Something new for me

[Vacek]

I have been reloading quite a few years but never with military surplus cases. Therefore I never paid much attention to the crimp/swage stuff. Anyway, I picked up 100 .223 cases today (pre-shot) and notices that about 50% were military. I was assuming this because they cases were dated 07, had a red (or traces) sealant on the primer and what appeared to be a ring belt between the primer and the case. I assumed that was the crimp. Anyway, I was able to remove the primer with my sizing die and then looked at the primer pocket to note the ring. So here is the question. Does that belt need to be swaged out and if so, what is the proper method?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Yes, the crimping ring needs to be removed in most cases. This can be done by swaging with a tool made for this purpose, or by lightly reaming away the brass ring with a tapered tool, such as the tool for chamfering the inside of a case mouth after trimming. Some people have even used the small blade of a knife to remove the crimped over brass.

I prefer to swage the primer pockets myself, since this doesn't remove any metal, though I doubt it really hurts if a little metal is removed from the mouth of the primer pocket, as long as too much isn't taken out.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Cypress]

If all you have to do is 50 cases then use your chamfer tool. Go lightly and try a primer in one to get the feel for how much to remove. It usually takes about as much effort as chamfering the mouth.

 

[dardascastbullets]

The most amazing tool that I have used to remove the primer crimp (or just to straighten up primer pockets) is the Wilson Primer Pocket Reamer. It imparts a perfect finish to the once horrible primer pocket and finishes it perfectly. It is simple to use - all you need for power is your hand. I believe that Sinclair International lists the tool.

Good luck!