Primer Pocket Uniforming Question

[jackieschmidt]

I Don’t “uniform” Lapua primer pockets.

What is the purpose of making primer pockets deeper if they are already below flush. Are you trying for a lighter firing pin strike??

I have used depth mics to measure multitudes of 220 Russian and 6BR primer pockets. They are all the same.

To me this is just another useless operation designed to fix something that is not broke.

With he Lapua 6BR, (parent case for my 30BR), and the Lapua 220 Russian, (parent case for the 6PPC), I turn the necks and fireform them. That’s it.

Benchrest Heresy.

 

[Sandstorm]

If they are deep enough leave them alone..I only fuss with stuff thats too shalow and only once
and done with those.

 

[Bill Norris]

I Don’t “uniform” Lapua primer pockets.

What is the purpose of making primer pockets deeper if they are already below flush. Are you trying for a lighter firing pin strike??

I have used depth mics to measure multitudes of 220 Russian and 6BR primer pockets. They are all the same.

To me this is just another useless operation designed to fix something that is not broke.

With he Lapua 6BR, (parent case for my 30BR), and the Lapua 220 Russian, (parent case for the 6PPC), I turn the necks and fireform them. That’s it.

Benchrest Heresy.

I have to agree. I ve never seen anything that makes me believe cutting primer pockets deeper inproves accuracy. I was curious as to how he was doing it because the Sinclair tool will not touch the bottom of the pocket on my brass. I was not aware of an adjustable tool.

 

[Sandstorm]

curious as to how he was doing it

There may be more to that story than what we heard..doubt he was cutting them deeper as well.

 

[WyleWD]

Watched Jack Neary in a video with Erik Cortina as he was explaining his steps in prepping new "right out of the box" .220 Lapua brass. As far as I could tell he is saying uniforming the primer pocket is one of the first steps he takes before fire forming. Checking my new .220 Lapua brass I find the primer pocket is too deep for uniforming. The Sinclair tool will not go anywhere close to touching the bottom of the pocket. Did I miss something in that conversation ?

Does it ever touch bottom, or is it just this box of brass?

I use a K&M set up for 205 primers...... on Lapua 220 Russian brass sometimes it barely touches, and other times it takes off a considerable amount. It's a head scratcher or eye opener, and sometimes within the same box. JME. WD

 

[Michael Huebner]

Yeah, saw that but wasn't sure. I'll dial them up tomorrow and verify.
Thanks.

K&M is adjustable, unlock the Allen key and adjust to your desired depth

 

[Michael Huebner]

I Don’t “uniform” Lapua primer pockets.

What is the purpose of making primer pockets deeper if they are already below flush. Are you trying for a lighter firing pin strike??

I have used depth mics to measure multitudes of 220 Russian and 6BR primer pockets. They are all the same.

To me this is just another useless operation designed to fix something that is not broke.

With he Lapua 6BR, (parent case for my 30BR), and the Lapua 220 Russian, (parent case for the 6PPC), I turn the necks and fireform them. That’s it.

Benchrest Heresy.

They aren’t the same depth after a few firings. They are moving at different rates.

Because some people do primer pockets to a depth and use a tool that is click adjustable.(0.001” or 0.0025” per click) to obtain a (+/- crush)

Some do it by feel.

No right or wrong way

I have done both ways

 

[Michael Huebner]

How Much Primer Crush?

Just acquired the 21st Century priming tool that has 0.00125" travel per click. Very pleased with my purchase. I'm priming 6.5x47 Lapua cases with CCI 450 primers. I found that generally the primers "bottomed" at 27 clicks back from the tool head being fully "closed". From there, I screwed the...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[Pres100]

When uniforming the PP, I've always looked at it as more of a squaring of the pocket corners rather than cutting the bottom deeper

 

[PopCharlie]

PMA Lapua Small Primer Pocket Ultimate Uniformer (Complete w/ Handle and Power Adapter)

The highest quality, most innovative reloading tools and shooting supplies for precision riflemen. Unparalleled customer service. Shop Now - PMA Tool

www.pmatool.com

Looks like it’s good for PPC, BR and 47

I use this tool from PMA. It will cut any small rifle primer pocket to .124. I use it for my 6BR, 6.5x47L and .223.
I like to uniform the pockets, so I get a consistent primer seating depth. I don't shoot well enough to know if it makes a difference. It's a one-time operation like neck turning. I just like doing it.
PopCharlie

 

[Bill Norris]

Does it ever touch bottom, or is it just this box of brass?

