Reaming primer pockets

[GetReal]

Here is what Starline said:

That is normal for anything we make that has a double heading process like 5.56,223, 300 Blk, and 300 Ham’r.

Wonder it that means pocket is gonna continue to grow, and need uniforming multiple times during the case life....

 

[K22]

Informative and useful thread.

I began to uniform pockets several years ago with idea to determine if it would improve performance (shots of target). While I could detect no improvement, it certainly made cleaning the pockets easier since I used the fixed uniform tool (Sinclair) to clean the pockets and initial uniforming. It does a really good job.

While I never had problem with seating primers, this thread has justified at least in my mind to continue to uniform primer pockets if for no other reason to ensure functionality. For me functionality is just as important as performance (results on target) so I will continue to uniform pockets even though it is a pain in the butt.

 

[markm87]

Never had this happen with any .223/556 brass. I've never had any Starline 223. But man, it's common with once fired Hornady 6.5 brass.

I have to Hulk Hogan primers into some of those pockets to get them flush.

 

[Dolomite]

Wonder it that means pocket is gonna continue to grow, and need uniforming multiple times during the case life....

I just reamed out the primers pockets. Now majority of them are flat. Will it make a difference on target between the non reamed and reamed pockets on target is yet to be seen.

 

[RegionRat]

Folks, just some food for thought.

It is just as important to maintain your firing pin/spring/bolt as it is to pay attention to primers and brass prep.
It isn't rare when I encounter a situation where a friend is confounded when focusing on their ammo when the issue was in their ignition hardware. YMMV

Merry Christmas!

 

[LCazador]

My untouched Starline brass has this weird elevated center area in the primer pocket. Is this normal to have the center raised like this? My Fed and Lapua brass is all flat.

No that is not normal. Uniforming the primer pockets will remove imperfections like that as well as uniform the pocket depth. And don't forget to uniform the flash holes. These imperfections exist in all brands of brass. More so in the less expensive brands.

 

[Zero333]

Chuck a primer pocket reamer into a cordless drill and it takes 2 or 3 seconds per pocket. I also put a rubber padded glove on the hand that's holding the brass to avoid blisters.

I've reamed thousands of rounds like this. I have a couple different reamers and sometimes all you need is just a chamfer in the pocket, while other times you need to ream the whole pocket and even use a primer pocket uniformer afterwards for proper depth.

Edit: forgot to mention, some primers seat easier than others. S&B primers are great for tight primer pockets.

 

[K22]

I just reamed out the primers pockets. Now majority of them are flat. Will it make a difference on target between the non reamed and reamed pockets on target is yet to be seen.

The prevention of unreliable ignition in itself is worth the effort whether not it improves shots on target.