Gents,

I got a set of the RCBS pimer pocker swagers and nary a clue as to how to convert milsurp brass? No instructions in my set of dies. Help!

If it works like the old Herters primer pocket swager I have, you simply place the swager button in the shell holder of your press, place the body in the die threads, place the deprimed shell on top of the swager, the mash the sh*t out of it so that the military crimp is swaged back into the recess where it came from.

Actually, I think this is a pretty poor way of salvaging military brass. I prefer to cut the crimp away with an inside neck reaming tool (or it can even be done with a small knife blade). This leaves a nice chamfer that allows smooth primer seating.

Stonecreek is right.
The only thing I can add is to that if swaging 223's go slowly and be sure the swage rod is in the case before you squash down otherwise you bend the bar.
RCBS is very good at replacing that part for no cost but it is a pain to wait for delivery.

Also, be sure you don't overdo the swaging, i.e., enlarge the primer pockets. In other words, pay attention to adjusting the die so that you don't swage too deeply.

Back in the good old days we used to go thru a lot of the Rcbs bars swaging primer pockets.

Finally got tired of that and made a stagered tooth 4 flute cutter from 0-1 steel.
One set of teeth (2 flute) will clean up the bottom of the pocket. The sides will just fit into the pocket and act as a guide. Diameter of the pocket - .005". Then the other flutes (2) flare out and will chamfer the crimp.

I have no idea why no commerical company has not done this. It is slick as goose crap on a wet day. Have done most likely 10,000 cases with mine in the last 20 years or so. It takes some doing to work out the chamfer vs the bottom section but boy, the hardened tool will last.

Jim Wisner
Custom Metalsmith

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When using th RCBS tool, be sure to ajust it with the stripper in place over the shellholder and you will find the job quite easy, fast and accurate.
A free phone call to RCBS customer service will get you an instruction sheet post haste.

Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

Thanka all.

I called RCBS yesterday and they are sending me the destructions. I think it will be easier that way.

Jim, I liked your idea. I may have to try my hand at making one. Good excuse for finally learning how to make a cutting tool. Seems simple enough except, as you say, for getting the radius/chamfer correct.