Countersink to remove primer pocket crimp?

[ChooChoo]

While I was flush mounting some screws today, I was wondering if any reloaders have ever used a countersink in a power screwdriver to remove the crimp from primer pockets.

I was using a six fluted, 90 degree angle countersink. Will this do the job or would the angle need to be different?

 

[rsrocket1]

Yup,. Works great. Just be careful as to how deep you go.

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, just enough to remove the crimp. I see some PPs that have been way overdone.

 

[dagger dog]

Your chamfer deburr tool will work just fine on large or small primer pockets.

 

[capreppy]

You'd be better off spending a few dollars and getting a Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer and a Redding Primer Pocket Uniformer Power Adapter (used to chuck the Hornady Reamer in a cordless drill). The Hornady has a positive stop to prevent taking off too much.

 

[rfwobbly]

Yes, a standard single-flute countersink tool will work wonders on brass to produce a beveled entrance into the primer pocket. I find it best to use them in a drill press that is stationary and remains running, while the left and right hand offer up cases. The single-flute design cuts smoother (less "chatter") and is much less likely to hang up and yank the case from your hand. You'll want to run a variable speed drill press at slow speeds.

The $6 or $7 for a cutter sure beats the price of a pocket swagger, and works every time.




Hope this helps!

 

[mdi]

I've been using a 60 degree countersink to knock off military primer crimps for mebbe 25+ years. Having a machinist/mechanic background it was just natural to pick this tool for the job. Used by hand, with a power screwdriver/drill, or in a drill press, the tool works! No need to spend $$ on "dedicated" reloading tools when a $10.00 tool will do the same and last for many, many years...

http://www.mcmaster.com/#countersinks/=l07wdy

 

[blarby]

You can also just use a #3 phillips.

If you have an old mangled one- that'd be the one.

Works great- bits are cheap. Been preachin this one for some time.


Sometimes folks can be a little heavy handed with the pressure which leads to over bevelling- but it's still about 1000% cheaper than a swage.

 

[ChooChoo]

Thank all you for your input. Special thanks to mdi for the link, because I found some neat stuff for my drill-mill-lathe.

Do you think the 90 degree angle is too much?

 

[rfwobbly]

Do you think the 90 degree angle is too much?

No, it's perfect. That's the total angle, or in other words 45 degrees per side. You might even look for a 100 degree. The wider the angle, the less depth you'll need to cut into the primer pocket. Remember that the object is to cut away the crimp, not reduce the pocket depth.

 

[bluetopper]

I leave the crimp in and just use the RCBS swager die.......one stroke of the press and it's done. It just makes the primer pocket bigger.

 

[carbine85]

I use the RCBS prep station that has a counter sink on it. I also use the uniforming tool to center up the pocket and get the setting depth the same.

 

[ChooChoo]

rfwobbly - "No, it's perfect. That's the total angle, or in other words 45 degrees per side. You might even look for a 100 degree. The wider the angle, the less depth you'll need to cut into the primer pocket. Remember that the object is to cut away the crimp, not reduce the pocket depth."

Makes sense…I’ll give it a try in the next couple of days. Thanks!

 

[sonick808]

i use the rcbs station as well. Makes several steps very fast. chamfer pocket. Clean pocket. chamfer/deburr inside case mouth (just a hair). Same for outside diameter. Ta-da.