The Primer Pocket Predicament: Why Swaging Matters
What is the Problem with Crimped Primer Pockets?
The world of reloading is a rewarding one. It’s a blend of precision, patience, and a deep appreciation for the craft of making your own ammunition. However, as with any endeavor involving intricate processes, there are hurdles. One of the most common challenges faced by reloaders, particularly those working with military brass or brass fired from factory ammunition, is dealing with crimped primer pockets. These brass casings often have a factory crimp applied to the primer pocket, a seemingly insignificant detail that can become a significant roadblock when it comes to reloading.
This article delves into the world of primer pocket swaging, exploring the necessity of this process and focusing specifically on the Lee Primer Pocket Swager – a popular and budget-friendly solution for preparing your brass for optimal reloading. We will explore the benefits of the Lee Primer Pocket Swager, along with a comprehensive guide on how to use it effectively, helping you unlock the full potential of your reloading setup.
So, why does dealing with crimped primer pockets matter so much? It’s all about the delicate dance between the primer and the primer pocket. A correctly seated primer is essential for consistent and reliable ignition. A primer that is not seated correctly, too deep or too shallow, can result in misfires, inconsistent velocities, and, ultimately, unreliable ammunition.
Factory crimps, applied to keep the primer firmly in place during firing and shipping, can make seating new primers exceptionally difficult. They create an interference fit, effectively preventing the new primer from smoothly and evenly entering the pocket. This can lead to:
- Difficulty Seating Primers: The most immediate issue. You’ll find yourself applying excessive force, which can deform the primer or even crush it.
- Primer Damage: Forcing a primer into a tight pocket can damage its sensitive priming compound, potentially leading to a misfire. Even if it does fire, a damaged primer might produce inconsistent results.
- Inconsistent Ignition: Poor primer seating can affect the primer’s ability to ignite the powder charge consistently, leading to variations in muzzle velocity and impact.
- Damage to expensive reloading equipment: This is a costly risk!
This is where the magic of primer pocket swaging comes into play. Swaging is the process of reshaping the brass around the primer pocket, essentially removing the crimp and slightly expanding the opening. This ensures a perfect fit for the new primer, allowing it to seat smoothly and consistently.
There are alternatives to swaging, primarily reaming or milling. Reaming uses a cutting tool to remove the crimp. Milling removes material from the primer pocket to eliminate the crimp. While effective, these methods often involve more expensive tools and can remove more material than necessary, sometimes leaving the pocket too loose for the new primer. Swaging, on the other hand, is a more controlled process that expands the brass to the correct dimensions.
Introducing the Lee Primer Pocket Swager: A Budget-Friendly Solution
In the realm of reloading equipment, affordability and effectiveness aren’t always easy to come by. However, the Lee Primer Pocket Swager brilliantly bridges this gap. It’s a testament to Lee Precision’s commitment to providing high-quality reloading tools at prices that are accessible to a wide range of reloaders, from beginners to seasoned veterans. This is a tool that can save you money, time and, most importantly, it will improve the consistency of your rounds.
This Lee Primer Pocket Swager is designed with a simple yet effective mechanism. It utilizes a ram to push a swaging rod through the primer pocket, precisely reshaping the brass and removing the crimp. The design is intentionally straightforward, making it both easy to use and reliable.
The simplicity is a huge advantage. Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that can go wrong. The Lee Primer Pocket Swager excels in its ease of use.
One of the greatest strengths of the Lee Primer Pocket Swager is its universal design. This swager comes with various components and swaging rods that are included in the base kit, allowing it to work with a wide range of calibers. You’ll likely find that you can prepare the brass from a plethora of calibers using the standard equipment in the initial kit. This universal compatibility translates to fewer tools to buy, and fewer tools to keep on your reloading bench.
The materials are typical of Lee products: primarily steel and aluminum. They are robust and functional, made to handle the stresses of the reloading process. The design focuses on functionality rather than excessive ornamentation.
How the Lee Primer Pocket Swager Outshines the Competition
Beyond its core functionality, several factors contribute to the Lee Primer Pocket Swager’s appeal:
- Cost-Effectiveness: This is perhaps the most significant advantage. Compared to other swaging options, the Lee Primer Pocket Swager represents a truly affordable investment. It allows reloaders to tackle crimped primer pockets without breaking the bank.
- Ease of Use: The straightforward design makes the swager easy to set up and operate, even for those new to reloading. Its intuitive nature allows reloaders of all experience levels to quickly master the process.
- Speed and Efficiency: While it’s not the fastest swager on the market, the Lee Primer Pocket Swager is reasonably efficient. It’s a perfect balance of performance and cost. Its speed of operation is more than adequate for most reloading setups, especially when compared to hand deburring or more time-consuming alternatives.