I use a K&M set up for 205 primers...... on Lapua 220 Russian brass sometimes it barely touches, and other times it takes off a considerable amount. It's a head scratcher or eye opener, and sometimes within the same box. JME. WD

Tried it on 3 different boxes and it has not touched on either.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

There was some good information on this subject in Eric Cortina’s video interview with Bart Sauter.

 

[D Coots]

Tried it on 3 different boxes and it has not touched on either.

After the brass is fired a few times it will.

 

[K22]

I've used the Sinclair tools, for both large and small rifle primer pockets for many years now. In some case lots, the tool will not cut the bottom of the pocket, the pocket, as manufactured is too deep for the tool to reach.

Like everyone else, I'm always looking for an edge in accuracy. I started several years ago using these tools. Perhaps it makes a difference in the ultra-precision game of benchrest or long-range shooting, but after shooting several thousands of rounds with pockets uniformed, I can see no difference on paper at least to the level of precision I'm shooting at, i.e., 1/2 moa range.

The main advantage I observed is that it is much easier to clean the primer pockes after it is uniformed if the tool will reach the bottom of the primer pocket. If not, it still does a fair job of removing excess primer residue.

For a precision hunter, I would be reluctant to use an adjustable uniformer for concern of cutting the pocket too deep thus creating a reliability problem especially when I have seen no performance benefit to uniforming the pockets.

Is there test data that shows an advantage? If so please post or list reference. I would like to view it. Thanks.

 

[nmkid]

when Sinclair was Sinclair.. they had a primer pocket uniformer just for Lapua brass.. which went deeper.. i have one of them, don't know if they still have that under the Brownell's banner or not

Back in the day when I lived in Wyoming before computers and the Internet took over the world I used to leaf through my Sinclair catalog until the pages started falling off.

 

[nmkid]

@Bill Norris
These two 21st century tools are all you need, the quality and ergonomics are second to none.

Not if you have tired, old, arthritic hands!

 

[Chaotik]

Back in the day when I lived in Wyoming before computers and the Internet took over the world I used to leaf through my Sinclair catalog until the pages started falling off.

I have several old Sinclair catalogs, but I also have several that I downloaded years ago from their website..... those pages don't wear or fall off.

 

[K22]

Back in the day when I lived in Wyoming before computers and the Internet took over the world I used to leaf through my Sinclair catalog until the pages started falling off.

They were a great Company - their products (Sinclair made) were always of the highest quality and worked as advertise, at least the one's I purchased.

Their catalog was more than just a list of products and prices, often it contained helpful information. Like you, I would constantly page through it. It's a great loss to the precision shooting fraternity.

 

[Pres100]

For a precision hunter, I would be reluctant to use an adjustable uniformer for concern of cutting the pocket too deep thus creating a reliability problem especially when I have seen no performance benefit to uniforming the pockets.

I get where you're coming from but it's not hard to measure before going too far and test for reliability. Assume you're already testing loads prior to precision hunting...? In all honesty, I wouldn't want reliability issues in comp either!

 

[K22]

I get where you're coming from but it's not hard to measure before going too far and test for reliability. Assume you're already testing loads prior to precision hunting...? In all honesty, I wouldn't want reliability issues in comp either!

I use the term "precision hunting" just to distinguish myself as more than just shooting at paper plates once a year in preparation for deer hunting.

As a varmint and predator hunting, I strive for accuracy albeit, not as precise as the benchrest guys but will copy some of their reloading methods if it makes a significant difference. I attempt to reload my ammo as consistent and accurately as possible to me my standards. I just haven't seen any significant change since I started uniforming primer pockets. I do spend 2 days a week at the range, weather permitting practicing and keep detailed range records.

I would like to see some data from the guys in the ultra-precision game that demonstrate that this makes a difference if it's available.