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Posted: 4/9/2011 6:19:14 AM EDT
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I continue to have a hell of a time with Lake City pockets. I use an RCBS pp tool to try and open them up a bit, but still smash a few primers for every 50 rounds I reload. For priming I use an RCBS hand tool. I have looked at possibly buying the Dillon Super Swager too, but rather than spending $100, I'd like to see if anyone has a trick or two I can try with the tool I already have. Thanks for any help.
TJ 
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http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=501588 primer pocket reamer. Fast and easy. |
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I have the RCBS swager combo, and have found that it does a rather irregular job - some pockets get swaged a good amount, some quite little. That's probably the differing dimensions of the brass, not the fault of the swager combo. So I switched to the Hornady reamer.
If you're using CCI primers, which are especially hard to seat, the problem is compounded. One thing you can do is this: Put the shell in the RCBS hand-priming tool, bring the primer up to just touch the brass, then give the brass a gentle, small wiggle back and forth to help get the primer started into the pocket right. I've found with that primer that if you just hold the shell firmly all the way to the back, it's not necessarily lined up entirely with the primer coming up. |
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If I understand your post correctly, you have a RCBS PP swager.
You already have the tool you need. 
Insert the swaging spud into the PP. If the crimp remains it will look like the pic. 
If the spud goes all the way into the PP, crimp is removed. Do not over swage, the case should hang by the spud when turned upside down. The final check is primer seating. |
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Also, I have found with some brands of cases with some variation of the dia of the rim, it may not line up exactly with the primer punch.
So, try moving the case in the shell holder with VERY slight pressure. I use a Lee, put the case in the shell holder and wag the case while putting light pressure on the lever. 'Borg |
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You do know that even the Dillon needs "some adjustment." So........IF you get it wrong.......well, there you go.
IMHO a better solution (for small lots) would be a REAMER. I went that route. You just insert, twist, remove and you're on to the next case. You can do it while watching TV. And, the reamer spud can be "adjusted" with a little file work (IF, you find a need to do it). Also, a reamer is much cheaper. 
YMWV. Aloha, Mark |
| I have had the same problem with LC and Speer using the same equipment. I've found that something with the hand primer or shellholder is slightly out of alignment. If I rotate the shell holder 90 from where it supposed to be it works fine. I've only had this issue with LC and Speer. Any new or non-crimped brass is not an issue. I guess it's off just enough to cause an issue. I can't imagine too many people have the same problem I do, but it's another idea for you. |
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Quoted:
Here's the secret that everyone has missed, when you run into that wall, the feeling that you have run up against solid metal, rotate the case as you maintain some pressure on the lever, often a 1/4 or 1/2 turn of the case and the primer will slip right in. That's what I do. LC brass, Dillon SS and CCI primers. |
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