Understanding the Need for Swaging
The satisfying *clink* of a freshly loaded cartridge, the thrill of hitting the bullseye, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself – these are the rewards of reloading. However, the pursuit of reloading excellence can sometimes be riddled with challenges. One of the most common frustrations for reloaders, especially those working with military brass, is dealing with the dreaded crimp in the primer pocket. This is where the Dillon Super Swage 600 steps in, offering a streamlined solution for a critical part of the reloading process. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to understanding, operating, and mastering the Dillon Super Swage 600, a tool designed to bring precision and efficiency to your reloading bench.
Swaging, in the context of reloading, is the process of reshaping or expanding the primer pocket to accept a new primer properly. When you reload brass that has been fired with military or factory ammunition, you’ll often encounter a crimp – a ring of metal that secures the primer in place. This crimp is designed to withstand the forces of firing, but it can create a host of problems for reloaders.
Attempting to force a primer into a crimped primer pocket can be a recipe for disaster. Primers might be damaged, making them unusable. The primer may not seat properly, leading to inconsistent ignition and poor accuracy. In extreme cases, the primer can be crushed or even ignited prematurely, posing a safety risk. Swaging eliminates these issues by removing or reshaping the crimp, creating a perfectly sized pocket for your new primers. This leads to more reliable ignition, consistent bullet velocities, and ultimately, more accurate shots.
Features and Design of the Dillon Super Swage 600
The Dillon Super Swage 600, a robust and well-engineered tool, is designed to make this process simple and efficient. Its design minimizes effort, and its construction ensures longevity. Let’s delve into what makes this tool a standout on the reloading bench.
The Dillon Super Swage 600, at its core, is a specialized tool designed to remove the crimp from the primer pockets of used brass. It’s a bench-mounted machine, which allows for increased stability and control, crucial elements for precise reloading. Unlike some manual tools, the Dillon Super Swage 600 is designed for speed and volume, perfect for reloaders who process large quantities of brass.
What truly sets the Dillon Super Swage 600 apart is its thoughtful design. The machine utilizes a lever-action system for smooth operation. This design minimizes hand fatigue and makes the process significantly quicker than manually deburring or using other tools. It is a game-changer for those reloading hundreds or even thousands of rounds.
Adjustability and Precision
Furthermore, the Dillon Super Swage 600 offers incredible adjustability. You can easily customize the swaging depth to perfectly match the specifications of your primers. This level of precision is vital to ensure the primer seats flush with the case head. The machine features precise adjustment mechanisms that allow you to dial in the perfect depth quickly.
Durability and Versatility
Built with high-quality materials, the Dillon Super Swage 600 is a durable piece of equipment designed to withstand years of heavy use. The robust construction means the machine is not likely to wear out quickly and will last you a long time. Many reloaders report using their Super Swage 600s for decades, highlighting the tool’s longevity.
The Dillon Super Swage 600 is compatible with a wide range of case sizes. This versatility is achieved through interchangeable case holders and swaging dies. This allows you to swage brass from various calibers with ease. The machine can often handle cases like .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and many more, making it adaptable to your entire reloading arsenal.
The Dillon Super Swage 600 allows for integration with a case feeder. This can significantly increase processing speed, turning a time-consuming task into a quick and straightforward operation.
Setting Up and Using the Dillon Super Swage 600
Before you get started, take the machine out of the box and give it a good look over. Familiarize yourself with the components and read the manufacturer’s instructions. This will greatly help you with the set up process.
Once you’re ready to get started, you’ll first need to prepare your brass. This typically involves cleaning the cases and, more importantly, removing the spent primer. After you de-prime your cases, you are ready to swage.
The next step involves adjusting the machine. The Dillon Super Swage 600 offers fine-tuning capabilities so that you can make the necessary adjustments for your brass. The height adjustment allows you to determine the correct depth of swaging to avoid over-swaging.
Step-by-Step Swaging Process
Now, you can start swaging the primer pockets. Insert the case into the correct case holder. The Dillon Super Swage 600 will guide you through the process. Then, smoothly operate the lever. This pushes the case into contact with the swaging tool, reshaping the primer pocket.
After the swaging process, it’s essential to check your results. Take a new primer and hand-seat it into the swaged primer pocket. It should fit flush or very slightly below the case head surface. If the primer seats easily and firmly, you’ve achieved the desired results. If you encounter any resistance, make slight adjustments to the swage depth until the primers seat correctly.
