Strange 9mm case

Discussion in 'The Ammo & Reloading Forum' started by stev32k, Nov 11, 2012.

  1. Nov 11, 2012 #1
    stev32k

    stev32k Well-Known Member

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    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?
     
    stev32k, Nov 11, 2012
    stev32k, Nov 11, 2012
  3. Nov 11, 2012 #2
    todd51

    todd51 Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    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.
     
    todd51, Nov 11, 2012
    todd51, Nov 11, 2012

  5. Nov 11, 2012 #3
    cpttango30

    cpttango30 Guest

    Looks like you hit a comblock or other steel cased non reloadable case. Could be any of a thousand different manufactures.
     
    cpttango30, Nov 11, 2012
    cpttango30, Nov 11, 2012
  6. Nov 11, 2012 #4
    JLA

    JLA Well-Known Member

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    yep. 2 flash holes is berdan primed and will break decapping pins.
     
    JLA, Nov 11, 2012
    JLA, Nov 11, 2012
  7. Nov 11, 2012 #5
    stev32k

    stev32k Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    stev32k, Nov 11, 2012
    stev32k, Nov 11, 2012
  8. Nov 11, 2012 #6
    jim brady

    jim brady Well-Known Member

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    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: Nov 11, 2012
    jim brady, Nov 11, 2012
    jim brady, Nov 11, 2012
  9. Nov 11, 2012 #7
    gdmoody

    gdmoody Moderator Supporting Member

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    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.
     
    gdmoody, Nov 11, 2012
    gdmoody, Nov 11, 2012
  10. Nov 11, 2012 #8
    stev32k

    stev32k Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    stev32k, Nov 11, 2012
    stev32k, Nov 11, 2012
  11. Nov 11, 2012 #9
    time2shoot

    time2shoot Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    It's time consuming, but a quick peek inside the case will tell ya if it is berdan.
     
    time2shoot, Nov 11, 2012
    time2shoot, Nov 11, 2012
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