Understanding Primer Pocket Swagers
What are Primer Pocket Swagers?
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding endeavor, offering the ability to customize your rounds for optimal performance and cost savings. However, to ensure safe and consistent results, meticulous case preparation is crucial. One of the most important steps is properly preparing the primer pocket, and that’s where a primer pocket swager becomes an indispensable tool. This guide will explore the realm of primer pocket swagers, offering in-depth reviews of top models and providing a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the perfect tool for your reloading needs.
The need for proper primer pocket preparation stems from the manufacturing process of ammunition. New cases, especially those manufactured for military or law enforcement purposes, often feature a crimp around the primer pocket. This crimp is designed to secure the primer during firing, preventing it from backing out under the pressure. When reloading, this crimp must be removed or swaged (reshaped) to allow for the proper seating of a new primer. Failure to do so can lead to inconsistent ignition, erratic bullet performance, or even potential safety hazards. The goal is to create a uniform primer pocket, allowing the primer to seat flush and reliably ignite the powder charge.
Types of Primer Pocket Swagers
At its core, a primer pocket swager is a tool designed to address the challenges posed by crimped primer pockets. It uses either pressure or force to reshape the metal surrounding the primer pocket. This may involve removing a crimp or creating a uniform pocket, ensuring the new primer seats correctly and provides consistent ignition. Swaging is often preferred over reaming (removing metal) for several reasons. Swaging typically doesn’t remove as much material as reaming and often provides a more consistent and uniform pocket. This can lead to improved primer seating and better overall accuracy.
There are several primary types of primer pocket swagers, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these types is key to selecting the right tool for your reloading bench.
Handheld Primer Pocket Swagers
Handheld primer pocket swagers are a popular choice, especially for beginners and those who reload in smaller quantities. These tools are typically simple in design and operate manually, offering portability and affordability.
Pros: Their portability allows for easy use, and they are budget-friendly. They are also well-suited for smaller batches of reloading.
Cons: Compared to other swagers, handheld options might be more time-consuming for larger batches. In terms of precision and consistency, they may not equal the more sophisticated tools.
Examples: RCBS Swage-It, Lyman E-ZEE Case Prep Center are examples of handheld tools that are valued for their accessibility.
Bench-Mounted Primer Pocket Swagers
Bench-mounted swagers provide a more robust and efficient solution, especially for reloaders who process larger volumes of cases. These tools are typically mounted to a reloading bench, offering greater stability and leverage.
Pros: Bench-mounted tools allow for faster operation, which is a significant benefit for processing many cases. They are generally more durable and provide greater precision, leading to more uniform primer pockets.
Cons: A disadvantage of bench-mounted tools is their price. These are more expensive, and they will require a bench for mounting, limiting portability.
Examples: The Dillon Precision Super Swage 600 and RCBS Trim Pro Swager represent bench-mounted options known for speed and accuracy.
Press-Mounted Primer Pocket Swagers
Utilizing your reloading press, press-mounted swagers are an efficient choice for reloaders focused on high-volume output.
Pros: Press-mounted swagers integrate seamlessly with your reloading press, streamlining the case preparation process and accelerating the reloading workflow.
Cons: Using this type of swager requires owning a reloading press. Depending on the model, you may need a specific die or adapter.
Examples: The RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo and Hornady Case Prep Trio demonstrate press-mounted convenience.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Primer Pocket Swager
Selecting the right primer pocket swager requires carefully considering several factors. The volume of your reloading, budget, and desired precision all play a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Case Volume: The number of cases you intend to prep is a key factor. Reloading a few hundred rounds a year demands a different tool than someone who reloads thousands. Consider if your reloading goals are for small or large batches and how often you plan to reload.
Budget: The price range for primer pocket swagers varies considerably. Handheld swagers are generally the most affordable, while bench-mounted and press-mounted options represent a more significant investment.
Precision and Consistency: The need for accuracy will inform your purchasing decision. If precision is crucial, and you are loading for competition shooting, bench-mounted swagers, known for their consistency, are the best choice.
Speed: Time is a valuable resource. Reloaders focused on high-volume production need tools designed for speed and efficiency.
Ease of Use: Some swagers are easier to use than others. Handheld swagers are often considered the easiest to use, while others may have a steeper learning curve.
Top-Rated Primer Pocket Swagers: Reviews and Recommendations
The market offers a diverse selection of primer pocket swagers. Here are reviews of some of the best-performing models on the market:
Dillon Precision Super Swage 600
The Dillon Precision Super Swage 600 is a bench-mounted swager renowned for its speed, efficiency, and precision. This heavy-duty tool is a favorite among serious reloaders.
Pros: The Super Swage 600 is built for high-volume reloading. It boasts a fast operation, allowing users to swage cases quickly and efficiently. It offers precise and consistent swaging, ensuring perfectly formed primer pockets. It’s also adaptable, handling a wide range of case sizes with optional case holders.
