An ignition component consisting of a cup, explosive mixture, and covering foil. The anvil is an integral part of the cartridge case head in the bottom of the primer pocket. Generally two flash holes are drilled or pierced through the bottom of the primer pocket into the propellant cavity of the case. This system was designed by Col. Hiram Berdan. Although widely used throughout the world, this system has never been popular in the U.S., due largely to the difficulty in reloading Berdan cases.
1