Reloading Series: Primer Pocket Swaging
Introduction to Primer Pocket Swaging
Hey everyone, Caleb and Steve from Brownells here! Welcome back to our reloading series. Today, we’re diving into a crucial step when working with military brass or range pickups: swaging primer pockets. If you’ve ever struggled with crimped primer pockets, this guide will show you how to remove them effectively, ensuring your brass is ready for smooth reloading.
Why Swaging is Necessary for Military Brass
Military brass often has a crimped primer pocket, which is designed to hold the primer in place during rigorous use. While this is great for durability in military applications, it poses a challenge when reloading. You can’t properly seat a new primer unless you remove the crimp. That’s where primer pocket swaging comes in—it opens up the pocket and restores it to the correct dimensions for reloading.
RCBS Primer Pocket Swaging Tool Overview
We’re using the RCBS Primer Pocket Swaging Tool for this process. This tool is designed to work with both small primer pockets (like those in 9mm or .223 brass) and large primer pockets (found in calibers like .308). It’s a simple yet effective device that mounts onto your press, allowing you to swage pockets quickly and consistently.
Setting Up the Tool for Small Primer Pockets
First, we set up the swaging tool for small primer pockets. The tool comes with interchangeable parts for small and large pockets, so make sure you’ve selected the correct size. Mount the tool onto your reloading press, and adjust it so the swaging head aligns perfectly with the primer pocket. This setup ensures the brass is properly centered and ready for swaging.
Demonstration: Removing the Primer Crimp
With the tool set up, we demonstrate how to swage the primer pocket. Place a piece of crimped brass in the press and pull the handle. The swaging head presses into the primer pocket, removing the crimp and reshaping the pocket to standard dimensions. This process is quick, efficient, and restores your brass to a reloadable state.
Adjusting for Optimal Taper and Smooth Seating
One key aspect of swaging is getting the right taper in the primer pocket. If the pocket is too tight, you may struggle to seat primers. On the other hand, a pocket that’s too loose won’t hold the primer securely. Steve shows how to adjust the swaging tool for an optimal fit, ensuring primers seat smoothly without excessive force.
Adding Lubrication for Easier Ejection
If you’re processing a large batch of brass, consider using a bit of case lube on the swaging head. This reduces friction and makes it easier to remove the brass from the tool after each pass. Just a tiny amount of lube can save time and effort, especially when working with hundreds of cases.
Tips for Pre-Cleaning and Efficient Reloading
Steve also emphasizes the importance of cleaning your brass before swaging. Dirty brass can introduce grit into the swaging tool, which could damage the head or your brass. Running your cases through a tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner beforehand ensures a smooth and trouble-free swaging process.
Final Thoughts and Viewer Questions
Swaging primer pockets is an essential step for reloaders working with military brass or range pickups. The RCBS tool makes it easy to remove crimps and prepare your brass for reloading, whether you’re working with small or large primer pockets. If you have questions about this process or want to see more tips, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to the Brownells Tech Line. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next video!
