Berdan vs Boxer Primers

Berdan and Boxer Primers are the two primers used today in modern ammunition. while both primers are essentially the same in terms of performance, they do have differences and one is more commonly used in reloading and overall compared to the other. Lets take a look at these two primers and learn both the differences and similarities of each. 

 History of Primers

 The first primers used in firearms history is the match, used in matchlock firearms. the first instances of this type of primer dates back to the Ottoman Turks in references that date back to as early the mid 1400's. The matchlock is a simple system that consists of a long burning match attached to a curved lever. When the trigger is pulled the burning match hits a pan filled with gun power, that ignite into a flash hole and igniting the main powder charge. As time progressed and technology advanced, the matchlock was replaced by other types or primers such as flintlocks, wheel locks, and percussion caps, which aren't much different from today's primers. 

Matchlock musket

How do Primers Function

 Most readers here are probably more than familiar with what a primer is and how it functions. When the firing pin of a firearm strikes the primer it compresses the primer and the explosive material inside it. This compression causes a reaction of the explosive material and creates a spark, which travels through one or more small vent holes, and in turn causes the powder to ignite. 

Berdan Primers

 Berdan primer are the less common of the two types, and are mainly used in Europe more so than in the United States, but the type was actually invented by an American by the name of Hiram Berdan in New York and patented in 1866. In particular, Russian ammunition manufacturers are probably the most well know out of the users of Berdan primers. Brands like Tula, Wolf and Bear come to mind. Berdan primed ammunition feature two vent holes for the spark to reach the powder after ignition, along with the primer featuring an anvil with which the explosive material of the primer is compressed upon. Hand loading Berdan primers is far more difficult and intensive than hand loading Boxer primers, and the anvil cant really be replaced, the anvil is integral to the casing and wears with use. These issues while reloading can cause failure, and ignition of the reloaded ammunition is less assured. 

Cutaway of 7.62x39mm ammunition with the 2 vented Berdan design

Boxer Primers

 The Boxer primer is much more straightforward in its design. Colonel Edward Mounier from Woolwich England patented the boxer design in 1866. The Boxer primer design has as single flash hole or vent in its center. Along with only having one flash hole, the Anvil is more of a stirrup that sits in an inverted fashion on the primer cup, making it considerably more durable, and able to provide considerably more resistance to the forces exerted on it during ignition. For hand loaders the process of reloading spent shells and replacing the primer is considerably easier and more reliable than Berdan primers, making it the reason why its more common. 

Berdan primer on left, Boxer primer on right.

Conclusion

 If you're not looking to do reloading of spent ammunition that using ammunition such as the steel cased Russian made brand will work out fine. This type is common for people shooting for fun using old surplus soviet made rifles. If you are thinking of getting into hand loading, Boxer primers should be your pick, due to the ease of replacing the primers and the reliability of the ammunition during reuse. 

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