Understanding Primer Pocket Prep
What is Primer Pocket Swaging and Why is it Important?
The art of reloading ammunition is a journey that takes precision, patience, and the right tools. It’s a hobby enjoyed by shooters of all levels, and one of the critical steps in this process is ensuring your brass is properly prepared. This involves, among other things, addressing the primer pocket. Military brass, and sometimes commercial brass, often comes with a crimp that holds the primer securely. This crimp, while beneficial for factory loads, needs to be removed or swaged to ensure a proper fit for new primers. This is where primer pocket swagers come into play, and two of the most popular options are the Lee Ram Swage and the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two contenders, helping you determine which tool best suits your reloading setup.
Before we examine the specific tools, let’s underscore the importance of prepping the primer pocket. When factory ammunition is manufactured, the primer is secured in place by a crimp. This crimp is an inward deformation of the brass around the primer pocket, intended to prevent the primer from backing out under recoil, particularly in military applications. While this is fine for factory loads, it creates a problem for reloaders: the crimp needs to be removed or swaged to allow new primers to be seated properly.
Trying to seat a new primer into a crimped pocket can be frustrating, difficult, and potentially dangerous. It can damage both the brass and the primer, or even fail to fully seat the primer, leading to malfunctions. Therefore, a crucial aspect of brass preparation is dealing with the primer pocket crimp or any other obstructions.
There are a few ways to address this. One common method is reaming, which involves using a specialized tool to cut away the crimped portion of the brass. However, reaming can sometimes remove too much material, weakening the brass over repeated reloadings. Furthermore, the use of reaming tools often results in inconsistent pocket depths. Another option is swaging, the process of reshaping or forming the brass around the primer pocket to create a uniform and properly sized opening. Swaging is generally preferred as it maintains the brass’s integrity while ensuring a proper primer pocket. This is where the Lee Ram Swage and RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2 excel.
Lee Ram Swage: An Examination of Simplicity
The Lee Ram Swage is a popular choice for many reloaders, especially those just starting out or on a budget. It’s known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a good option for those who want a straightforward solution to primer pocket crimps. It’s designed to be used in conjunction with a standard reloading press.
The Lee Ram Swage consists of a few main components: a base, the swage rod, and a shell holder. The case is inserted into a specific shell holder, then fed into the reloading press. As the ram of the press moves upward, the shell holder drives the case over the swage rod. The swage rod then pushes the brass outward, reforming the primer pocket and eliminating the crimp. It’s a relatively quick and simple process.
The core strength of the Lee Ram Swage lies in its elegant simplicity. It is easy to learn and use, with a small number of parts that are quick to setup and operate. The Lee Ram Swage gets the job done without a lot of fuss, and it requires minimal investment in time or money.
Advantages of the Tool
Cost-Effectiveness: It’s one of the most affordable primer pocket swaging tools available, which makes it appealing to beginners or reloaders on a budget.
Speed of Operation: It’s generally quite quick, particularly for smaller batches, given the straightforward design and operation.
Easy Learning Curve: The setup and usage are simple, which makes it user-friendly for beginners.
Fewer Parts: The design results in less complexity and fewer things that can go wrong.
Disadvantages of the Design
Single Case Processing: It can only process a single case at a time, which, while efficient, means it’s not ideal for high-volume reloading.
Requires a Press: It necessitates the use of a reloading press, which is an additional investment for those who don’t already own one.
Shell Holder Specific: It requires specific shell holders for each case head size, so reloaders will have to invest in a variety of shell holders to accommodate different brass sizes.
Brass Trimming Caution: There’s a potential for over-swaging or brass deformation if not done properly. Proper adjustment of the press stroke, along with trimming brass to a consistent length, is sometimes required for optimal results.
RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2: Strength and Efficiency Unveiled
The RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2 is a different beast altogether. Designed for more serious reloaders and those who work with larger volumes of brass, it features a bench-mounted design, indicating a commitment to stability and efficiency. The RCBS tool is built for the long haul, with a robust construction that allows for reliable performance.
The RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2 comprises a sturdy frame, a swaging rod with adjustable depth, and a case support arm with different support tubes. The case is inserted into the support tube, and the case is then advanced onto the swage rod. A lever mechanism allows the user to push the case against the swage rod, reforming the primer pocket. This bench-mounted design gives a significant advantage: it can handle a steady stream of cases without requiring the same reloading press setup as the Lee Ram Swage.
