

Jim Watson · October 17, 2022, 02:34 PM

Berdan primer decapping tool.

pete5409 · October 17, 2022, 02:43 PM

Thanks for the assist! Can you tell me how to use it?

Jim Watson · October 17, 2022, 05:30 PM

Understand, I did not use one when I was helping a friend reload Berdan primed ammo, but what you do is hook the "beak" over the rim of the case and drive the pointed awl in through the indent of the fired primer and pry it out. Take care not to drive the awl into the integral anvil which could cause misfires.
Only matters if you have Berdan cases AND Berdan primers, which are hard to find in USA.

Marco Califo · October 17, 2022, 06:02 PM

If you do in fact have Berdan Primed brass, it is easier to get a dowel close to bullet diameter, fill the case with water, while mounting case over a hole or hollow for the primer (drill a primer size hole in a 2x4). Hold the dowel in the neck, and strike with a mallet. The primer should pop out. But only do it if you have new Berdam Primers available. Then, you can use the tool as a paper weight.

October 17, 2022, 02:43 PM	#3
pete5409 Member Join Date: March 26, 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 37	berdan deprimer Thanks for the assist! Can you tell me how to use it?

October 17, 2022, 06:02 PM	#5
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,722	If you do in fact have Berdan Primed brass, it is easier to get a dowel close to bullet diameter, fill the case with water, while mounting case over a hole or hollow for the primer (drill a primer size hole in a 2x4). Hold the dowel in the neck, and strike with a mallet. The primer should pop out. But only do it if you have new Berdam Primers available. Then, you can use the tool as a paper weight. __________________ ............

October 17, 2022, 02:34 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,168	Berdan primer decapping tool.

October 17, 2022, 05:30 PM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,168	Understand, I did not use one when I was helping a friend reload Berdan primed ammo, but what you do is hook the "beak" over the rim of the case and drive the pointed awl in through the indent of the fired primer and pry it out. Take care not to drive the awl into the integral anvil which could cause misfires. Only matters if you have Berdan cases AND Berdan primers, which are hard to find in USA.