Crimped Primer Pockets - Ream or Swage

[mattiooo]

I found that some of the .223 ammo I bought had crimped primer pockets. I don't do any significant volume at the moment. Starting loading for a bolt gun. I do have an AR and may load for that as well, eventually.

I was researching options. I can't use the die ones, since my press is a Dillon 550B. So I can get one of the stand-alone swagers, or I can use the small and large reamer that came with my Lyman case prep center.

What I'm not clear on is the pros/cons on swaging versus reaming. Can anyone educate me?

[brutal]

Swage.

Reamer can potentially enlarge the pocket. Maybe OK in a bolt action, but not preferable in any semi (or full) auto.

By swaging, you're also work hardening the primer pocket area.

Disclaimer. I'm a relatively n00b reloader.

[vossman]

The Dillon swage is pretty slick. That would be my choice.

[cstone]

I will second the Dillon Super Swager. It seems to be the next best thing to having a Dillon 1050, with a dedicated toolhead for prepping brass.

[Grant H.]

Dillon super swage. As stated, reaming can leave loose pockets, where swaging just makes the edge of the pocket the right size.

I'm not far from you, so if you want to try a Dillon Super Swage before you buy one, let me know.

[Hoser]

Swage. Too easy to overcut of reaming.

[mattiooo]

Thanks all for the feedback everyone. Grant - I might take you up on that trial.

Follow-up question. Anyone been able to compare the RCBS tool to the Dillon tool? I know Dillon is awesome. Just right now the RCBS is 25% less.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/31...-pocket-swager

[bobbyfairbanks]

go blue always go blue

[TheBelly]

Thanks all for the feedback everyone. Grant - I might take you up on that trial.

Follow-up question. Anyone been able to compare the RCBS tool to the Dillon tool? I know Dillon is awesome. Just right now the RCBS is 25% less.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/31...-pocket-swager

that 25% will cost you later. It's not that much more, and you'll probably just end up buying the Dillon later. Save yourself the headache and get blue.

[Grant H.]

I haven't used the RCBS, and I like everything I have from RCBS, but I'm not sure I would like their lever motion.

The Dillon being over the top is pretty easy, the RCBS being a sideways looks maybe uncomfortable/difficult over time.

Let me know!