Depriming live primers?

[dlbleak]

I have about a hundred primed 06 cases. I was given about a hundred reloads that I had no idea what load was in them. They had some dented and dirty cases too. I pulled all the bullets and now would like to save and reuse the primers if possible. The down side is I have no clue how they were stored in the past. I would probably just used them in reduced plinking loads for the mannlicher shoenauer so if I get a squib it wouldn’t be in a hunting or competition setting. I found this thread but it only answers a couple of my questions. Like, what is the best method to use? Would you just chamber a few empties and see if they go off before going to the trouble?
https://www.okshooters.com/threads/depriming-live-primers.84569/

 

[Bahick71]

I have done it before, just go slow. All of the ones I salvaged worked fine. They say if you put some water down in the case, it will render the primer inert, then on when it dries out, it will work properly again. I have
never tried that method. I was pulling some bullets for a rifle I had rebarreled and some of the primers
were coming out. I put a piece of tape over the back of the bullet puller to catch the primer. That did not
work good, it made the primer go off. Scared the crap out of me. That was the only primer I have had
go off, not where it was supposed to be.

 

[dlbleak]

I’ve done a few random one over the years. Never more than 3-4 at a time though

 

[rickm]

I have deprimerd several live primers with no problems but as mentioned go slow and steady no sudden ramming of the press ram.

 

[Tin Star Firearms]

I agree with the above and I have used a universal de-prime tool most times.

 

[DRC458]

Yeah, just be slow and gentle pushing them out. You could try touching off a few empty cases, but I bet they go bang. Seems like a lot of work for a hundred primers, but in today's world .......

 

[Ready_fire_aim]

I have been in similar situations and de-primed live primers without issues. Just make sure you don’t have any powders out on the bench, and put on them safety glasses!

 

[JEVapa]

I have deprimed hundreds without incident on regular cases. The one crimped case (old 30-06 danish) I tried popped. I figured it would and was prepared for a bang...kinda uneventful. Now I either just shoot them them like blanks, or neck size and reload for plinkers.
At any rate, I don't go fast, not because of detonation but because of deformation. I just drink beer and take my time.

 

[Dumpstick]

Like others have said; I've Deprimed dozens of cases.

Slow and easy. You can put on earmuffs if you want. I've never had one go off.

 

[retrieverman]

I’ve deprimed a bunch and never had one go off. That being said, if I were you not knowing if they’re good or not, I’d pull the bullets on a few and fire them to see if they even pop.