38 Special Primer Pocket Issue

Update: Ordered out the RCBS tool and it came in today. Chucked it into a hand drill and after about 3 seconds, I can press the primers home. Thanks!!
 
Maybe WW is using their old machinery from military production to load that 130gr fmj clone of the old M-41. It is very nearly the same load.......
 
There seems to be some confusion about what a primer pocket uniformer does. Real briefly, it makes sure the primer pocket is the correct depth. Overuse or not being square with the case head, can cause the diameter to become somewhat larger than specification.

While I've both reamed and used the RCBS swage tool, I splurged last year and got the Dillon Super Swage. Sorry I waited so long. You do need to read the adjustment directions carefully, I deformed the bottoms of a couple hundred .223 and had to uniform them before I discovered my mistake.
 
Well this is a timely post for me. I was just getting ready to sell off some of my once fired 38 spl & 357 from the 90's, but now I think I'll keep it.
Thanks for the post.
 
As a lifelong machinist/mechanic when I first encountered crimped primer pockets I immediately thought of a countersink. I have removed the crimps from thousands of ex-military brass with a simple twist taking about 1/2 second (9mm, 45 ACP, 30-06 and 7.62x51, and a rare 38 Special). I have never had any problems with my method and one would have to try pretty hard to remove too much metal. Inexpensive, simple and found at most hardware stores. I had/have 60 degree countersinks in my toolbox and they work quite well...
McMaster-Carr
 
Last edited:
As a lifelong machinist/mechanic when I first encountered crimped primer pockets I immediately thought of a countersink. I have removed the crimps from thousands of ex-military brass with a simple twist taking about 1/2 second (9mm, 45 ACP, 30-06 and 7.62x51, and a rare 38 Special). I have never had any problems with my method and one would have to try pretty hard to remove too much metal. Inexpensive, simple and found at most hardware stores. I had/have 60 degree countersinks in my toolbox and they work quite well...
McMaster-Carr

As a fellow machinist, thats exactly what I do. All you need to do is break the edge. No problems what so ever.
 
As a lifelong machinist/mechanic when I first encountered crimped primer pockets I immediately thought of a countersink. I have removed the crimps from thousands of ex-military brass with a simple twist taking about 1/2 second (9mm, 45 ACP, 30-06 and 7.62x51, and a rare 38 Special). I have never had any problems with my method and one would have to try pretty hard to remove too much metal. Inexpensive, simple and found at most hardware stores. I had/have 60 degree countersinks in my toolbox and they work quite well...
McMaster-Carr

Would you post a picture of what you use and will it work for 223/556?
 
Back
Top