Boxer vs Berdan Primers: Why It Matters for Reloading
May 11, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
If you reload — or want to — the primer type of your brass matters a lot. Boxer and Berdan primers look similar but make a big practical difference.
The difference
Boxer primers have a single central flash hole and a self-contained anvil — easy to deprime and reload, which is why almost all US commercial brass is Boxer-primed. Berdan primers use two (or more) offset flash holes with the anvil built into the case, making them impractical to reload by normal means.
Which ammo is which
US-made brass-cased ammo is overwhelmingly Boxer-primed and reloadable. A lot of imported and steel-cased ammo is Berdan-primed (and steel cases aren't ideal to reload anyway — see brass vs steel).
If you plan to reload, buy Boxer-primed brass-cased ammo. See reloading vs buying. Compare live 9mm prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my brass is Boxer or Berdan primed?
Look inside the case: one central flash hole = Boxer (reloadable); two offset flash holes = Berdan (not practically reloadable). US commercial brass is almost always Boxer.
Can you reload Berdan-primed brass?
Not practically — it's possible with special tools and Berdan primers, but it's rarely worth it. Reloaders use Boxer-primed brass.
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