Cons: Its initial cost is higher than handheld alternatives. It requires a secure bench for mounting.
Key Features: Offers fast operation, interchangeable shell holders, and a robust design.
User Reviews/Feedback: Users praise the Super Swage 600 for its speed, durability, and consistent performance. Many reloaders consider it a top-of-the-line tool for serious reloading.
Price: Typically found in the mid-price range.
RCBS Trim Pro Swager
The RCBS Trim Pro Swager is another excellent bench-mounted option, offering a balance of performance, ease of use, and value.
Pros: It’s easy to set up and operate, and it provides consistent results. The design is sturdy, and it handles both large and small cases.
Cons: Some users have commented on the need for occasional adjustments. It may not be quite as fast as the Dillon Super Swage 600.
Key Features: This swager features a bench-mounted design, adjustable swaging depth, and a robust construction.
User Reviews/Feedback: Users appreciate its ease of use, and find it produces reliable results.
Price: Available at a mid-range price point.
RCBS Swage-It
The RCBS Swage-It is a reliable and affordable handheld option, ideal for beginners and reloaders with smaller case volume needs.
Pros: The RCBS Swage-It is very affordable, making it accessible to beginners. Its portability is a significant advantage, as it allows users to work anywhere. It is relatively simple to use, making it a good choice for new reloaders.
Cons: The operation is manual, so it’s slower than bench-mounted options.
Key Features: The Swage-It’s handheld design, simplicity of use, and affordability make it accessible to many reloaders.
User Reviews/Feedback: Users often praise its value for money, ease of use, and effectiveness for occasional reloading projects.
Price: Typically the most affordable option.
Best For Recommendations
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which tool is best for your specific needs:
Best Overall: The Dillon Precision Super Swage 600 is a top choice, offering superior performance and reliability for high-volume reloaders.
Best for Beginners: The RCBS Swage-It is an excellent entry-level option, offering affordability and ease of use.
Best for High Volume Reloading: The Dillon Precision Super Swage 600 excels in this category, providing the speed and efficiency required for mass production.
Best Value: The RCBS Trim Pro Swager provides an excellent balance of performance, ease of use, and cost.
How to Use a Primer Pocket Swager (Step-by-Step Guide)
Before proceeding with any reloading operation, safety is paramount. Always wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself.
1. Prepare the Cases: Clean and trim the cases as needed, following the case prep instructions for your chosen process.
2. Set Up the Swager: Adjust the swager to the correct depth, typically by consulting the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Swaging the Primer Pocket (Using a Dillon Super Swage 600 as an Example): Load a case into the shell holder. Position the case under the swaging ram. Activate the lever to smoothly swage the primer pocket.
4. Inspection and Deburring: After swaging, examine the pocket. Also look for any burrs.
5. Checking Primer Fit: Ensure the new primer seats flush with the case head.
Tips and Tricks
Lubrication: Most swagers do not require lubrication. Consult your swager’s instructions to confirm.
Troubleshooting: If the primer pocket is still too tight, adjust the swager’s settings. If the primer pocket is too loose, the case may need to be discarded or replaced.
Adjustments for Different Cases: Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any case-specific adjustments.
What to look for when inspecting the primer pocket: A properly swaged primer pocket should have a clean and uniform appearance, free of crimp material and burrs. It should allow the primer to seat flush with the case head.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between swaging and reaming? Swaging reshapes the metal, while reaming removes it. Swaging can provide more uniform pockets and remove less material.
Do I need to swage every time I reload? Typically, yes, if the case has a crimped primer pocket. This is most common with military brass.
How do I know if my primer pocket is swaged correctly? The primer should seat flush with the case head. The pocket should be clean and uniform.
Can I use a primer pocket swager on any type of case? Swagers are usually designed to work on cases with crimped primer pockets, typically military surplus or law enforcement brass.
How often do I need to replace the swaging tools? Swaging tools are typically quite durable and should last for a long time, as long as they are properly maintained.
What are common mistakes when swaging? Adjusting the swager too far, which can damage the case. Not checking for deburring, which can lead to issues with primer seating.
What cases need to be swaged? Military surplus and law enforcement cases are the most common to require swaging.
What cases should be reamed instead of swaged? If cases have primer pockets that are not swaged, they do not need reaming, but it is a common practice to ream if you can not properly swage the primer pocket.
Conclusion
Preparing cases is a crucial step in reloading. By selecting the right primer pocket swager, you can improve the safety and accuracy of your reloads. You can ensure primers seat properly and ignite the powder. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned reloader, the information in this guide should help you choose the best primer pocket swager. Take the time to research, consider your needs, and invest in a quality tool. Now, take action and start preparing those cases for reloading!
