Simple video, but the most important piece of information is the thump from the press. I thought I was damaging my press or using it wrong, but the swager only worked when there was a thump. I'm using a Hornady AP swaging set. This was really helpful, thanks!
I bought this today on Amazon and decided to see it in action. Great video. I don't think I have ever seen anyone mount a press to a kitchen counter before. Bachelor for sure! lol
thanks for teaching a Senior newbie the proper technique for swagging brass. I watched several other videos that didn't show the very important steps on "how to" set up the die/press. At first i wasn't pleased with my purchase because doing everything by "braille" was quite difficult. After a few RAM moments I'm getting the hang of it.
Watch it if you do as they say in the instruction booklet and bring the rod all the way to the top of the swager body. If you do .30-06 because there isn't enough room in the die for all of the cartridge and you'll damage (crush down) your brass until you give it more room. I don't think they planned for people to swage primer pockets on .30-06 as they are obsolete. Otherwise though, this video is excellent and I'm glad I found it.
Thanks for showing me the RIGHT way to use this tool. I was using it wrong and wasted about a dozen primers out of 400. Now all the primers seat properly.
Good video but you didn’t mention the setup of the swagger rod and the fact that it has a mark to set it up level with the bottom of the die. You also may require a few more adjustments depending on the crimp on the brass. You are completely correct that many people don’t set the die up correctly. Thank you for the video
At last now I can choose this rcbs swager vs the super dillon model 600, which since I'm just beginning will save me a little over $70.00. There's nothing wrong with the dillon model but being strapped for cash at this time I need to start small and yes I do want to get the Super Swager Model 600 from Dillon later on. Mr. Brunson thank you so very much for this educational video and your time and detail instructions. Live long and Reload !!!
Thanks for the video. The first quarter turn wasn’t perfect for me. So I went another 1/4 turn and then another. Then it was perfect. All spelled out in the instructions that came with it. You know, the instructions everyone throws in the trash.
ok... how do you account for the difference in the IDs between the rod and the 223 mouth!?! I just bought the same RCBS swager, and turns out the rod won't fit through a resized 223 brass mouth!!!
I had this same swager, I mounted it in my "O" press and squeezing the handle down to push the "button" up in the primer hole was easy, I always just pushed the press lever back up quick and hard and it would pop off, yes it does make some noise sometimes !!
I've not had the best luck with mine. Some brass it does ok but federal, lake city & imi ,I went back to the pocket reamer. Never could get enough crimp out even at 3/4 turn down on 223 brass. Large swage for 308 does just fine.
Great info ! I have a question basically for all swaging: There is a primer pocket ring swaging is "removing", but where does that material go? Seems as though it's being crushed into the bottom of the primer pocket as I never see any material fall from the swaged brass no mater the style of swager used and would be causing the new primer to not be as deep as brass without a primer pocket ring removed. THANKS again for the concise and helpful video.
The material gets pushed back to where it was before the crimp was pressed in, nothing cut off or pushed down into the primer pocket. Just moved back out of the way.
All I know is if you set to tight thru inexperience. You can make a helluva mess at the range every other round of 5.56 primer flew out when the bolt of my AR went back into battery. 10 rounds and everything was full of unburnt powder. Back to the bench pull 95 bullets and add 100 cases to the melting bucket
You didn't mention how to adjust the screw. I have the Pocket Swager not the Pocket Swager Tool-2 and I know they're adjusted differently. If you know how to adjust the older one like I would appreciate the help. I bought mine used and it came with no instructions and RCBS has no instructions on their web site. Good video, right to the point. TIA, Ed
Run the screw all the way up in the die body and lock it down with the locknut. adjust the amount of crimp removed by adjusting the die up or down in the press.
I just purchased one of these and I am getting a lot of pockets not swagging all the way. I am using a primer pocket gauge and no matter how I adjust it I cannot get the gauge to enter the pocket. Very frustrating. Any suggestions?
thanks, i can't find the paperwork that came with my kit. i'ved done thousands of .223 but now i'm into .308.........gotta find the instructions must be in one of the other die boxes...........
