[tom357mag]

I am new to loading the .223 but not to loading. My question is , does it hurt to swage the primer pocket if it doesn't have a crimp. I have 1000 pcs to load and besides a good look to see if theres any cracks ect... I really don't want to sort by headstamp. My gut feeling is that it won't hurt. My thought process is that I swage them all and be done with it. So whats the right answer?
Thanks

[rcmodel]

It won't hurt the brass to swage uncrimped brass.

However it may hurt your swaging tool to swage unsorted brass.

If your swaging tool has an inside support rod, it has to be adjusted for each brand of brass, because the case webs may likely be different thickness.

Besides, sorting by headstamp is an excellent opportunity to carefully inspect the cases for stretch marks, cracked necks,, etc.

rc

[mstreddy]

Tom,

With the bench mounted swagers I don't think it will hurt anything. You will definitely feel a difference from the crimped pockets to those without.

[45lcshooter]

Its best to sort everything then your not working twice as hard.

[tom357mag]

rc, thanks for that tid bit. I have the RCBS press mounted swage tool and it does say to do that but it didn't dawn on me until you said that , duh my bad [just got it today]. Just trying to do two things to one case, tumble then prime.
I guess I will have to sort. Which headstamps usally have the crimp?

[blarby]

The military ones, and speer.

Also have some federal popping up that are crimped.... Don't have the NATO cross, thought they were mil at first.

[rcmodel]

You should be able to look at them and tell if they are crimped or not.

That is much more reliable method then trying to say one headstamp or another is crimped.

All military headstamp will be crimped.

These are crimped.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/Primercrimp1.jpg

rc

[tom357mag]

rc thanks for the pics , that helps a great deal.