De-capping very old 303 ?

[densa44]

O.K. who ever can help, I'm all ears. It is head stamped, fc 303 British and the other ones are stamped DA # 45 MK7. I can't be sure of the symbol that I called "#" it looks more like pie, but my keyboard doesn't have that key.

I have a Lyman die and have broken 2 pins already, so it may be that the flash holes are smaller than the pin. I could cut them open to find out but I hate to do that if it is something else.

The other possibility, I think Cat mentioned was that the primer is crimped onto the brass. If so how do I get them out.

The brass is as old as I am so I'd like to think it has some life left in it!

[Hawkeye]

Some of that old milsurp stuff has Berdan primers.
If you have a bright light, especially a flashlight for which you can focus the beam a bit, shine it down and and see if there is a single hole in the middle or if there are two holes, on on either side of the middle (berdan primed)
It is possible to remove and replace Berdan primers, though most people don't bother.
If it is boxer primer (single central flash hole), could simply be crimped primers.
good luck
Hawked

[catnthehat]

Like Hawkeye stated this sounds more like Berdan cases than Boxer cases.
Two holes should be easy to see of they Are
Cat

[Dick284]

Dominion Arsenals=DA
C broad arrow= the goofy symbol(Canadian mfg)
Mark 7 ball= 7
Nitrocellulose powder = Z
Year of mfg= 51 on mine

They are berdan primed!



Please tell me you took the time to look inside the case before embarking on reloading it!

For criminey sakes, Densa.

Quite trying to reload with bits and pieces of scrounged crap.

The time you've spent thinking you're saving a nickel is costing you a quarter, or more.!

Somebody out Stettler way please lend this guy a guiding hand.

[purgatory.sv]

Originally Posted by densa44

O.K. who ever can help, I'm all ears. It is head stamped, fc 303 British and the other ones are stamped DA # 45 MK7. I can't be sure of the symbol that I called "#" it looks more like pie, but my keyboard doesn't have that key.

I have a Lyman die and have broken 2 pins already, so it may be that the flash holes are smaller than the pin. I could cut them open to find out but I hate to do that if it is something else.

The other possibility, I think Cat mentioned was that the primer is crimped onto the brass. If so how do I get them out.

The brass is as old as I am so I'd like to think it has some life left in it!

We all take it for granted we understand what is said.

If only it was that simple.

Keep asking your questions about reloading.

Also check the Sticky at the top of this section.

They may not answer your specific question, but they can give direction.

Fire.