So there I was...

[HillbillyMafia]

delinking some of the Hittenberger 308 I just got from AIM surplus And noticed. Some of these are smaller primers than others.

Can someone post a pic of a berdan vs a boxer primer in a 308 shell?

[Kenstaroni]

Some of the Hittenberger is berdan and some is boxer. The boxer is re-loadable. I don't know if the berdan is or not. You might need a special tool to get the primer out. I would think the larger primer is the boxer as most crimped primers are smaller and will have a ring around them instead of being flush with the edges of the primer pocket.

[LngRngShtr]

Berdan Primer Suppliers and Dimensions

Since there are several dimensions of Berdan's primer you will probably be best off to note headstamps and fire a few then look down inside

yes they can be converted but with .308 I don't see the need to yet... and RCBS sells the Lachmiller (Pronounced... Latch-Miller) tool to remove the spent ones

Berdan to Boxer Conversion Method - Handloading - Military Surplus Ammunition and Handloading - ParallaxBill's Curio & Relic and Military Surplus Firearms Forums - Message Board

The quicker answer is to get out your dial calipers and set them to 0.210 " which is the standard size of a Large Rifle Primer according to CCI/Speer

You will need to take into account crimping of the primer if it is circumferential instead of a 3 point crimp favored by HXP (Greek) etc.

Berdan 3 point Hirtenberger crimped (according to website)

As always there are variations in Surplus ammo so the usual "Be Careful" applies some of that could be MG ammo and loaded to a higher pressure so look the primers over for the usual flattening etc.

John