Very informative video but, i have to ask. Did you just come back from your Great Uncles funeral or was this produced right before Church on Sunday? That's the only time I'd wear a long sleeved button down shirt that buttons at the wrist. He or She might not have been a close relative otherwise you'd have worn cufflinks. Again, nice video.
Michael Dollins - hey if a case holds a primer it should be fine to use. When primer pockets get so loose that you start seeing blown primers when using standard pressure loads it time to dis card. FYI - in my experience loose primer pockets are a result of high pressure loads and not swaging related. I’ve had problems with 308 that have been loaded hot for couple loadings. I’ve not had the issue with .223 even when at max pressure loads.
When you first set the swager, did you do that with a cartridge that needed swaging?...then went a quarter turn? Or was this with a shell that needed no swaging? Hopefully that makes sense.
You completely skipped over the most important part....adjusting the Swager Rod within the die. For everybody else, just read the instruction pamphlet included with the tool.
Had the cases that you used for the demonstration already been swaged or did they not have a military crimp? I set my kit as the instructions directed (which is the way you demonstrated) but every piece that has a crimp has to be popped off the swaging head at the end of the stroke which is normal otherwise the kit wouldn’t include the “hat” that pops the case of the swager head. I generally run all my range brass through the swager and the only ones that behave like the ones you demonstrated are civilian .223 or NATO brass that has already been processed. You have some folks wondering if they are doing something wrong when they see you magically slip the case off the swaging head. I think it might be reassuring if you let them know that the cases you demonstrated the process with were already swaged or didn’t have a primer pocket crimp. Just saying...
Case lube is not needed in this step. The case actually rides on the swager rod and does not touch the die sides. The rod will slip right into the case neck.
I appreciate the response I was only asking because sometimes felt like the brass would be tough to pull off when handle is back in the upright position. Maybe cause it’s new?
I have no idea how you strip the swaged brass off so easily. I have the exact same press as you and i feel like i'm going to break my press trying to strip that brass off.
mesmerize2o9 maybe were running the swage in too far. Case lube makes it go smooth but then I gotta clean the brass again because I'm paranoid about fouling the primer with oil.
I just got my swager a few hours ago and I just read the instructions which happened to be what this guy demonstrated. The brass I swaged was easy with a nice pop.
I love my rock chucker. I bust my 9mm, and yes you can get quite fast finding the hole continuously. The one thing I found is 1/4-20 bolts with a fender washer and a backup washer are all you need. I size 6.5 Creedmoor and I am telling you some of those shells I am sitting on the handle. And 1/4-20 holds with no problem whatsoever.
You can tell this guy is single because he still alive after mountain his rock chucker to his kitchen countertop I bet he had fun getting his Deposit back if it was a rental
I bought this to keep from having to use a hand drill and primer pocket tool to get rid of the crimp, for nothing. This did not make it any easier to seat primers in 223. Had to use the hand drill with primer pocket tool anyway. I’m about to just buy a damn case prep station for 223/556
This is where you start at, then you have to adjust the die till it removes the crimp so 1/4 turn will most likely not remove the crimp, I had to turn in an extra 1/4 turn before my crimp ring was removed, so by his instructions you would get nothing done.
When you bring the handle in the up right position it will stop. The reason it stops is the case is stuck on the swager head. Push the handle upward a little further and the case stripper will knock the case off of the swager head. Sometimes the pop off the head easily and other times it may take some slight effort. If you don't have the case stripper installed, it will not just pop off.
What about adjusting the back up rod? If you do not adjust the back up rod for the setup for a particular case head configuration, then the case head may not be supported from the inside of the case or it may be unnecessarily squeezed when you go over-center (cam over) with the press handle. The military knew they were probably going to pancake the case head and lose primer to pocket fit running 60K to 62K psi peak pressure on the 5.56 x 45 NATO cartridge. That is the reason for the crimp in the first place. When you eject or decap the old primer during sizing, the cup sets the new pocket dimension on its way out. The only problem is a slight burr that hangs up the new primer cup rim coming in. Just bump back that burr with the swager nib. Don't reform the pocket.