A central advantage of the RCBS tool is its adjustability. Users can fine-tune the swage depth, which is a valuable feature when working with various types of brass, primer brands, and crimps. This ability helps achieve a consistent, perfect primer pocket every time.
Key Strengths of the Solution
Bench-Mounted Stability: The design enables more efficient processing of large batches of brass.
Adjustable Depth: The ability to fine-tune the swage depth provides greater control and consistency.
Durable Construction: The robust build quality helps ensure a long lifespan.
Consistent Results: Many users report improved accuracy and consistency compared to some other methods.
Faster Operation: Particularly for volume reloading, it’s usually much faster than the Lee option.
Disadvantages of the Design
Price Point: It comes with a considerably higher price tag than the Lee Ram Swage.
Bench Space Requirement: It requires a dedicated spot on a reloading bench, which may be an issue if space is limited.
Setup Complexity: Setting it up initially and adjusting the swage depth can take a little longer.
Comparing the Two: A Direct Assessment
Now, let’s put the Lee Ram Swage and the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2 head-to-head, examining key criteria to help you make an informed choice.
Pricing Considerations: The Lee Ram Swage is significantly more affordable, which is a primary factor for new reloaders. The RCBS model is a more significant investment, reflecting its more complex design and features.
Ease of Operation: The Lee Ram Swage scores high marks for simplicity: Insert the case, operate the press, remove the case. The RCBS swager also has a relatively easy operation, however, the setup, and adjusting the swage depth can be more time-consuming at the beginning.
Swaging Speed: The Lee is quick for smaller batches, but the bench-mounted RCBS is designed for greater efficiency, especially when swaging large quantities of brass. The RCBS is a clear winner when reloading hundreds of cases.
Flexibility and Adjustability: The RCBS model allows for depth adjustments, which is invaluable for working with different brass types and primer brands. The Lee, with its fixed design, is less flexible in this regard.
Long-Term Endurance: The RCBS’s robust construction is expected to provide a long service life. While the Lee Ram Swage is a good tool, its plastic construction is more susceptible to wear and tear.
Precision in Swaging: Both tools, when used correctly, can create acceptable primer pockets. The RCBS’s adjustable swaging depth may give it a slight edge in consistency for some reloaders.
User Opinions and Feedback: Online forums and product reviews often praise the Lee for its simplicity and value. The RCBS frequently gets high marks for its precision, durability, and overall performance, making it a favorite among high-volume reloaders.
Reloading Volume Suitability: For the beginner or hobbyist who reloads small batches, the Lee is a perfect choice. The RCBS is built for the reloader who handles significant quantities of brass regularly.
Recommendations and Considerations
Choosing between the Lee Ram Swage and the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2 depends on your individual needs and reloading style.
For the beginner, or the reloader who is on a budget and only loads small batches of ammunition, the Lee Ram Swage is an excellent starting point. It’s easy to learn, cost-effective, and will get the job done.
For the experienced reloader or someone who loads a lot of ammunition on a regular basis, and places emphasis on accuracy, the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2 is likely the better investment. The increased efficiency, durability, and adjustability are valuable for those who spend a lot of time at the reloading bench.
Before making a final decision, also consider these additional factors:
The Brass You Use: Some brass may require more aggressive swaging than others. The RCBS with its adjustability can provide more flexibility here.
The Primers You Prefer: The type of primers and primer pockets used can also affect your choice.
Workspace and Budget: Always consider how much bench space you have and what you can realistically afford.
Conclusion
The Lee Ram Swage and RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2 are both effective tools for prepping primer pockets, but they cater to different types of reloaders. The Lee Ram Swage offers simplicity and affordability, making it an ideal choice for those just starting out or reloading small batches. The RCBS Primer Pocket Swager 2, on the other hand, provides increased efficiency, adjustability, and durability, making it a solid choice for those who load larger volumes or demand the ultimate in precision.
Take the time to thoroughly consider your needs, your budget, and your reloading volume before making your decision.
Remember, proper brass preparation is the cornerstone of safe and accurate reloading, and the right primer pocket swager is crucial for achieving those results.
Good luck, and happy reloading!
