I imagine many of you are like me, in that you also load for military calibers such as .223/5.56x45 and 7.62x51/.308 Win and use military type brass that has crimped in primers. I had been using a primer pocket reamer, which works but is really rough on my old hands and wrists. Plus, my carpal tunnel syndrome has been getting worse the last few years too and reaming out the pockets for more than a few cases really makes it rough on me the next few days afterwards. So I started looking for an alternative.

I looked at the Dillon Super Swage 600 and it looks nice, but it is also pretty expensive at over $100. Then I remembered running across this Priming and Swage Kit at CH4D about a year ago when looking to pick up some collets for my CH bullet puller. And since I had picked up around 150 LC cases at the range last week and wasn't looking forward to reaming out all those crimps, I decided to order the whole kit, including the priming tools since the kit was only $37.96. The mail lady delivered it this morning and I decided to give it a run on a few cases to see how it works. BTW, they charged me $6 shipping.

It comes in a pretty nice black plastic case and the parts are really well machined. It uses your single stage or turret press and uses standard shell holders, so there is nothing else needed if you already have those items. You simply slide the swage rod into the ram shell holder slot, install the tool body in the top of your press and adjust it per the directions they send with the tool on a single sheet of paper. And I am happy to say that it works perfectly and is ultra easy on the hands and wrists. You let your press do all the work. I also tried the priming system out too while setting the swage tool depth and it works well and gives fantastic feel, but you do have to load each individual primer in the cup. I might use this on less commonly loaded rounds such as my 264 Mag, but if I want to go in quantity there are faster alternatives around.

So, if you are looking for a faster and easier way to remove primer pocket crimps, this tool is a no brainer.

I concur. Best bang for the buck! Great write up muddocktor

__________________
Redeemed!

Couldn't agree more! Great tool, very well made. Good presentation...

I liked it better than the RCBS version. Very good tool.

Works best if you set and use all the same headstamp and all trimmed to length, also try a little case lube (spray kind)

I have since sold both as I prefer to just ream them out with a Hornady reamer and hand drill.

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

I found this tool to be invaluable dealing with crimped primer pockets->Swage Gage Small Primer Pocket Gauge


It shows me if I need to remove a crimp, and after swaging or reaming the pocket, if done. Sometimes a little more reaming or another pass through my Dillon 600 is needed to allow the tool to fit. The other end of the tool is a no-go gauge, and will show you a loose pocket.

I use it every time I prime, just to be sure. I prime off the press with an RCBS bench priming tool. Levers are easier for me over hand priming tools.

Thanks everyone.

ROK, that's a nice looking tool there; might have to pick one up for myself. I like the no-go side of the gauge, as I do have a few cases in my 223 brass that the primer pockets are getting pretty loose on and that way I can catch them before trying to load a primer in them. And like you, I also prime off press with the RCBS bench priming tool. I bought it back in the 80's and I don't know how many rounds I have primed with it. Best $31 I ever spent! Now they are quite a bit more expensive, but still worth it in IMO.

The CH-4 D is on my list of things to order. I have the RCBS but l saw the CH4D in action and it appears that I would like it better. Nice to hear it is of good quality .

__________________
Not so Free in the Free State

Count me in as another happy customer of CH4D. I bought a couple thousand 556 once fired brass a couple years ago. Bought their swager/primer dies and have had no gripes at all .

Update. I ordered the CH4D swager today. I have some brass that will benefit from it soon.

__________________
Not so Free in the Free State

It is a nice tool for mil primer pockets. I've used it for about a year (~1k pieces of brass) with no issues. However, I did ruin some rims getting it set properly. Good price and efficient.

Just came in the mail yesterday . Looks to be a good quality tool. Hope to get it set up . I don't have much time for fun this weekend , but may make time to at least run a few cases through it.

__________________
Not so Free in the Free State