7.62X51 MilSurp Primer Type?

[JohnCeglarek]

Is there a list someplace that specifies which countries use which primer types (berdan vs boxer)? How do you know when you look at ammo on line which primer type it has?

Thanks,

John

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I don't know of a list. I just go by experience as to what I've seen. In some cases i won't shoot ammo I'm unfamiliar with because some of it is corrosive. I would just as soon not deal with that.

[jmoore]

No way to tell that I know except by getting a look at the flash hole(s). Even British 7.62x51 marked "RG" (Radway Green) varies. '89 and before seems to be all Berdan, '90 is Boxer, '93 and '95 that I've seen is back to Berdan primed.

Easiest rule of thumb: US- Boxer; everywhere else- Berdan

[Gun Surfer]

Right now, out there for sale there is South African surplus berdan primed, Portuguese FN berdan primed, British Radway Green as Mr. Moore states, not sure you need to call and ask about that stuff. There is also Pakistani stuff (usually linked) that I would be very careful about buying, most surely berdan. Then there is a bunch of S&B corrosive surplus around that is berdan primed that I would reserve for a bolt action rifle only. Finally a bunch of German surplus has hit the market, sometimes with corroded cases (but no break in price), some of it clean, all I am sure is berdan primed.

Usually the online add says if it is berdan primed, but sometimes you need to call the vendor to confirm. Back when the Australian Defense Industries (ADI) 7.62 surplus was available, it came either berdan or boxer. I lucked out and got 800 rds boxer and reloadable.

[TDH]

I'm not sure of the maker anymore it escapes me but the head stamp is GGG though it looks like 666. Good brass and boxer primed. there was some West German I beleive head stamp 7.62X51 on the bottom bracketed by a star on each side and 79 on the top. Pretty explanitory. Decent brass and boxer primed. I have found after the 2nd reload I have to crimp the neck and seating the bullet.