Primer Crimp Tool?

[Sudden Impact]

Anyone know of an affordable tool for crimping primers?

Not a $5K commercial unit...

Just something for the average reloader?

Wanted after having some primers seat extra "soft" in LC and FC cases JIC.

(Or do I need to make one? )

 

[JimKirk]

The remedy for "soft" as you call it, is to replace the case with one with a tighter primer pocket.

The other solution is to find a brand of primer that is slightly oversize like some Wolf primers, they will fit tighter than some brands.

I don't think you would even want to crimp primers in anyway.

Jimmy K

 

[rcmodel]

+1

If the primer pocket is loose, the case is toast.

No amount of crimping will make a good gas seal like a tight fitting primer.

rc

 

[bullseye308]

Unless you are looking at commercial reloading it isn't feasable. Replace the brass or get larger primers. wolf was mentioned.

 

[Gik-tal]

You can try a Hart Case Saver Swage look at midway and catalog number 339-607

 

[hogshead]

Crimping primers sounds scary to me.

 

[medalguy]

Shouldn't be scary since the crimp is actually on the edge of the case, not directly in contact with the primer. And rememebr it's only a primer, not a loaded round that would be crimped. But I agree, if the primers are loose, toss the case. Crimping is not a solution to loose primers, just a method of keeping primers from popping out in a weapon at an inopportune time.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

CCI 41's are a lot harder to seat than any of the Wolf primers i have. I have all 3 of their small rifle primers.

 

[JimKirk]

Ole farmer
Are the CCI 41's harder to seat because of diameter or because of being made harder metal.

If you could, how about measuring all of them(brands) and come back a give us a report.

Here is one guy's report... kinda of interesting.

http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php

Jimmy K

 

[TonyAngel]

Yeah, if they seat too soft, the case is toast. Besides, if you crimp the primers in, you're probably gonna have to swage the pockets the next time you reload them. Now you'll need a crimper and a swager. How much does that cost compared to a batch of brass?

 

[Sunray]

"...being made harder metal..." They aren't. They're a marketing gimmick for magnum primers.
"...Primer Crimp Tool?..." No such thing. Primer crimping is a military thing for MG's. Isn't required for hunting or target ammo. As mentioned, if the primers don't stay put, pitch the cases.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Ole farmer
Are the CCI 41's harder to seat because of diameter or because of being made harder metal.

If you could, how about measuring all of them(brands) and come back a give us a report.

Here is one guy's report... kinda of interesting.

http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php

Jimmy K

I'll see if i can get around to measuring them. All but the Wolf Small Rifle .223, they're on their way back to.....well wherever they came from.

 

[TackDriver1956]

+1 on ditching the cases with loose primers.

I had a loose primer detonate in my bullet hammer. Scared the crap out of me, but luckily didn't ignite the powder.