Understanding the Problem: Military Crimp and Tight Primer Pockets
What is a military crimp?
The rhythmic cadence of reloading – the meticulous process of transforming spent brass into ammunition ready for the range – is a rewarding pursuit for many firearms enthusiasts. It’s a skill that offers control, customization, and the potential for significant cost savings. However, like any endeavor that demands precision, reloading presents its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles, and one that can disrupt the flow and potentially compromise safety, involves the preparation of the primer pocket. This is where the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager, a tool renowned for its efficiency and effectiveness, comes into play. The journey of a spent cartridge case back to its former glory begins with cleaning and inspection. Once the brass is clean and ready, the spent primer must be removed, followed by the removal of the old primer pocket crimp. After the brass case is clean and inspected it’s time to prep the primer pocket for the next reload. This often requires the removal of a military crimp, a feature designed to securely hold the primer in place, especially in cases intended for military use. These crimps, however, can make seating new primers a frustrating and sometimes dangerous undertaking. Trying to force a new primer into a pocket that’s not properly prepared can lead to damage to the primer itself or, worse, a case failure.
Why crimps and tight pockets pose a problem for reloading
The presence of a military crimp can make the reloading process a chore. This crimp, often a ring of metal pressed inward around the primer pocket, effectively prevents the new primer from seating flush with the case. The intention is to keep the primer securely seated during the harsh conditions encountered in military firearms. This feature, however, becomes an obstacle for the reloader. When confronted with these crimped cases, reloaders have traditionally employed several approaches. Chamfering the primer pocket, using a hand tool or a powered chamfering tool, is one option. Reaming the primer pocket offers a more aggressive solution to eliminate the crimp entirely. However, both of these processes can be time-consuming and may not always produce the most consistent results. Inconsistent preparation of the primer pocket translates to inconsistent primer seating depth, which can impact the uniformity of ignition and, consequently, the overall performance of the reloaded ammunition. This is where the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager truly shines.
Introducing the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager
What is the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager?
The Dillon Primer Pocket Swager is a tool designed to streamline and improve the process of prepping primer pockets. It eliminates the issues associated with crimped primer pockets by swaging, or reforming, the brass around the pocket to a consistent diameter. Instead of cutting away or reaming the brass, the Dillon Swager uses a hardened steel swaging rod to reshape the primer pocket. This process ensures a uniform pocket size, which is crucial for reliable primer seating and consistent ignition. This tool is built to take some abuse and comes in two variants, the super swage 600 and the Case Prep 1000. The super swage 600 is a dedicated tool, while the Case Prep 1000 is a tool that integrates with the Dillon 1050 progressive press.
Key Features and Benefits of the Dillon Swager
The Dillon Primer Pocket Swager boasts several key features that make it a highly desirable addition to any reloader’s bench. Its robust construction is a hallmark of Dillon products, ensuring years of reliable service. The swager is crafted from high-quality materials, making it durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of frequent use. The design itself is straightforward, prioritizing both efficiency and ease of operation. One of the most significant advantages of the Dillon Swager is its speed. Unlike hand tools, which can be tedious and time-consuming, the Dillon Swager can process a large volume of cases quickly. This increased efficiency is a considerable benefit for reloaders who enjoy shooting frequently and require a steady supply of ammunition. The Dillon Swager’s speed can significantly reduce the time it takes to prepare cases. Another essential aspect is its ability to produce consistent results. The precision of the swaging rod ensures that each primer pocket is uniformly sized. This consistency is critical for achieving uniform primer seating depth, which contributes directly to the overall accuracy and reliability of the reloaded ammunition. By eliminating inconsistencies, the Dillon Swager helps the reloader produce rounds that perform consistently and safely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager
Setting up the Dillon Swager
Using the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager is a relatively simple process. The first step is to mount the tool securely to a reloading press. Once mounted, adjust the swaging depth to achieve the desired pocket size. This adjustment is critical to the proper functioning of the swager. When the brass is fed into the swager, the swaging rod expands the brass in the primer pocket to create the necessary dimensions for the primer. The process begins with the case being inserted into the swager. As the handle of the reloading press is lowered, the case advances and the swaging rod enters the primer pocket, reshaping the brass. The reloader then raises the handle. When the handle is raised, the case is ejected.
