Is anyone using the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo 2 for .223 brass

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I have one spliefy, but I think it is easier and quicker for me to just use the case prep center to deal with the primer crimp. Just my opinion of course.
 
Tried the RCBS Swaging tool, sold it, then bought the Dillon. The Dillon is worth every penny
 
Yes, I have used the RCBS swaging kit for probably 25 years.

It works perfectly fine if you follow the directions and sort brass, and then adjust the inside case support rod properly for the brand of brass.

Most swagers don't work so hot with mixed brass with different case web thickness.

And also, use case sizing lube on the primer pockets before swaging.
You are pushing brass around were it doesn't want to go, same as sizing.

rc
 
As always, thanks so much for all the info folks.

So I guess the question now it with all of these; the RCBS dies, the RCBS Bench mounted one and the Dillon bench mounted one, do you have to start with all of the brass being the same length?? I will primarily be using this for my .223/5.56 and I always sort my brass, 1.750 and longer and 1.750 and shorter. The longer stuff I will trim and they will all be trimmed to the same OAL but the ones that are shorter I dont bother trimming and I strictly use those for short range plinking.

So am I gonna have a problem with the shorter uneven cases?
 
The RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo 2 is almost identical to the original RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo but for the pins which are supposed to be harder. I use the original for .223 brass and 30-06 brass and it works very well and it's fast. I'm sure the Dillon 600 is even faster but I'm cheap so...
 
I've asked a similar question an a different forum recently. Everyone who had experience with all the different swagers suggested going with the Dillon. And those answers didn't come strictly from the blue kool-aide drinkers. Last I checked the price difference in he bench mounted swagers isn't that much. After watching some you-tube videos of some very simple mods that can be done to the Dillon, the Dillon seems like it will work much faster and just as good. I am not aware of any mods that can be done to the RCBS to speed it up but it could be possible. I'm saving for the Dillon.
 
There are more expensive easier to use options out there for sure. I started using a 45* reamer in a battery drill. That worked OK but I wanted something more consistent so a member here sold me a used one. I use it now with great success. You do need to separate by brand and adjust for each type to keep from bending the shaft in the die. I did that with the first batch of 223 brass.:banghead: But RCBS sent me 2 new shafts for free and told me what I was doing wrong. 9 months and 8K casings later no problems. RC says to lube the cases, I do not so that the edges of the pocket will be roughish and hopefully stay tight longer. Time will tell if I am correct.:confused: There are easier and faster things but for the price I am happy with my swager tool and would say to buy one for yourself if you are using a drill and reamer now it is faster and looks better. YMMV
 
Thanks for the info folks.

So with some of these do you need to have them all trimmed to the same length?
 
So with some of these do you need to have them all trimmed to the same length?
Click to expand...

The case length has nothing to do with the RCBS Swager, or, from what I see, the Dillon one, either. It uses a steel rod pressing against the web in the head of the case. In the reloader-mounted one that I use, the ram pushes the swaging button up into the primer pocket, with the steel pin as an anvil. I believe the bench-mounted ones work similarly.

Mine works fine, other than I sometimes have to fumble a bit to get the case mouth around the swaging rod. The bench-mounted ones would be easier in this regard, but not worth the extra $$$ IMHO, unless you're swaging literally thousands of cases.

Variances in the web thickness may require some adjustment, but I only lightly swage my pockets -- just enough to get rid of the crimp -- and so far it has worked fine for various cases with the same setting. :cool:
 
The swaging button attaches like your shell holder. The removal sleeve drops over that. You have a hollow die that holds the rod that will bend if stressed. You insert a brass neck first up inside with the caliber specific rod going inside the neck. then you adjust the ram/die so that the pin supports the casing from the inside and the button goes inside the primer pocket enough to push the displaced metal back out of the primer pocket and create a new outside radius while pushing the two pins together against the web of the brass. Each brand of brass has a different web thickness and if you adjust wrong the inside rod will bend and collapse slightly due to thicker web area of the brass. This did not happen with the thicker 308 rod but did with the .223 rod with mine. It works well when adjusted and it was easier to sort large batches of brass and process all at once. Note once it is done then you never need to do it again. As stated it does nothing to the length of the brass and trimming will need to be done separately either before or after. You do have to remove your old primer beforehand but do not need to size the brass first for the tool to work. Lowering the ram brings the case down and then the removal ring contacts the base of the press and further downward pressure pulls the button out of the primer pocket.
 
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I have the older kit and bent two rods, on .223. The last time they sent the new harder rod and its much better. The case stripper can be a problem depending on the press.
 
CH4D swager:
MUCH faster than any method I've tried before, cheap, and high quality.
Built in the USA and tough. Only takes about 1 or 2 " of handle movement on your press-NOT full stroke like the RCBS etc. Once you get it adjusted you can swage as fast as you can swap out brass in your shell holder--which will be on top of your press where it's accessible. No I don't work for them. Just like to promote a good product.

http://www.ch4d.com/catalog/priming/419000

Here's an article that features it:
http://squibloads.wordpress.com/reloading/get-the-crimp-out/
 
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take a look at the CH swager too. I'm very happy with it. I use it on a lee hand press while im sitting in front of the TV.
 
I have one and don't like it. Very clunky. But I do use its swager button to determine which pockets need to be swaged. Then I swage them with the RCBS bench mounted tool. It's sweet!
 
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