Crimped Primer Pockets: Ream or Swage?

[UpTheIrons]

It is time to tackle the ~3000 5.56 cases and couple hundred pistol cases I have with a primer crimp.

The reviews and forum discussions are just nasty in places for both reamers/deburring tools (Hornady hand reamer) and the swagers (Dillon Super Swage).

I really can't envision doing all these cases by hand - what do y'all recommend? Some say the Hornady tool clamped into a cordless drill is a dream, but others say it ruins pockets. The Dillon gets great reviews, but it also swages off-center.

Haven't seen much on the RCBS Trim-Mate and such tools. Are those a middle ground? Any suggestions?

[Beiruty]

I did not enjoy reloading those military grade cases. I would try to avoid them at any cost. I do not have to much time to waste on brass prep.

[Jumping Frog]

I use the RCBS swaging tool in an ordinary press. It works fine.

The good part of having to do 3,000 cases is you only have to do it once.

[PBR]

i use a 1/2 countersink and cordless drill -- takes about 2 secs per case


cost about $1 -- just use on the crimped end and you will see the crimp pop out

[UpTheIrons]

i use a 1/2 countersink and cordless drill -- takes about 2 secs per case
[ Image ]

cost about $1 -- just use on the crimped end and you will see the crimp pop out

Does this work on both large and small primer pockets?

[PBR]

Does this work on both large and small primer pockets?

never had to do any large primer pocket brass yet but i would think it should work fine -- if nothing else a 3/4 countersink would work just in case the tip of the countersink on the 1/2 ends up hitting primer hole -- hopefully you can understand what i'm trying to say

[ddstuder]

I use the RCBS swaging tool in an ordinary press. It works fine.

The good part of having to do 3,000 cases is you only have to do it once.

This is what I do. I prefer swaging to reaming. If you take off too much when reaming, you will have loose primer pockets.

This tool is very easy to use, and can be used with Large and Small primer brass.

When buying used, I actually like it when my brass still has a crimped pocket. Then I know for certain that it is truly Once-Fired.

[Beiruty]

There is an excellent HD video here: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/235832 ... er-combo-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Charles L. Cotton]

I used the Dillon swaging tool for years, but changed to the RCBS Case Master with a deburring tool. It works great and even bottomed out it doesn't remove too much metal.

Chas.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr= ... B420%3B296" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[UpTheIrons]

Thank you for the additional tips. I'll likely go the RCBS route. Still waffling on the press mounted swager vs. Trim Mate Case Prep center. The multi-tool function of the Trim Mate makes it pretty attractive, but the cost of the swager is also attractive.