Berdan Primer
Definition
Primer design where the anvil is integral to the cartridge case; primer cup contains only the explosive compound. Identified by two offset flash holes in the primer pocket. Standard for Russian, Chinese, and most military NATO continental European production.
- Flash holes
- Two, offset from center
- Anvil location
- Integral to the cartridge case
- Primer cup contents
- Priming compound only
- Common origin
- Russian, Chinese, and continental European NATO military ammunition
Common questions
How can you tell a Berdan primer from a Boxer primer?+
Look inside the empty case: Berdan cases show two off-center flash holes and a raised anvil bump, while Boxer cases have one central flash hole and no visible anvil, since the anvil sits inside the primer cup itself.
Why does Berdan priming complicate reloading and examination?+
Because the anvil is part of the case rather than the primer, punch or hydraulic decapping tools are needed to remove a spent Berdan primer, and reloading requires cases drilled to the exact flash-hole spacing, which most Western commercial equipment does not support.
Related terms
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