I’m trying to re-prime once-fired LC .223 brass that I’ve been told that when new, the primers were crimped in. I’m assuming this is once-fired military brass (range brass). It’s very difficult to re-prime; about 1 or 2 out of 5 the new primers are smashed & the case needs reprocessed. I’m using a hand primer. Any ideas or tips to make this easier ? A little afraid to proceed with hand priming. Any way to clean up the crimped primer pocket? Thanks for any help.

RCBS, Redding, etc. make primer pocket swaging devices that work with your loading press.
I bought one of these time savers 25-30 years ago when I was gifted 2,000 - 3,000 45 acp cases.

Or just get a broad reamer that will clean the edges but not touch the bottom of the pocket. Use a slow cordless screw driver if you want power. Does not take much.

Lyman makes a primer pocket reamer! Actually two---one for large primer pockets and one for small!


Hip

Ream or swage; read up on it. I have used both methods, and also used a standard countersink, all work.
Standard stuff when you use military brass.

Or if you are feeling lazy send it to a brass processer and for around $50 per thousand plus shipping they will deprime, swage to remove crimps, size, and trim to length.

Interesting; never heard of such a thing.

Neither have I. You have a contact addy? I have a bench mount Dillon primer pocket swager for both large + small but it still takes time. I like the sound of your brass processor.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Interesting; never heard of such a thing.

There are a couple companies doing this. Some shooting buddies from Austin process brass. I will see them at Perry, I can get their business contact.

This is an example, never used this company.

https://blueridgebrass.com/brass-processing/

THe Dillon Primer swager tool is tops in my book. Used it extensively.

I quite agree + intend to keep mine, but I like the sound of 1000 cases for only $50.00 processed seems like a deal if one values their time. I say (only )$50.00 but really, when was the last time you went to the grocery store? Sad to say that fifty bucks these days doesn't go very far.

quote:

I say (only )$50.00 but really, when was the last time you went to the grocery store? Sad to say that fifty bucks these days doesn't go very far.

Or filled up at the gas station.

Thank you Joe.

I use the pointed end of a RCBS deburring tool, 1 or 2 twists is all it takes in the primer pocket.

I use the Lee chamfer tool

I use a RCBS swager, and another of unknown brand thats old but works fine..and it doesn't hurt to ever so lightly give a twist of a deburing tool only on the very edge of the case..depending on the day of the week!!