Strange 9mm case - The Firearms Forum

stev32k · 11-11-2012, 08:15 AM

I was de-priming a batch of 9mm cases when the Lee (Guaranteed Unbreakable) universal de-capping die pin broke. The case that broke the pin looked like it was a dark colored brass. Inside it had two flash holes one on either side of the center, but none in the middle. The way it was made there was no way it could be de-primed with standard dies. The head stamp said 603, 9mm Luger and nothing else.

The more I looked at the case the more it didn't look right. I finally tested it with a magnet and the case was steel. It looked like it had been coated with some kind of (almost) brass looking material. The finish was smooth and kind of slick feeling.

Anyone know what it is?

todd51 · 11-11-2012, 08:31 AM

stev, I suspect that 9mm was a Berdan primed case. Google it and you can get the history. But don't feel bad about breaking the pin, most of us have been there and done that, ha. I now keep an in case supply of pins for when I do something like that.

cpttango30 · 11-11-2012, 09:22 AM

Looks like you hit a comblock or other steel cased non reloadable case. Could be any of a thousand different manufactures.

JLA · 11-11-2012, 12:54 PM

yep. 2 flash holes is berdan primed and will break decapping pins.

stev32k · 11-11-2012, 01:11 PM

Thanks guys. Learned something new. I try to separate out all the steel and aluminum cases, but missed those two because they looked so much like dark brass.

jim brady · 11-11-2012, 01:13 PM

That's a great lesson. First thing to look for in fired cases is whether it's BOXER (single flash hole = reloadable) or BERDAN (two or more flash holes = not really reloadable). Most European brass is Berdan primed, while we use mostly Boxer cases in the U.S.

Not to say it isn't reloadable, but need special tools and special primers. Some U.S. makers do produce non-reloadable cases. As you say, some are aluminum. Toss those right away. I'd toss any steel cases, too.

gdmoody · 11-11-2012, 01:45 PM

I have searched all of the head stamp web sites that I know (and a couple I didn't know about) and I cannot find any reference to the head stamp using the numbers 603. I did find 602 and 604 but not 603, oh well, but as every one else has said, definitely berdan primed.

stev32k · 11-11-2012, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdmoody

I have searched all of the head stamp web sites that I know (and a couple I didn't know about) and I cannot find any reference to the head stamp using the numbers 603. I did find 602 and 604 but not 603, oh well, but as every one else has said, definitely berdan primed.

I did the same thing and learned more about the 9mm case than I really wanted to know. Like you I found references to the numbers 602 and 604, but not 603.

time2shoot · 11-11-2012, 03:09 PM

It's time consuming, but a quick peek inside the case will tell ya if it is berdan.

11-11-2012, 08:15 AM	#1
stev32k V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 367	Strange 9mm case I was de-priming a batch of 9mm cases when the Lee (Guaranteed Unbreakable) universal de-capping die pin broke. The case that broke the pin looked like it was a dark colored brass. Inside it had two flash holes one on either side of the center, but none in the middle. The way it was made there was no way it could be de-primed with standard dies. The head stamp said 603, 9mm Luger and nothing else. The more I looked at the case the more it didn't look right. I finally tested it with a magnet and the case was steel. It looked like it had been coated with some kind of (almost) brass looking material. The finish was smooth and kind of slick feeling. Anyone know what it is? -->

11-11-2012, 08:31 AM	#2
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,571	Re: Strange 9mm case stev, I suspect that 9mm was a Berdan primed case. Google it and you can get the history. But don't feel bad about breaking the pin, most of us have been there and done that, ha. I now keep an in case supply of pins for when I do something like that. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

11-11-2012, 09:22 AM	#3
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: Strange 9mm case Looks like you hit a comblock or other steel cased non reloadable case. Could be any of a thousand different manufactures.

11-11-2012, 12:54 PM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,305	Re: Strange 9mm case yep. 2 flash holes is berdan primed and will break decapping pins. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

11-11-2012, 01:11 PM	#5
stev32k V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 367	Re: Strange 9mm case Thanks guys. Learned something new. I try to separate out all the steel and aluminum cases, but missed those two because they looked so much like dark brass.

11-11-2012, 01:13 PM	#6
jim brady Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,072	Re: Strange 9mm case That's a great lesson. First thing to look for in fired cases is whether it's BOXER (single flash hole = reloadable) or BERDAN (two or more flash holes = not really reloadable). Most European brass is Berdan primed, while we use mostly Boxer cases in the U.S. Not to say it isn't reloadable, but need special tools and special primers. Some U.S. makers do produce non-reloadable cases. As you say, some are aluminum. Toss those right away. I'd toss any steel cases, too. Last edited by jim brady; 11-11-2012 at 01:15 PM..

11-11-2012, 01:45 PM	#7
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,310	Re: Strange 9mm case I have searched all of the head stamp web sites that I know (and a couple I didn't know about) and I cannot find any reference to the head stamp using the numbers 603. I did find 602 and 604 but not 603, oh well, but as every one else has said, definitely berdan primed. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

11-11-2012, 03:09 PM	#9
time2shoot Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Brandon SD Contributor Posts: 2,599	Re: Strange 9mm case It's time consuming, but a quick peek inside the case will tell ya if it is berdan. __________________ I AM A VETERAN MY OATH OF ENLISTMENT HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE!