RCBS pocket swager issue

[Texas Solo]

I got a new RCBS bench mounted primer pocket swager. It removes the crimp quite well, but I have difficulty retracting the handle back to it's original position, thus pulling the swager back out of the case. It's like the swager head gets stuck in the case, and I have to snap the handle back to pop the head free of the case. I started with the head adjusted to the .125" setting as recommended in the manual, then had to close that up just a tad to get all the crimp out of my LC 308 brass.
Anyone experience the same issue, or am I'm doing something wrong?

 

[broncman]

I have the ones that go in my press..i have to give the handle a little sharp pull as well.

Get a tin of Imperial Sizing lube and apply a small amount to swager pin. Works great.

 

[bigedp51]

I reciently bought a second RCBS primer pocket swager thinking the 1976 dated one was defective. The problem is how poorly they are made and the ridges that dig into the brass. These units tent to "push" brass "into" the primer pocket and not to the sides and truly swage the primer pocket. If I had a drill with a big enough chuck I would polish it and remove the ridges that dig into the brass and bind the operation.

Below, a RCBS neck stretching expander button, I think these pieces are sub contracted out to the Uniroyal Tiger Paw division, because they "grip the road".

And a macro lens on a digital camera is great for people with chronologically gifted eyesight.

Needless to say I do not use the RCBS swager and will make anyone a good deal, 2 for $20.00
(and no returns if your not satisfied)

If you want a very good swager unit buy the Dillon and not mess around with cheaper equipment.

 

[bobcat93]

mine sticks a little, not to the extent yours is.but a little redding size wax should do the trick. then just tumble to clean cases. I'm happy with the RCBS... I'm not willing to buy another so i just deal with it. maybe it adjusted to swage to deep. does it still stick when you back it off a bit?
i just seen your pic WOW!!!!!!!!
i just looked at mine and its nice and smooth. i would call RCBS and ask for a new one, I would also email them your pics. i bet that thing was made at 4:55 p.m. on a Friday..lol
one thing i like about reloading is the customer service. redding RCBS and Lee have been very courteous when ever i had issues over the years. of course i was patient and polite when i did need there help.
the old saying..." you catch more bees with honey, then with s*#t" hold true .
no ones wants to pick up the phone and get yelled at, not that I'm implying any one would do that. just expressing what worked for me good luck.

 

[Texas Solo]

Thanks for the replies. At least I know I'm not alone.

Bobcat93....yes, it still sticks when I back it off, but not as bad. backing it off isn't an option though. You have to have it adjusted far enough to remove the crimp.

Bigedp51....Nice job on the pics, thanks so much. Since I'm not the only one with the issue, I think you nailed the cause.

"And a macro lens on a digital camera is great for people with chronologically gifted eyesight." LOVE IT!!!

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I have one of the bench mounted ones I bought last year. No problems here.

 

[jonbearman]

Ed,That doesnt even belong under the catagory of surface finish.When I was precision grinding we worked to get at least a 16 micron finish and could easily achieve a 2 finish.That swager looks like it was machined with a crowbar.I would send both of them back.Maybe it's a fluke,LOL

 

[Duster_360]

I just looked at my RCBS swager with a mag glass and it is very smooth and almost polished - mine was bought in '94 and has seen hard use. It always required a slap with your hand to get it free though. I use a work glove on my hand an just slap the press handle, was not really much of a problem.

Have to believe that yours missed the final finish stage - maybe that's how they look in the 'rough'. I would def call them and let them replace it.


I use mostly RCBS equip and the few times I've had probs, RCBS made it right and kept me happy.

 

[DR1586]

I've always cut the crimp out for that very reason. I used a countersink at low speed and just made a light cut to each primer pocket. Takes the crimp out and I've never lost primers on any of the brass. I had the RCBS tool too. Good concept, poor execution.