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Thread: Primer pocket too small - what are my options

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    Primer pocket too small - what are my options

    I have some Independence 5.56 x 45mm 55 grn brass I'm trying to squeeze in some CCI sm rifle primers No 450 into, but it's quite a tight fit. Suggestions?
    - detroitcharlie

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  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy
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    Swage the primer pockets.

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master



    M-Tecs's Avatar
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    Swage or ream the primer pockets

    Independence Ammunition is loaded by the premier manufacturer for the Israeli military, IMI, to NATO specifications in premium brass with an “FC” head stamp. This brass is properly annealed, making it perfect for reloading after primer pocket swaging. Primers are crimped and sealed for dependable ignition in any weather. The taper crimp is centered in the bullet cannelure for reliable feeding in semi-automatic firearms. This is high quality ammunition at a great price, making it the perfect choice for target shooting, training or simply stocking up. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases

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    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    That's what I thought. I was hoping someone had a magical answer that didn't involve any more labor.
    - detroitcharlie

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  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy

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    Unplated primers have a slightly smaller diameter than the plated types. You might try them.

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Freischütz View Post
    Unplated primers have a slightly smaller diameter than the plated types. You might try them.
    Hmm, I might give that a try, just to know. The CCI's will go in with significant force, but only about 1 out of 3. I hate mil brass I suppose I should prob invest in a bench swager.
    - detroitcharlie

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  7. #7
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    The brass is worthless please ship to me for proper disposal.
    "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same......." - Ronald Reagan

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  8. #8
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bzcraig View Post
    The brass is worthless please ship to me for proper disposal.
    Hehe, sure after I can't trim those necks anymore :P
    - detroitcharlie

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    end it to me as Girty has volunteered to tap dance on it so no one else will have to go thru the same pains and suffering you have.
    WE WON. WE BEAT THE MACHINE. WE HAVE CCW NOW.

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bad Water Bill View Post
    end it to me as Girty has volunteered to tap dance on it so no one else will have to go thru the same pains and suffering you have.
    Hehe, I suppose I should stop complaining and get out the reamer.
    - detroitcharlie

    ~ Freedom isn't free, it's fought for. ~

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    "That's what I thought. I was hoping someone had a magical answer that didn't involve any more labor."

    Labor is the part of reloading that you must make your peace with. It's always going to be there and you must learn to like it.
    Paul G.
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  12. #12
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    It's not whether it involves labor, but rather whether it gives you an excuse to buy more equipment to save you a few minutes worth of labor.

  13. #13
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    Mytmousemalibu's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by detroitcharlie View Post
    Hmm, I might give that a try, just to know. The CCI's will go in with significant force, but only about 1 out of 3. I hate mil brass I suppose I should prob invest in a bench swager.
    The Bench swagers are nice but the RCBS swage die set isn't too bad either and a good chunk cheaper.
    ~ Chris


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  14. #14
    Boolit Buddy
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    I also like the rcbs press mounted swager, price is reasonable to.

  15. #15
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mytmousemalibu View Post
    The Bench swagers are nice but the RCBS swage die set isn't too bad either and a good chunk cheaper.
    I don't think it'll work with a Lee press...?
    - detroitcharlie

    ~ Freedom isn't free, it's fought for. ~

  16. #16
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    4 seconds on the custom Ream-O-Matic has resolved the issue

    Click image for larger version. 

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    - detroitcharlie

    ~ Freedom isn't free, it's fought for. ~

  17. #17
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by detroitcharlie View Post
    I don't think it'll work with a Lee press...?
    It will, i use one in a Lee. Its not ideal because of the spent primer well so the base collar rocks as it pops the brass off the swager but it works just fine. You can set a contact shim in there too if you feel like it.
    ~ Chris


    Casting, reloading, shooting, collecting, restoring, smithing, etc, I love it all but most importantly, God, Family, The United States Constitution and Freedom...

    God Bless our Troops, Veterans and First Responders!

    Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas
    Accuracy, Power & Speed

  18. #18
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mytmousemalibu View Post
    It will, i use one in a Lee. Its not ideal because of the spent primer well so the base collar rocks as it pops the brass off the swager but it works just fine. You can set a contact shim in there too if you feel like it.
    Thanks Chris, I'll consider that... but the Ream-O-Matic works so well I may just stick with the free option for the small batches of 200-300 rds
    - detroitcharlie

    ~ Freedom isn't free, it's fought for. ~

  19. #19
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by detroitcharlie View Post
    I don't think it'll work with a Lee press...?
    Just slide a 3/4 inch diameter copper pipe or joint coupler over the ram.

  20. #20
    Boolit Buddy detroitcharlie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by waltherboy4040 View Post
    Just slide a 3/4 inch diameter copper pipe or joint coupler over the ram.
    Good solution waltherboy4040
    - detroitcharlie

    ~ Freedom isn't free, it's fought for. ~

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check