Swaging the Primer Pockets
Proper adjustment is crucial. If the swaging rod is not set correctly, the pockets may not be formed properly, leading to problems with primer seating. The Dillon Swager generally comes with clear instructions on how to make the correct adjustments. It is always recommended to start with the least amount of swaging pressure. Slowly increase the amount of pressure until you find the correct amount that allows the primer to be seated flush with the base of the case. This ensures that the primer will properly ignite the gunpowder without any risk of failure. It’s also important to ensure that the case is free of any obstructions, such as debris or excessive case lube, that might hinder the swaging process. This ensures smooth operation and prevents any damage to the brass or the swaging rod.
Benefits of Using a Dillon Primer Pocket Swager
Improved Reloading Reliability
The advantages of incorporating the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager into your reloading setup are manifold. The most obvious benefit is improved reliability. By eliminating the resistance caused by crimped or tight primer pockets, the Dillon Swager ensures that primers seat smoothly and consistently. This consistency translates directly into a reduction in the likelihood of misfires and improved overall ammo performance.
Enhanced Safety
Safety is another key consideration. The Dillon Swager reduces the risk of damaging primers during seating. When the primer encounters resistance, there is a risk of it being crushed or ignited prematurely. By properly preparing the primer pocket, the Dillon Swager greatly reduces this risk.
Reduced Reloading Time
Furthermore, the Dillon Swager simplifies and accelerates the reloading process. It removes a frustrating and time-consuming bottleneck. Reloading time can be significantly reduced, especially for reloaders who work with large volumes of brass. The time saved allows reloaders to process more brass and, in turn, produce more ammunition in a shorter period of time.
Increased Consistency in Primer Seating
This also helps to bring about greater consistency. Uniform primer seating depth is a key factor in the accuracy and consistency of reloaded ammunition. The Dillon Swager’s precise swaging action ensures consistent primer pocket dimensions, enabling consistent primer seating.
Cost-Effectiveness in the long run
Over the long run, the Dillon Swager provides a cost-effective solution for reloaders. By enabling the re-use of brass, which otherwise might be discarded, the Dillon Swager helps reduce ammunition costs. While the initial investment in the tool is a factor, the cost savings on brass over time, along with the benefits of increased safety and accuracy, make the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager an excellent value.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the long life and optimal performance of your Dillon Primer Pocket Swager. Regular cleaning is recommended to remove any debris or residual lubricants. To maintain the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager, the swaging rod should be periodically lubricated, and the tool should be inspected regularly for wear and tear.
Real-World Examples & Testimonials
Reloaders who have adopted the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager into their reloading process report significant improvements in their reloading experience. Many note a noticeable reduction in the amount of time required to prepare brass. Others praise the tool for the consistency it provides, leading to improved accuracy. Reloaders who have been experiencing difficulties with primer seating have found that the Dillon Swager is a game changer. “I was constantly battling inconsistent primer seating depth, which was affecting my accuracy,” one reloader commented. “Since I started using the Dillon Swager, my groups have tightened up significantly, and I no longer have to worry about primers seating unevenly. It has been a great addition to my reloading bench.” Another reloader noted, “This tool is built to last, like all Dillon products. It has saved me countless hours. The swaging action is smooth and reliable. I highly recommend it to any reloader looking to improve the consistency and performance of their ammunition.”
Pros and Cons
To summarize, the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager presents a compelling set of advantages. It offers significant time savings, ensures consistent primer pocket dimensions, and enhances the safety and reliability of the reloading process. Its durable construction and ease of use make it an excellent investment. However, there are a few considerations. The initial cost of the tool is higher than some other methods. Also, the tool needs to be mounted to a reloading press, requiring some bench space. Alternatives Alternative methods, such as chamfering or reaming, might be suitable for some reloaders. Chamfering and reaming can be a bit slower and less consistent, especially when dealing with a large quantity of brass.
Conclusion
In the world of reloading, attention to detail is paramount. The Dillon Primer Pocket Swager provides a streamlined and efficient solution to a common challenge: preparing primer pockets for reliable primer seating. By employing this tool, reloaders can significantly enhance the safety and consistency of their reloaded ammunition, while at the same time streamlining their reloading process. The Dillon Primer Pocket Swager makes the journey to accurate and reliable ammunition more efficient. Whether you are a seasoned reloader or just starting, the Dillon Primer Pocket Swager is a worthy investment. It is a tool that contributes to both accuracy and safety, improving the overall reloading experience.
