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3/19/2011 2:59:40 PM EDT
Hey Guys,

      I purchased a new swager die yesterday for some Lake City .223 I had. I set the die up by the book. I started working on my brass and I noticed that it wasn't doing anything. There is no identifiable bright ring from the brass being worked. The only thing i can think of is that maybe for whatever reason this brass wasn't crimped? Any ideas guys?

Thanks
Bob
3/19/2011 3:51:09 PM EDT
[#1]
sell the rcbs set and buy a dillon super swage
3/19/2011 4:29:05 PM EDT
[#2]
Use the swager bit as a sort of primer pocket gage: if it fits then you don't need to decrimp the primer pockets, if it doesn't then you do



Fits, you're good to go:







Doesn't fit, need to decrimp primer pocket:








3/19/2011 5:03:24 PM EDT
[#3]
Don't let the bluekoolaid guys dis you.  The RCBS swager works fine when properly set up.  I've use mine for thousands of LC crimped brass without any problems at all.  Just be sure to sort your brass by headstamp.



Not all LC brass available today is crimped.  If it isn't crimped, you don't need to swage it.  You can identify the crimped brass by a visible ring around the primer where the brass is pushed in to keep the primer from coming out.  Crimped in primers are also a little harder to push out because of that.






3/19/2011 5:48:56 PM EDT
[#4]
Another hint...use a bit of case lube on the swager "spud". This aids in removing the case once swaged. Just apply a thin coat to it occasionally.
3/19/2011 7:59:44 PM EDT
[#5]
Most helpful. Thanks a bunch guys.

Bob
3/20/2011 12:41:36 AM EDT
[#6]
i sit and watch TV and remove the crimps with a chamfer tool. quick, light spin and crimp is gone. never tried a swaging tool to do it.
3/20/2011 5:06:16 AM EDT
[#7]
+1 on using a little sizing lube on the button.

Also, if you bend the rod, it is not ruined, just straighten it out with a vise or hammer.  Don't feel like you HAVE to bottom out the press handle every time.  Pay attention to how much pressure you can apply without bending the rod.

The RCBS unit works fine, just be patient while you figure it out.
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