“Your fingers will eventually learn”. No truer statement was ever made in the world of reloading. That Rock Crusher crushes much more than just rock, in case you’re wondering...
for somone giving generalities as facts you're awfully pretentious. if you truly wanted the perfect swage. you'd set the distance between the rod and tooling to meet saami spec on primer pocket depth with consideration to case and its specific web thickness.
Why not make sure that you are truly saved by Jesus Christ and practice this way. Remorsefully confess with your heart your sins to Jesus Christ who is God and tell Him that you right now are repenting of your sins and you want to be born again of the Spirit from above. Tell Jesus that you are remorsefully sorry for breaking His commandments and that you are begging for forgiveness from Him. Allow His blood from the cross to wash away your sins. After this is done with your heart successfully the Holy Spirit will come to live within you and He will rebuild you from the inside out. Look for signs that you are saved. Things like spreading the good news from Jesus, getting other people saved, a craving for the word of God, reading the Bible, etc… These things are known as a calling and fruit bearing. If you're not bearing fruit then keep doing it. Sometimes it takes time to get saved. Read Matthew chapter 13 from the King James Bible. God bless!
This is the best RCBS Primer Pocket Swager instructional video available on RUclips. Thanks Jaman.
I agree.
Or the one that is on the RCBS site that is 1:35 long and does the same thing.
Excellent and informative without excess, useless time wasted. Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do this!
😂👍
Great Video. I've had that exact kit for about 40 years. Hadn't used it in 30. Needed the Refresher Course. Thanks for a Job Well Done.
Simple video, but the most important piece of information is the thump from the press. I thought I was damaging my press or using it wrong, but the swager only worked when there was a thump. I'm using a Hornady AP swaging set. This was really helpful, thanks!
Thank you.....I've been reloading since 1986, I always learn something new..!
I bought this today on Amazon and decided to see it in action. Great video. I don't think I have ever seen anyone mount a press to a kitchen counter before. Bachelor for sure! lol
I wish you would have shown a close-up of before and after primer pocket.
thanks for teaching a Senior newbie the proper technique for swagging brass. I watched several other videos that didn't show the very important steps on "how to" set up the die/press. At first i wasn't pleased with my purchase because doing everything by "braille" was quite difficult. After a few RAM moments I'm getting the hang of it.
Watch it if you do as they say in the instruction booklet and bring the rod all the way to the top of the swager body. If you do .30-06 because there isn't enough room in the die for all of the cartridge and you'll damage (crush down) your brass until you give it more room. I don't think they planned for people to swage primer pockets on .30-06 as they are obsolete. Otherwise though, this video is excellent and I'm glad I found it.
Thanks for showing me the RIGHT way to use this tool. I was using it wrong and wasted about a dozen primers out of 400. Now all the primers seat properly.
Good video but you didn’t mention the setup of the swagger rod and the fact that it has a mark to set it up level with the bottom of the die. You also may require a few more adjustments depending on the crimp on the brass. You are completely correct that many people don’t set the die up correctly. Thank you for the video
I picked up the 9481 kit a few weeks ago, great to see it done correctly so I can build a good habit right from the start. Thanks, boss!
At last now I can choose this rcbs swager vs the super dillon model 600, which since I'm just beginning will save me a little over $70.00. There's nothing wrong with the dillon model but being strapped for cash at this time I need to start small and yes I do want to get the Super Swager Model 600 from Dillon later on. Mr. Brunson thank you so very much for this educational video and your time and detail instructions. Live long and Reload !!!
The screwdriver slot in the spindle acts as a pointer, just clock the die using the slot, no need to take the rubber off, use magic markers, etc.
Nice video Jaman! Getting into reloading and videos like yours really help with the small details that most will overlook.
Thanks for the video. The first quarter turn wasn’t perfect for me. So I went another 1/4 turn and then another. Then it was perfect. All spelled out in the instructions that came with it. You know, the instructions everyone throws in the trash.
