Primer pocket shape

[Chris M]

I acquired some once-fired 30-06 brass, but after cleaning them, I tried to put some primers in them. The primers wouldn't go in. I tried different brands (Wolf, Federal). No go. I measured the primer pocket size, and it's only 0.002" smaller than the other cases I've been using.

One primary difference I noticed is that the 'mouth' of the primer pocket - where the primer pocket meets the case head - is a square-edge, where my other brass is slightly rounded.

I found that if I took my deburring tool to the primer pocket, it would create a beveled edge, and allow me to insert primers, although they were still not easily inserted.

What are your recommendations? Is it safe to shave a little metal off the opening of the primer pocket? Or will this affect the integrity of the case? Anything else I should look for?

[Jonathan Doe]

It must be primer crimp. Use Dillon's primer swaging tool. It works very well.

[Chris M]

It must be primer crimp. Use Dillon's primer swaging tool. It works very well.

I wasn't sure if it was or not. I've got a Lyman primer crimp remover tool, but it didn't seem to help much. The only thing that's worked so far is using deburing tool to reshape the mouth of the primer pocket. I'll look into the Dillon swaging tool, though.

[ar15barrels]

Those sure sound like they had crimped primers.
Post a picture.

A deburring tool works great for removing the sharp edge.

[Milsurp Collector]

It must be primer crimp. Use Dillon's primer swaging tool. It works very well.

That's right. M2 surplus ammo has crimped primers, the remaining crimp in the primer pocket must be removed before you reprime. I did some last night using my RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=447022

Some guys use a countersink drill bit or a pocket knife to ream the pocket, but a swager is better in my opinion. It reforms the brass in the pocket rather than removing it.

[ar15barrels]

Here is a picture...



The top one is crimped.
The bottom one is not crimped.

[Chris M]

That's exactly it. They are crimped. Apparently my Lyman crimp remover does a piss poor job. I don't have enough brass to process to justify the $95 Dillon tool. I'll just keep using my deburring tool.

Thanks a bunch.

[Chris M]

That's exactly it. They're crimped.

Apparently my Lyman crimp remover does a piss poor job. I'm going to just use my deburring tool to reshape the primer pocket. I don't have enough brass to process to justify buying the $95 Dillon tool.

Thanks a bunch.

[Milsurp Collector]

I don't have enough brass to process to justify buying the $95 Dillon tool.

The RCBS swager is $27. If you are going to be processing more brass with crimped primers in the future it is a worthwhile investment.

By the way, see http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=232995