Primer Pockets

[dougestyle]

I've been reloading for a while, but would like to get better at it. The first question I have is what do you guys do to your primer pockets? I've seen the term "cutting out" ( I think) seen on here but not sure what to do. Thanks in advance.

 

[Car Knocker]

Rifle or handgun? Plinking or precision shooting?

 

[dougestyle]

rifle, presicion

 

[Car Knocker]

Devices are sold to handcut primer pockets to exact and uniform dimension - they are called primer pocket uniformers. Here is just one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=338732
Uniforming the primer pockets allows the primers to be set at the same depth, with the same amount of pressure and allows you to feel the primer bottoming out in the pocket easier.

Another part of precision cartridge prep that goes hand-in-hand with primer pocket uniforming is removing the burr from the flash hole inside the case. There is a device to do this, here is one brand: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=729748
Removing the burr (from the flash hole being punched through) is supposed to result in more uniform ignition of the powder.

 

[dougestyle]

Thanks Don, very helpful infomation there. Answered my question perfectly.

 

[Car Knocker]

Glad I could help a bit. Now you can go on to contemplate case and projectile concentricity, sorting cases and projectiles by weight, the merits of weighing the charge as opposed to throwing the charge, neck turning, the value of notching the case rim so that you can maintain alignment when loading the case and inserting it into the chamber, etc., etc.

Ah, the joys of precision rifle handloading! And the wealth of differing opinions!

Good luck!