Informative video; it's amazing how much money we spend to save money on ammo....LOL! It's a labor of love.
Excellent presentation and advice on setting it up right. THANK YOU
Well made, helpful video. A bonus would be to show examples of before-and-after primer pockets.
Very informative and helpful video, thank you for sharing this. 👍
Well done. Concise, clear, useful.
ok... how do you account for the difference in the IDs between the rod and the 223 mouth!?! I just bought the same RCBS swager, and turns out the rod won't fit through a resized 223 brass mouth!!!
That is great if you're doing 20 cases. What do you do for 2000 or more cases?
Great video very informative, & simple to understand.
I had this same swager, I mounted it in my "O" press and squeezing the handle down to push the "button" up in the primer hole was easy, I always just pushed the press lever back up quick and hard and it would pop off, yes it does make some noise sometimes !!
Excellent video straight to the point. This also works on lee turret press as well. Thanks man
I've not had the best luck with mine. Some brass it does ok but federal, lake city & imi ,I went back to the pocket reamer. Never could get enough crimp out even at 3/4 turn down on 223 brass. Large swage for 308 does just fine.
Great info ! I have a question basically for all swaging: There is a primer pocket ring swaging is "removing", but where does that material go? Seems as though it's being crushed into the bottom of the primer pocket as I never see any material fall from the swaged brass no mater the style of swager used and would be causing the new primer to not be as deep as brass without a primer pocket ring removed. THANKS again
for the concise and helpful video.
The material gets pushed back to where it was before the crimp was pressed in, nothing cut off or pushed down into the primer pocket. Just moved back out of the way.
I just bought one of these three days ago and haven’t opened the box. Thanks for the concise demonstration. ☕️🍩🇺🇸👍
Good tutorial. I wonder if you've had problems with blown primers using swaged brass.
A swager only removes the primer pocket crimp so, a blown primer would be another problem...wouldn't it?
All I know is if you set to tight thru inexperience. You can make a helluva mess at the range every other round of 5.56 primer flew out when the bolt of my AR went back into battery. 10 rounds and everything was full of unburnt powder. Back to the bench pull 95 bullets and add 100 cases to the melting bucket
Are you loading at your practice? If so, that's awesome. Hello from up north (CDA) by the way
Just purchased one and your video is very informative. However, at time mark 1:44, I believe you feel pressure (push) as opposed to tension (pull)
Different headstamps have different thickness bases. This method won't work if the thickness is different on each piece of brass.
i would have liked a closeup of the primer pocket to what a swaged case looks like
You didn't mention how to adjust the screw. I have the Pocket Swager not the Pocket Swager Tool-2 and I know they're adjusted differently. If you know how to adjust the older one like I would appreciate the help. I bought mine used and it came with no instructions and RCBS has no instructions on their web site. Good video, right to the point. TIA, Ed
Run the screw all the way up in the die body and lock it down with the locknut. adjust the amount of crimp removed by adjusting the die up or down in the press.
Thank you!
Does this work for brass that has the rings in the primer pocket?
Great video...even better than RCBS video
Great video and right to the point
I also have my reloading bench set up in my kitchen
simplest yet best way to do it!!!
Thank you, confirmed what i thought was the right way. Not much info in the box, so i used my imagination!
I just purchased one of these and I am getting a lot of pockets not swagging all the way. I am using a primer pocket gauge and no matter how I adjust it I cannot get the gauge to enter the pocket. Very frustrating. Any suggestions?
You can tell he's pretty much the man because he bolted his reloading press to the kitchen counter top!
Just picked up one, and this was spot on, thx!
thanks, i can't find the paperwork that came with my kit. i'ved done thousands of .223 but now i'm into .308.........gotta find the instructions must be in one of the other die boxes...........
Was hoping you would install a few primers to show your technique works as you said.
Very informative video but, i have to ask. Did you just come back from your Great Uncles funeral or was this produced right before Church on Sunday? That's the only time I'd wear a long sleeved button down shirt that buttons at the wrist. He or She might not have been a close relative otherwise you'd have worn cufflinks. Again, nice video.
