Swager tool needed?

Infantry23 · Jan 31, 2013

I'm new to reloading and trying to figure out of the primer pocket swager tool is a "must have." If it is, is there any place locally to get one? Thanks!

Patriot · Feb 1, 2013

If you are planning on using military brass the crimp must be removed from the primer pocket. Many people claim the swagger tools are the easy/only way to go but I have found that a chamfer tool or 60° countersink used to cut the crimp away works well for me. You have to be careful to only cut away the crimp and not to bore out the primer pocket or cut away at the base of the case compromising its strength.

Major03 · Feb 1, 2013

Depends on how much brass you're going to process. I have the Dillon Super Swager, and it makes short work of milsurp brass, but like Patriot said above, you can use a chamfer tool pretty easily too.

Deep Creek Rock · Feb 1, 2013

You can buy a swaging die - I have the RCBS one, that has swaged many thousands of 5.56 cases, as well as other calibers that have crimped in primers. It comes with a swaging rod for both large, and small primer pockets. You just need read the instructions carefully, and understand them, or you may end up bending the swaging rod. RCBS will give you another one if you do. Knock on wood - I have not bent the swaging rod on mine.

You can also buy a bench mount model. RCBS, makes one similar to the Dillon Super Swager -for less cost, and will have a lifetime warranty on it as well.

Winterborn · Feb 1, 2013

I'll second the RCBS swager die....it works well.

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/case-preparation/primer-pocket-tools/reamers-swagers/rcbs-primer-pocket-swager-combo-sku749004345-35209-67972.aspx?ttver=1&mc_id=14000&ch=csh&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c644_a_7c749004345_d_749004345_d_20597

Uses your existing press and is alot cheaper than a super swager....

Infantry23 · Feb 1, 2013

Great info as always, guys! However... am I understanding correctly that this is only needed for 5.56? Or is it any mil-spec round?

I have a bunch of .223 at my disposal. Will I need the die for that too?

Deep Creek Rock · Feb 2, 2013

Infantry23 said:
Great info as always, guys! However... am I understanding correctly that this is only needed for 5.56? Or is it any mil-spec round?

I have a bunch of .223 at my disposal. Will I need the die for that too?

Usally it is for 5.56 brass,although you may find some .223 that have crimps. There are a few style crimps you'll see. If you look at the primer pocket, with primer still intact, sometimes you'll see a ring around the primer, on the actual brass. Its a circular style crimp. Other times, it may be multiple detents around the primer.

The RCBS swaging die will swage all brass with the exception of 50BMG, since they take a completly different sized primer. It comes with 2 size swaging heads, & rods. It will do pistol brass as well, and you sometimes do run into 9mm, and 45ACP Mil brass that have crimped in primers- for use in full auto. You also run into 308's that will need swaged, and that die will swage those.

If you end up buying the RCBS swaging die -the swaging heads can be used as a "go" or "no go" tool.

If the primer pocket seats all the way on the swaging head with out actually swaging it with the press - then it does not need to be swaged.

If it only goes down the swaging head partially or not flush with the swaging head -then it needs swaged.

You can use that swaging head to check, on or off the press.

Also if you decide on the swaging die - make sure it will work on your brand & type press. If I am not mistaken, certain presses cannot use that swaging die due to clearence issues.

Deep Creek Rock · Feb 2, 2013

This is what that swaging die looks like:

And the technical info on it:

Product Information

The RCBS Primer Pocket Swager-2 has been redesigned to quickly remove the primer pocket crimp from a larger variety of cases than the original. Unlike reaming, the Pocket Swager Kit forms a perfectly round pocket that is the correct dimensions for American boxer-type primers. Combo comes with swaging heads for both large and small primer pockets. This tool also features swaging rods that are made form stronger higher tensile strength steel that more than doubles the strength when comparing to the original tool. Not for use on progressive presses.

Technical Information

Fits: Single stage and turret presses
Function: Removes primer pocket crimps from military cases
Material: Steel
Kit Contains:
•2 Swager rods: (Smallest is for 223 only)

•1 Case stripper
•1 Large and 1 Small swager head (for primer pockets)
•1 Swager die body with locking ring that has standard 7/8"-14 threads for use with standard single stage presses.
Notes:
•This is a press mounted system for removing the military crimp from cases.
•If you are using the RCBS Big Max press you will need the optional Case Stripper for the Big Max Press. (Available only through RCBS - part number 09489).
•If you are using the RCBS Model A-2 Press, you will need the optional Case Stripper Washer for the A-2 Press. (Available only through RCBS - part number 09488).
•Please note that this combo is not adaptable for use with progressive reloading tools.

Winterborn · Feb 2, 2013

Infantry23 said:
Great info as always, guys! However... am I understanding correctly that this is only needed for 5.56? Or is it any mil-spec round?

I have a bunch of .223 at my disposal. Will I need the die for that too?

I have had to use it for surplus .45 (large primer pocket) and 9mm that I have picked up at various ranges.

Infantry23 · Feb 2, 2013

Great! Thanks for the information. I will look into getting one of these soon.

j8064 · Feb 2, 2013

Infantry23 said:
Great! Thanks for the information. I will look into getting one of these soon.

You've been given good advice. There are various methods and tools available for removing primer pocket crimps. While I graduated to a Dillon super-swage a few years ago, the Hornady reamer set is still a tool I use if I have a stubborn case to deal with.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/804809/hornady-primer-pocket-reamer-package

DocAitch · Feb 4, 2013

Ramer/swager

Depending on the source of your brass and the calibers that you load, you may no have to ream many cases.
I have had to swage the primer pockets of .223, 9mm Luger (FC), 9mm MAK, and the occasional .38Spec and .40S&W. I haven't loaded much .308 or 30.06 so I can't tell if there is a need.
While I do have a Dillon Superswage which I use for large numbers of .223 and 9mm MAK, I mainly use a Lyman primer pocket reamer (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/394805/lyman-power-chamfer-and-deburring-tool-set the third on the left) on an electric screw driver for the occasional round that ties up on my Dillon 650.
I have also used the Lee reamer which runs about $4 or less and which will do the job but requires fairly good hand strength.
DocAitch

eddy8888 · Feb 5, 2013

I have used a lee decapper for years on both 5.56 & 30.06, with a hand reaming tool
Check out http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSearchQuery=lee+decapper

Pinecone · Feb 8, 2013

I have the RCBS swaging die and never was able to make to work well.

I have a Dillon Super Swager 600 now, and it works WONDERFULLY.

I REALLY like Dillon products.

vafish · Feb 9, 2013

Infantry23 said:
Great info as always, guys! However... am I understanding correctly that this is only needed for 5.56? Or is it any mil-spec round?

I have a bunch of .223 at my disposal. Will I need the die for that too?

Pretty much any milsurp caliber can have swaged primer pockets.

I've had to remove the primer crimp on 5.56, 9mm, .45 ACP, .308, and .30-06.

I don't do a lot of them so I just use a primer pocket reamer.

For $18 it is well worth it.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/804809/hornady-primer-pocket-reamer-package

Weber · Feb 9, 2013

Dillon super swag!

stu929 · Feb 9, 2013

Doesn't lee make one you can put into a drill?

Pinecone · Feb 9, 2013

I used to use a reamer. Just about wore out my fingers.

Winterborn · Feb 10, 2013

Lately when I gets case (range pickup) with a tight pocket I have been using the chamfer/deburr tool and just enlarging the picket enough to fit a primer.

Goes quicker than it sounds.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

Pinecone · Feb 13, 2013

For a few, reamer is fine.

Try doing a thousand and it hurts.

Swager tool needed?

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