Best way to remove primer crimp??

[vmthtr]

Bought a bunch of 223 said was fully processed, but the primer crimp still in it. Doesn't run through the Dillon very good when every other or more primers are getting smashed. Tried using a case debur tool in a drill, but that takes forever.

 

[jpx2rk]

Swage 'em or cut 'em. Lots of discussion you can find using the search function at the top right corner.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I use a Lyman vld deburring tool in my drill press, hit both ends. Pretty fast.

 

[jepp2]

I much prefer swaging the pockets. I recover a lot of brass at the range. For those that the crimps were cut out, probably almost half were cut WAY TOO DEEP. Not saying it can't be done right, but my experience says many don't.

 

[alf]

Bought a bunch of 223 said was fully processed, but the primer crimp still in it. Doesn't run through the Dillon very good when every other or more primers are getting smashed. Tried using a case debur tool in a drill, but that takes forever.

Hey Mike, glad to see you're still kicking.....

I've only done a few with a deburring tool, gets old fast.

General consensus is to spring for the Dillon:

Dillon Super Swage 600

Dillon Super Swage 600

www.scheels.com

 

[Ruger15151]

I prefer to ream them out. If you are swagging different head stamps, The will vary in thickness. If you wan to swag properly, you will have to sort by headstamp and then have to adjust the swag for each as well. Its a PITA.

If you ream them, head stamp doesn't matter. Several manufactureres like RCBS, etc., make them for very cheap.

 

[Ruger15151]

I much prefer swaging the pockets. I recover a lot of brass at the range. For those that the crimps were cut out, probably almost half were cut WAY TOO DEEP. Not saying it can't be done right, but my experience says many don't.

A primer pocket reamer has a fixed depth. Guys that use a countersink or deburring tools can't control the depth and tend to ruin a lot of brass.

 

[DiRTY DOG]

Mighty Armory swage die works great. RCBS swage die is terrible even though it's the same concept.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

General consensus is to spring for the Dillon:

100% agree, I have the Dillon swage and I think it's about the best. I used another one that a friend had, but it wasn't built nearly as well as the Dillon. In my experience the reaming doesn't work very well at all. I don't tend to use crimped brass these days, but when I was shooting 5.56 it was common to find/buy lc military brass. When I was shooting 600 rounds a month it made sense.

My suggestion to the OP, spare yourself a happy meal and get some match brass.

EDIT: in re-reading the OP, I see you're using a Dillon press. The worst experience I have had on the Dillon is using crimped brass and not seating the primer properly. The powder drop makes a huge mess on the plate, it takes me about 30 minutes to clean up properly. The Dillon swage will save your bacon, but I would still look at buying Lapua/Peterson brass, even if you buy it used...a lot of that stuff around at this point for 5.56. The RCBS Lockout die is also a bacon saver on a Dillon.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I will keep using the Lyman vld, flat on the end. Only brass I lose is in the snow or the grass. Brass was/is free, time isn't.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I will keep using the Lyman vld, flat on the end. Only brass I lose is in the snow or the grass. Brass was/is free, time isn't.

No reason not to if it's working for you. I'm pretty sure I will continue to use non-crimped match brass.

 

[Bill K]

Interesting comment of RCBS swage

Mighty Armory swage die works great. RCBS swage die is terrible even though it's the same concept.

die being terrible. Been using one for 20 years with no problems. I guess it is all in one's mind. For just a case here and there, then I use the small hand reamer ( sr or lr) from them also.

 

[DiRTY DOG]

Interesting comment of RCBS swage

die being terrible. Been using one for 20 years with no problems. I guess it is all in one's mind. For just a case here and there, then I use the small hand reamer ( sr or lr) from them also.

I've seen others complain about the same RCBS issue as I have: the swaging nipple sticks in the primer pocket and requires SO much force to remove it that I have to SLAM the ram downward in order to break the nipple free. Slam so hard it rocks my bench violently and I wonder how much wear and stress I'm putting on the Rockchucker linkage/arms. But it works fine for other people...

 

[bozo699]

I can’t even imagine messing with it!…. But what little I did before I decided my time was worth much more to me when you can easily retain good brass my rcbs worked fine.
Wayne

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

I use the Dillion swage. Must have got lucky, Bought used and the setting seems to work with every thing I have run thru it. Also if/when you no longer need it, you can sell it for what you paid or maybe a little more. Bolted mine to a piece of 2x6 about 14-16 inches long, pull it out as needed and plop it down on the bench top. Just be sure to mount it so the handle clears the 2 by!

Frank

 

[dusterdave173]

Dillon once set up correctly is a Breeze and the feel of primers going in is perfect after
Just takes a little to learn the tool --Can do high volumes easy once set up

 

[padom]

I've cut 10's of thousands of primer crimps with the RCBS crimp remover. Fast and Works great in my case prep center... it bottoms out on the case head to prevent cutting too deep... I prefer it over swaging

RCBS 90386 TM Military Crimp Remover, 2 Small https://a.co/d/i0qZvu8

 

[JSH]

I have done both. Swaging still left a bit to be desired, cutting left a nice beveled edge and helps start primers easier.
A cure all, sell it all and buy new Starline and don’t look back.

 

[Billy 30-06]

I use the RCBS crimp remover with my Frankford power case prep station. Quick and easy.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I have done both. Swaging still left a bit to be desired, cutting left a nice beveled edge and helps start primers easier.
A cure all, sell it all and buy new Starline and don’t look back.

I’m loading some Starline right now and sure don’t see any negatives about it.
How many loadings are you getting on your 223 cases ?