Great instructional video. Thank you.
BRILLIANT !
One more question...As I mentioned, I clearly did not do my first batch right. If that batch holds a primer, are they considered usable? THANKS
Ballistic Tool makes a Go/ No- Go Gauge for primer pockets.
Michael Dollins - hey if a case holds a primer it should be fine to use. When primer pockets get so loose that you start seeing blown primers when using standard pressure loads it time to dis card. FYI - in my experience loose primer pockets are a result of high pressure loads and not swaging related. I’ve had problems with 308 that have been loaded hot for couple loadings. I’ve not had the issue with .223 even when at max pressure loads.
Try using a Allen wrench for a go/ no go gage.
Question, I kind of goofed and did what you did in the beginning with about 50 cases. Are those shot or still usable? THANKS
I still used mine. As long as the primer goes in ok and doesn't fall out on its own it should be fine. Good Luck!!
So you are saying you made the same mistake in the beginning as well? THANKS
I did. It took me a minute to figure it out. I think I did have some brass I had to toss because the primers were too loose.
Thanks Jaman!
Great info brother!!!
Was it lake City? I think the key is to only run it in as far as necessary and no more
And the screw setting on the top of the die?
What is the setting ?
You didnt say anything about the adjustable threaded rod in the die
When you first set the swager, did you do that with a cartridge that needed swaging?...then went a quarter turn? Or was this with a shell that needed no swaging? Hopefully that makes sense.
I always start with a piece of brass that needs swaging.
GOt it...thanks
You completely skipped over the most important part....adjusting the Swager Rod within the die.
For everybody else, just read the instruction pamphlet included with the tool.
May be why I'm not getting any kind of 'clunk' at the end of the stroke?? It just goes back down to the bottom :/
Had the cases that you used for the demonstration already been swaged or did they not have a military crimp? I set my kit as the instructions directed (which is the way you demonstrated) but every piece that has a crimp has to be popped off the swaging head at the end of the stroke which is normal otherwise the kit wouldn’t include the “hat” that pops the case of the swager head. I generally run all my range brass through the swager and the only ones that behave like the ones you demonstrated are civilian .223 or NATO brass that has already been processed. You have some folks wondering if they are doing something wrong when they see you magically slip the case off the swaging head. I think it might be reassuring if you let them know that the cases you demonstrated the process with were already swaged or didn’t have a primer pocket crimp. Just saying...
You did a great job. Thanks.
Thanks for your video!!! Very good!!!!
Has anyone tried Wolf SR primers with this swaging die? IIRC the RCBS bench mounted swager made for loose fitting primers.
You use any case lube? Before swaging the cases?
Case lube is not needed in this step. The case actually rides on the swager rod and does not touch the die sides. The rod will slip right into the case neck.
I appreciate the response I was only asking because sometimes felt like the brass would be tough to pull off when handle is back in the upright position. Maybe cause it’s new?
Some crimps are not as easily removed with a quarter turn, may require more. Not sure I like the RCBS swager tool more than a crimp removing burr!
I find that after using the swaging tool that a quick twist on the primer hole with a chamfer tool makes inserting primers very smoothly!
Do you have to swage the primer pocket every time you reloade brass?
No. I only swage on brass that has had crimped primers. Once you do it once your good.
I have no idea how you strip the swaged brass off so easily. I have the exact same press as you and i feel like i'm going to break my press trying to strip that brass off.
Bassam Ahmad me too lol
mesmerize2o9 maybe were running the swage in too far. Case lube makes it go smooth but then I gotta clean the brass again because I'm paranoid about fouling the primer with oil.
I just got my swager a few hours ago and I just read the instructions which happened to be what this guy demonstrated. The brass I swaged was easy with a nice pop.
Bassam Ahmad my brass ALWAYS gets stuck on that fan pin
excellent tutorial, thanks
I love my rock chucker. I bust my 9mm, and yes you can get quite fast finding the hole continuously. The one thing I found is 1/4-20 bolts with a fender washer and a backup washer are all you need. I size 6.5 Creedmoor and I am telling you some of those shells I am sitting on the handle. And 1/4-20 holds with no problem whatsoever.