Tips for Success
Achieving optimal results requires attention to detail. First, ensure your cases are clean. Clean cases lead to smoother operation and a better-finished product. Second, make adjustments to the machine according to your brass. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with the depth adjustment until you find the perfect setting for your primers. With practice, you will quickly perfect your technique, resulting in consistent and accurate results.
Advantages of the Dillon Super Swage 600
One of the main benefits of the Dillon Super Swage 600 is its ability to significantly speed up your reloading process. Compared to manual deburring tools or other methods, the Dillon Super Swage 600 is considerably faster. This can be especially useful for reloaders who load in bulk.
Another significant advantage of the Dillon Super Swage 600 is the consistency it delivers. By consistently removing the crimp and creating a uniform primer pocket, the Dillon Super Swage 600 contributes to a uniform primer seating depth. This consistency contributes to enhanced accuracy and reliability of your reloads.
The Dillon Super Swage 600 is designed for consistent performance, and this consistency directly translates to improved accuracy. By preparing each primer pocket to the same exacting standards, you’ll notice more uniform ignition of the powder charge, leading to tighter shot groups.
Cost-Effectiveness
The Dillon Super Swage 600 also represents an investment in efficiency and cost savings. The robust design and the machine’s ability to process large volumes of brass, ensures that the machine is designed to stand the test of time. It prevents primer damage and allows you to reload brass that would otherwise be unusable. This ultimately saves money and reduces waste.
Comparison: Dillon Super Swage 600 vs. Other Swaging Tools
When considering your options, it is important to consider the other swaging tools available. While there are other tools on the market for removing crimps, the Dillon Super Swage 600 stands out for a few key reasons. For starters, some tools require the user to apply significant manual effort, which can become tiring, especially when processing large quantities of brass. Furthermore, some tools are less precise, which can affect the consistency of your reloads.
The Dillon Super Swage 600, however, offers a superior balance of speed, precision, and ease of use. The lever-action operation significantly reduces hand fatigue, while the adjustable swaging depth ensures that you can perfectly prepare each primer pocket. The overall construction and design of the Dillon Super Swage 600 place it a step above the competition.
Maintenance and Care
Like any piece of reloading equipment, the Dillon Super Swage 600 requires basic maintenance to ensure reliable performance. Cleaning and lubricating the machine will help maintain the machine’s operability for years to come. Keep the swaging die and moving parts clean and free of debris. This is especially important when you are working with brass that has been exposed to sand or other abrasive materials.
Troubleshooting Tips
When you encounter any issues, troubleshooting is usually simple. If you experience difficulty swaging a case, first, make sure the case holder is correct for that specific cartridge. Then, make sure your swaging depth is properly adjusted. If you’re having trouble with a particular case, inspect it for damage or unusual features that might be interfering with the swaging process.
Storage
When you’re not using your Dillon Super Swage 600, store it in a dry, dust-free environment. Following these simple maintenance procedures will help extend the life of your machine.
Real-World Applications and User Experiences
Many reloaders will attest to the Dillon Super Swage 600’s efficiency and reliability. Reloaders report consistently improved primer seating, especially when working with brass from military sources. With the Dillon Super Swage 600, reloaders are able to load ammunition that is consistent and reliable, with an emphasis on accuracy.
For those who load large quantities of .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm ammunition, or those who seek the utmost precision in their reloads, the Dillon Super Swage 600 is an ideal tool. This is because the tool provides a reliable method of processing military brass at a high rate of speed. It is also great for reloading other rifle calibers with crimped primer pockets.
Conclusion
In the world of reloading, accuracy and consistency are the ultimate goals. The Dillon Super Swage 600 plays a crucial role in achieving these goals by providing a quick, precise, and reliable method for preparing primer pockets. It eliminates a common source of frustration for reloaders, allowing them to focus on creating high-quality ammunition.
The Dillon Super Swage 600 is a worthwhile investment for any reloader who values speed, precision, and efficiency. If you’re ready to take your reloading to the next level and eliminate the headaches associated with crimped primer pockets, consider adding the Dillon Super Swage 600 to your reloading bench. You’ll quickly appreciate the difference in both the ease of use and the quality of your reloads.
