From a late 1950's Lyman Ideal Handbook, "Quoted from Alcan Literature";
Our 645 Berdan primer for Alcan brass shells is a NM-NC shotshell primer. The Berdan primer of regular shotshell force is satisfactory for most types of smokeless shotgun powders.
When the maximum or magnum load is desired it is necessary to drill from the inside of the case with a 15/64"drill & then reverse the case using a counter-sink or 3/8" drill and just touch the primer pocket enough to allow the flange of a G209F primer to fit flush with the case.
Any powder charges recommended for the regular case is quite satisfactory with an all brass case.
The most simple & satisfactory method for keeping the overshot "B" wad in position is to place a few drops of Sodium Silicate (waterglass) over the wad. Waterglass is more satisfactory than wax as it forms a firm hold between the wad & brass case which takes the place of "Crimp Pressure" normally accomplished by turning over the paper tubes. This crimp pressure is very helpful in obtaining uniform ballistics.
The wads used in a brass case should be of a special type which are slightly larger than the regular wad used in a paper shell. This is necessary because the wall thickness of the brass shell is thinner than that of the regular paper tube. These oversize wads give better gas sealing and a better load results. The use of oversize wads in brass shells is quite safe. Alcan furnishes these at no extra cost in all gauges from 12 to .410.
This handbook has lost its cover over the years but I believe it is #40. I know I acquired it around 1956 or '57.
I am personally of the firm believe that an adequate primer & adequate sealing of the top wad is the real criteria for using smokeless in brass cases. I think that in the very early days adequate primers for smokeless were non existent for the brass cases thus these early warnings against its use.