You can tell this guy is single because he still alive after mountain his rock chucker to his kitchen countertop I bet he had fun getting his Deposit back if it was a rental
Thanks!
I bought this to keep from having to use a hand drill and primer pocket tool to get rid of the crimp, for nothing. This did not make it any easier to seat primers in 223. Had to use the hand drill with primer pocket tool anyway. I’m about to just buy a damn case prep station for 223/556
It does, thanks.
I've tried that and there are enough inconsistencies in the brass that some cases will cam over and others will only take a firm swage.
Thanks for the info
This is where you start at, then you have to adjust the die till it removes the crimp so 1/4 turn will most likely not remove the crimp, I had to turn in an extra 1/4 turn before my crimp ring was removed, so by his instructions you would get nothing done.
Perfect. Thanks.
Once I swage the my cases, I have to wrestle my brass off of the swager. What am I doing wrong?
Nothing. That's what happens. You just have to be aggressive and pop them off!!
When you bring the handle in the up right position it will stop. The reason it stops is the case is stuck on the swager head. Push the handle upward a little further and the case stripper will knock the case off of the swager head. Sometimes the pop off the head easily and other times it may take some slight effort. If you don't have the case stripper installed, it will not just pop off.
Cool
Thank you :)
What about adjusting the back up rod? If you do not adjust the back up rod for the setup for a particular case head configuration, then the case head may not be supported from the inside of the case or it may be unnecessarily squeezed when you go over-center (cam over) with the press handle. The military knew they were probably going to pancake the case head and lose primer to pocket fit running 60K to 62K psi peak pressure on the 5.56 x 45 NATO cartridge. That is the reason for the crimp in the first place. When you eject or decap the old primer during sizing, the cup sets the new pocket dimension on its way out. The only problem is a slight burr that hangs up the new primer cup rim coming in. Just bump back that burr with the swager nib. Don't reform the pocket.
I would NOT go another 1/4 turn down after it bottoms out. You will bend the stem in the die.
pretty well dressed for reloading.
Thanks
Video title: How to forfeit your $500 rental deposit
The counter was like that when I got here lol
My brass must be tough... to separate the brass it makes a lot of noise to even wake up people in the house 🙁
“Your fingers will eventually learn”. No truer statement was ever made in the world of reloading.
That Rock Crusher crushes much more than just rock, in case you’re wondering...
You are telling me. Just crushed my finger a little.
Do you trim your breasts before you swage it? I was just curious if it mattered whether the brass was trimmed or not to get a consistent swage.
You get to reload in your kitchen....lucky.
That's where the beer is located.
Have you caught a finger on top of ram ? I did , roflmao
to each thier own. The swager is bottomed out in the primer pocket is consistant enough. You can feel that, no matter where you press ram is.
Brass
for somone giving generalities as facts you're awfully pretentious. if you truly wanted the perfect swage. you'd set the distance between the rod and tooling to meet saami spec on primer pocket depth with consideration to case and its specific web thickness.
Next time try to keep your arm out of the way of the camera
It if bugs you that bad don’t watch it
Why not make sure that you are truly saved by Jesus Christ and practice this way. Remorsefully confess with your heart your sins to Jesus Christ who is God and tell Him that you right now are repenting of your sins and you want to be born again of the Spirit from above. Tell Jesus that you are remorsefully sorry for breaking His commandments and that you are begging for forgiveness from Him. Allow His blood from the cross to wash away your sins. After this is done with your heart successfully the Holy Spirit will come to live within you and He will rebuild you from the inside out.
Look for signs that you are saved. Things like spreading the good news from Jesus, getting other people saved, a craving for the word of God, reading the Bible, etc… These things are known as a calling and fruit bearing. If you're not bearing fruit then keep doing it. Sometimes it takes time to get saved. Read Matthew chapter 13 from the King James Bible. God bless!