Proper Size Primer Seating Pin for .223

[kbm6893]

I’m just getting into reloading rifle. I’ve been loading pistol for years and use a Hornady handheld primer tool. The pistol uses the small primer seating pin. Would I have to change out the small seating pin for the large one for .223?

I just watched a YouTube video and it says use the small. I started to prime one and it’s an effort. With the case out of the holder the pin and primer rise up nice and easily. But I feel resistance putting the primer in. The primer is now in but not fully so I can’t even remove the case from the shell holder because it’s not seated flush. The case is clean and I used the RCBS military crimp remover on all primer pockets.

[ArchAngelCD]

Small primers both handgun and rifle use the small seating pin and large primers both handgun and rifle use the large seating pin.

The .223 uses small rifle primers so you use the small seating pin.

If you are feeling excessive resistance it's possible there might be a crimp in the primer pocket that has not been removed.

[kbm6893]

Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD

Small primers both handgun and rifle use the small seating pin and large primers both handgun and rifle use the large seating pin.

The .223 uses small rifle primers so you use the small seating pin.

If you are feeling excessive resistance it's possible there might be a crimp in the primer pocket that has not been removed.

So how do I get the case out to check? With the primer partially seated I can’t slide the case out. I used the military crimp remover on all the brass and didn’t see any crimp but I guess one could have gotten by me.

The primer is in the pocket but only just starting. I can’t slide the case out unless it’s fully seated.

[Old&Retired]

Originally Posted by kbm6893

So how do I get the case out to check? With the primer partially seated I can’t slide the case out. I used the military crimp remover on all the brass and didn’t see any crimp but I guess one could have gotten by me.

The primer is in the pocket but only just starting. I can’t slide the case out unless it’s fully seated.

If I read the Hornady directions correctly you should be able to push down on the primer tray and slide the shell holder w/ case out of the tool. Put in your press under the size/deprime die and CAREFULLY deprime the trouble case.

I use the RCBS swag tool also, and find that I still have to use a handheld or motorized swag grinder to finish the job.

[kbm6893]

Originally Posted by Old&Retired

If I read the Hornady directions correctly you should be able to push down on the primer tray and slide the shell holder w/ case out of the tool. Put in your press under the size/deprime die and CAREFULLY deprime the trouble case.

I use the RCBS swag tool also, and find that I still have to use a handheld or motorized swag grinder to finish the job.

Using the decapping die won’t set the primer off? Can I just use a universal Depriming die? I assume just throw out the primer once I get it out?

The tool I have is attached to the Frankfort Arsenal motorized case prep system. Can’t believe I have they many military brass pieces in there. I can hardly see the difference between a crimped pocket and one without a crimp.

[Moe Mentum]

You can use the decapping die, and reuse the primer, I have done this many times... just take precautions, eyes and ears...

[kbm6893]

Originally Posted by Moe Mentum

You can use the decapping die, and reuse the primer, I have done this many times... just take precautions, eyes and ears...

Thanks. Already done and used the primer again. Gonna have to go back through all the cases I already swaged. Not a big deal. Do it right the first time and never have to do it again. I’m new to rifle reloading and I’m taking it slow. I even ordered a separate powder thrower that will only be used for rifle. No chance of mixing up pistol and rifle powders that way.

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have two of the RCBS tools. One from 1984 when I did 20,000 5.56 cases. Went smooth and easy, Then! I couldn't find that kit and bought another a few years ago. Everything goes smooth and easy, but the crimps are still a problem, I re-do 10, they are still bad, so I bought the RCBS "Crimp ream" for the case prep station! Works great! I think the current batch of Small swages are undersized! I haven't tried the Large yet!

Ivan

[growr]

I solve that issue with the Dillon 600 Primer pocket swager....have done many thousands of military casings, both 5.56 and 7.62 NATO....it comes with both large and small primer rods.

Randy