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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.

Related terms

Boxer Primer
Primer design with a self-contained anvil inside the primer cup assembly and a single central flash hole in the case. Standard for...
Double-Base Powder
A smokeless propellant combining nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin (10-40% NG by mass). Higher energy density and flame temperature than single-base; standard for handgun...
Lead Styphnate
Lead trinitroresorcinate (Pb(C6H(NO2)3O2)), the primary explosive in conventional primer compounds. Co-oxidised with barium nitrate and antimony sulfide to produce the Pb-Ba-Sb triad...
MAP (Maximum Average Pressure)
The SAAMI statistical upper bound for chamber pressure in a given cartridge specification, expressed in PSI. The CIP equivalent is published in...
Single-Base Powder
A smokeless propellant using nitrocellulose as the sole energetic component, typically 12.6-13.0% nitrogen content, plasticised for stability. Lower flame temperature than double-base;...
SINTOX
A lead-free, heavy-metal-free primer formulation developed by DAG (Deutsche Ammunitions- und Geschossfabrik) and Geco in Germany in the 1990s-2000s, replacing lead styphnate...

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