- Universal Design: The ability to handle various calibers with a single tool eliminates the need to invest in multiple swagers.
- Availability: Lee Precision products are widely available from reloading retailers, both online and in physical stores.
Unleashing the Power: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Lee Primer Pocket Swager
The Lee Primer Pocket Swager is known for its simplicity, but understanding the process is key to optimal results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Safety First!
- Protective Eyewear: Always wear safety glasses when reloading.
- Proper Lighting: Ensure you have sufficient lighting to clearly see the primer pocket.
- Follow Instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Setting Up the Swager:
- Mount the Swager: Place the Lee Primer Pocket Swager onto your reloading bench or appropriate sturdy surface. It’s generally designed to be used as a standalone tool, but it can be positioned in a press frame. Ensure it is securely positioned to provide a stable platform.
- Install the Appropriate Shell Holder: Select the correct shell holder for the caliber you’re working with. This ensures the case is held securely and in alignment with the swaging rod. Place the shell holder onto the Lee Primer Pocket Swager’s ram.
- Adjust the Die Depth: The most important adjustment on the Lee Primer Pocket Swager is the die depth. You want the swaging rod to make the correct depth so the primers can be properly seated.
- Loosen the locking ring on the die.
- Thread the die into the Lee Primer Pocket Swager body.
- Lower the ram to ensure the swaging rod is properly aligned to the shell holder.
- Adjust the die height by lowering it until it almost touches the shell holder at the highest point. Tighten the locking ring and make a test run on a case. If you are not seeing good primer seating, lower the die until you get the correct results.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Ram: The Lee Primer Pocket Swager uses a ram. Make sure you understand how the ram operates.
Swaging the Primer Pocket:
- Insert the Case: Place the brass case into the shell holder.
- Raise the Ram: Carefully raise the ram until the case is fully inserted into the swaging die. This will press the case mouth and primer pocket against the swaging rod.
- Swage the Pocket: Firmly lower the ram, allowing the swaging rod to swage the primer pocket to the correct dimensions. The goal is to remove the crimp without expanding the pocket excessively.
- Remove the Case: Once the swaging is complete, lower the ram and remove the case.
- Inspect the Pocket: Inspect the primer pocket to ensure that the crimp has been completely removed and that the pocket is properly sized.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for all cases.
Troubleshooting the Process:
- Tight Primer Pockets: If primers are still difficult to seat, the swaging depth might need to be adjusted. Increase the swaging depth by adjusting the die downward slightly.
- Primer Seating Issues: If primers are not seating flush or below the case head, there might be an issue with the swaging rod’s depth or the shell holder’s alignment. Check the setup carefully.
- Damaged Primers: If you are damaging primers, the swaging rod might be set too deep, or the primer pocket may still have residual crimp material. Adjust the swaging rod to lessen the pressure and inspect the case more closely.
Caring for Your Lee Primer Pocket Swager
The Lee Primer Pocket Swager, like any reloading tool, requires some care to ensure its longevity:
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the swaging rod and the die body to remove any buildup of brass shavings or debris.
- Lubrication: Apply a light coat of oil to the moving parts as needed, especially the ram.
- Storage: Store the Lee Primer Pocket Swager in a dry place when not in use.
Assessing Performance: What to Expect
The Lee Primer Pocket Swager delivers dependable performance. When used correctly, it effectively removes crimps and prepares primer pockets for smooth primer seating.
The impact on accuracy is indirect. By ensuring that the primers are seated properly, the Lee Primer Pocket Swager sets the stage for more consistent ignition and therefore improved accuracy potential.
Advantages and Limitations of the Lee Swager
Pros:
- Affordable: The Lee Primer Pocket Swager is a budget-friendly reloading tool.
- Ease of Use: The design is simple and intuitive.
- Speed: Reloading can be done quite quickly, and the swager is not slow.
- Versatility: The Lee Primer Pocket Swager is compatible with a wide range of calibers.
Cons:
- Adjustment: The Lee Primer Pocket Swager may require some fine-tuning for optimal performance.
- Feel and Build: The plastic parts are the most criticized.
The Verdict: Is the Lee Primer Pocket Swager Right for You?
The Lee Primer Pocket Swager is a valuable tool for any reloader. Its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and universal design make it an excellent choice, especially for reloaders looking to make the process more efficient. It’s a great choice, particularly for those new to reloading, and provides an easy way to manage the challenges of crimped primer pockets.
The Lee Primer Pocket Swager is a testament to the concept that quality reloading tools don’t have to break the bank. It provides an accessible and effective solution. It’s a tool that allows you to consistently prepare your brass for reloading.
The Lee Primer Pocket Swager is ready to become a permanent resident on your reloading bench, helping you create more accurate and reliable ammunition. Consider purchasing one today to enhance your reloading process.
