primer pocket crimp removal

johngalt

johngalt

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I've only reloaded pistol, looking into getting started with rifle (30'06). My brass is Lake City from the CMP. I have a total of around 200 cases to reload. I assume the primer pockets are crimped.

I'm looking for suggestions for a tool to remove the crimp. I know there is an electric Dillon tool that cuts the crimp out. I thought someone (don't know who) has a tool that bends/flattens out the crimp?

I have a total of around 1000 LC cases (not all of it has been shot yet). I will eventually get to those.
 
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Alk8944 said:
Buy the RCBS Primer crimp Swage die. Dillon also makes one a bit different. Far quicker than using a reamer and less chance of damaging the primer pocket.
Click to expand...

If properly adjusted, the RCBS unit works well and isn't all that slow. It never needs re-adjustment. Many complain that it doesn't work properly, and it won't if you don't take the time to set it just right. Not that difficult.
 
Not sure how involved you plan on getting into reloading or how old you are. If young and plan on reloading for quite a while. Buy once, cry once. Buy the Dillon Super Swage 600 and never look back. I've got and have used the RCBS kit and absolutely hated using it. The Dillon is expensive but I don't believe there is anything easier once set up and you get into a rhythm. I just did over 1000 LC 5.56 cases as part of my match prep of cases and it was effortless.
 
I think Dillon is the greatest, but they are usually out of my price range. Last year I got into 5.56 and needed a primer pocket swage tool for the 1000 once fired brass I acquired. My Lee kit for 40 bucks met all of my requirements.

In past years I used an RCBS primer pocket reamer and it worked great but was a lot of work. I can't see spending $150 for a simple tool when the Lee product works well.
 
Another way to look at it...you pay one way or the other. Buy new or once-fired brass (of the same headstamp) that requires no crimp removal or get a tool to do the job on crimped primer pockets.

If it's a one-time project, get the RCBS. If you're going to be using brass with crimped in primer pockets from now on and you handload and shoot a great deal, the Dillon may be the way to go. People talk "expensive" on various handloading items, but if you amortize cost over years and thousands of cases, the real cost is insignificant.
 
I greatly prefer using the simple hand reamers made by Lyman. Takes about three seconds per case. One quick twist. I cannot recommend swaging. Tried it, do not like, have an RCBS set I do not use. A good job to do while watching TV. Don’t overthink it. It needs to be done only once per case. Ever. Plenty of the hand reamers are listed on eBay.
 
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I just use an ordinary countersink bit, about 10 bucks. I have an RCBS swagger but never use it. Swagging distorts the pocket.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Eazypower-30354-Countersink-1per-Pack/dp/B000LNOFK2/ref=sr_1_287?crid=3LWH67S***4JM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z0yQv4itrVBX8hP8MyiUO-Qx70_J-HRyQutaeqHpx3R3CyR4HkIitphzVFUYfxDtPljx_KZUsWq-M1riB2ysX6gsmelA0unhnynUVMUfDG3eBSR3c4vpuLNXhhFEctr5O1b9TK2cnoa2-gTTVy5VIQhnXh-D8XiXQx_oHCzzSfQkzYLgVG_gbUe5fA7HV-OvlGCYsL1YyjbnO8Bfpua02IK-C3H5Kz2Eaxb_WAc8MO1UHC7ZTuOon23xQ3bmujKTSk-fYx0bYk6w0Qw0oZGmv-WftWh30_irf_krjOeimticoybxsrVcDWVyA_uqA6krNE00TxHIR7hltQLsDDaAypnakc2GTyJL6uNMkQa_7FlYo_YY3D5K6D0BsjFUVp9_oJ8C8Q5bh2WRPlnextEPTvrogruo431GiP1MzY7851jLPguy5l9Lrm5-lIBYbWrF.iUkmalt2Hho76Ft0nrWT0DgCh1g42YVseDvQqC357c0&dib_tag=se&keywords=counter+sink+bit&qid=1743373610&sprefix=counter+sink+bit%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-287&xpid=Tzb3IdLfb6Dr6[/ame]
 
Back a very long time ago, I reamed GI .30 pockets using just a 1/4” bit in a drill press. Not ideal but it worked after I developed the right feel. Then I changed to using the Lyman hand reamers.
 
LostintheOzone said:
I just use an ordinary countersink bit, about 10 bucks. I have an RCBS swagger but never use it. Swagging distorts the pocket.

Amazon.com
Click to expand...

It's called "swaging". It's impossible to distort the primer pocket using this method. Can you cite your evidence / experience to the contrary?
 
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Alk8944 said:
Buy the RCBS Primer crimp Swage die. Dillon also makes one a bit different. Far quicker than using a reamer and less chance of damaging the primer pocket.
Click to expand...

Been using one for years on .308 and .223 military brass. Always worked great. The RCBS model is the one I have.
 
I have used all the crimp removal tools out there and almost all of them are lacking in something. The hand operated tools such as the Dillon and RCBS tools are okay, but are a pain to convert from small to large primers and the assorted times you have to re-adjust for different cases. I use an RCBS case prep center for all my trimming, chamfering and primer pocket work. A few years ago I stumbled on a crimp removal product made by Burstfire for crimp removal and it works absolutely great. The Burstfire product includes several "bits" that can be used manually or as in my case on a machine. So now I just tap the primer pocket on the Burstfire bit for about 2 or 3 seconds and big or little primer the job is done forever. Nothing else is faster than the Burstfire bits and the primer pockets are never over done unless you go ape on them. Before you spend big bucks on a swage tool that needs constant adjustment take a look at the Burstfire website and look at their videos for their case prep tools. If used properly these bits should never wear out, but just to be safe I ordered a spare set. Usually when you find something that is almost perfect the manufacturer stops making it so you have to buy some new hot product. Not with these bits and the price is much easier on the wallet. I can't remember the last time I used my highly regarded Dillon Swage tool. It just collects dust now.

Rick H.
 
I gave up on swaging tools tried them all. I rather ream them out with a RCBS crimp remover.


[ame]https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-90387-Military-Crimp-Remover/dp/B0063IDEK6/ref=sims_dp_d_dex_popular_subs_t3_v6_d_sccl_3_1/141-8223410-1215830?pd_rd_w=bifRM&content-id=amzn1.sym.23e3f38e-3b1c-446d-9cce-2cc73f175b99&pf_rd_p=23e3f38e-3b1c-446d-9cce-2cc73f175b99&pf_rd_r=RY268257NJ5VX5J7X049&pd_rd_wg=tSqfN&pd_rd_r=3991d614-0190-4e84-ace6-f0f069c0c6bd&pd_rd_i=B0063IDEK6&psc=1[/ame]
 
As said above the rcbs unit works fine. Its not difficult to set up or adjust. All I reload is LC brass for my 5.56 guns and its all crimped so yes, I have to handle each piece of brass but you very quivkly het into a rhythm and muscle memory takes over your movements and before you know it youre done. It comes with a large and small pocket tool and works perfectly.
 
That's the same kit I use. Been using it for years. Pretty foolproof (as proved by them selling it to ME!)
 
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