What am I doing wrong?

[NFN66]

I keep running into the same problem, and I can't seem to figure out what is causing it. The trouble is that when I'm priming my cases, I keep getting primers that are turning sideways as they are being inserted into the primer pocket!

I'm using a rock chucker supreme and the priming arm that comes with it. Most of them are working out perfectly, but out of 30 cases that I just primed, 3 of them went sideways. I'm using the proper shell holder and my cases are fully inserted into the shell holder. I'm carefully making sure that the primers are fully inserted into the cup in the primer arm and then.....when I go to lower the case down onto the primer, they somehow turn sideways!

My cases are Lapua brass in .338 Lapua and my primers are Federal 215 Large Magnum Rifle. When I get one sideways, the case gets stuck on the shellholder and then I have to put on my safety glasses and ram it down really hard in order to get the primer past the edge of the shellholder so I can get the case off the press.

It's really frustrating me and I'm trying to be extra careful and VERY slowly lower the case down toward the primer arm, but they still will turn sideways sometimes. How do I correct this?

 

[fdshuster]

Check the outer edge (around the circumference) for a very sharp edge. If there is, it will catch the primer & can cause it to tip when seating. I use the case mouth deburring tool to break those sharp corners on my Lapua 220 Russian and 6BR brass.

 

[Terry]

I use the RCBS hand tool and look at each primer before placing it in the case. Some turn, and are easy to fix before I squeeze them in.

Terry

 

[NFN66]

thanks for your replies. It is happening before the primer arm reaches the primer pocket as I have been able to catch it and correct it several times. I can usually hear a faint "clank" as the primer turns in the cup. It almost seems as if the primer arm is hitting something and causing the primer to turn. I shined a flashlight into it while I was lowering it to see if I could see where it might be making contact with something, but I couldn't see anything that looked wrong. Maybe it's time to purchase a different priming tool. Any suggestions?

 

[M-61]

I would not hesitate to call RCBS......#1 customer support

 

[NFN66]

I would not hesitate to call RCBS......#1 customer support

That's a great idea! I will call them tomorrow and see if they have any suggestions.

 

[TheSnake]

Maybe it's time to purchase a different priming tool. Any suggestions?

A hand priming tool will surve you well. Better feel and control for uniform seating depth. You can also tell if the primer pockets are getting loose much better with a hand tool over the method you are using now. I use a Lee priming tool and the Sinclair seems to be popular for other members here.

 

[StevenDzupin]

The primer holder is spring loaded. Something ,like a burr, is causing the holder to catch on the

Shell Holder or inside the ram.

Clean and polish the OD of the primer holder and the ID of the shell holder.

That click you hear is the holder being compressed and when released it will impart some

force to the primer to flip it out of the holder.

I've even had them flip upside down.

A little deburring and polishing should solve your problem.

Regards,

Steve

 

[Clod-NC]

Hi NFN66,Hi all

Interesting and sort of puzzling,everyone's suggestion is good and will help,but if you can't fix it or RCBS can't do better than change the faulty part(they probably will at no expense for you),then take the jump and get yourself a good hand priming tool,21st Century Shooting has very well designed items in this category.Don't fool around with a priming tool that can become hasardous,you're not in there for that kind of issue,be safe and clean;no need to risk one your fingers or eyes...The priming stage is the only very dangerous one in reloading,so play it neat.Keep us informed.Take care.

 

[Rbreb13]

Maybe it's time to purchase a different priming tool. Any suggestions?

A hand priming tool will surve you well. Better feel and control for uniform seating depth. You can also tell if the primer pockets are getting loose much better with a hand tool over the method you are using now. I use a Lee priming tool and the Sinclair seems to be popular for other members here.

I agree. A hand priming tool is the way to go. I took the primer arm off my Rockchucker many years ago. I like the Lee tool but I have and occasionally use a RCBS too. I like the way you can "feel" the primer being seated. Easy to do and way faster.