Removing Crimp on 5.56/.223 brass

nikatkimber · Aug 29, 2012

What do y'all use to remove the crimp?

I'm using the RCBS case prep center now, but it's a sucky slow process.

I've looked at the RCBS swage die combo (~$33) and the Dillon super swage ($100). Any other options? Or advice on those?

Spiff · Aug 29, 2012

If you're planning on doing a bunch the dillon is definitely worth it. I can swage ~500 / hr while watching tv with it. Otherwise, I've used the little torpedo shaped rcbs case chamferer/deburrer.

Rustyzx9 · Aug 29, 2012

I've got the RCBS swage die setup that belonged to my Dad and it is NOT the way I'd go... It's a slow and awkward process. I have a Dillon super swage that needs a couple of parts, and as Spiff said, that method looks like the way to go.

technetium-99m · Aug 29, 2012

Check out YouTube about how to rig the Dillon swager with string and a rubber band.

dennishoddy · Aug 29, 2012

I use the Lock-N-Load Case Prep Trio by Hornady it actually cuts the military crimp with a reamer, at the same time cleaning the primer pocket. The other tools(three running at the same time) will deburr the inside and outside of the case mouth. Pretty handy tool. I can trim a gallon of .223 brass, then run them across the case prep tool pretty quick.
I have the RCBS swedger. It works good, but is too slow for volume loading.

Corey · Aug 29, 2012

Rustyzx9 said:
I've got the RCBS swage die setup that belonged to my Dad and it is NOT the way I'd go... It's a slow and awkward process. I have a Dillon super swage that needs a couple of parts, and as Spiff said, that method looks like the way to go.

I agree with these guys RCBS swager die does not work well for me
Last week I had 20 .223 federal cases that did not want a primer I ran them through the swager trying to hand prime after each time I did this minimum 3 times lot more for some, finially I grabbed a #2 Phillips bit chucked in the drill put a light chamfer on each case then they all worked might be a little redneck but it worked has any one else tried this.
I typically hand prime all .223 any that don't prime easily I toss into a swage when i run outa of brass bag.

RyanReed · Aug 29, 2012

I have found the easiest way by far to remove the crimp.

Take all your brass and put in in a USPS flat rate box.
Sent it to Top Brass for a brass credit.
Order processed brass from them that has been trimmed and had the primer crimp removed.

Seriously, I did 500 pieces through a Dillon super suage plus trimming and swear I will never do that **** again. Pre Processed brass only for me.

Boxerglocker · Nov 2, 2012

technetium-99m said:
Check out YouTube about how to rig the Dillon swager with string and a rubber band.

The rubber band works ok only for a short period of time until it streches out. I improved on the design using a screen door spring and 1/8 inch cable with swagged ends rather than string.

This video was taken just to illustrate how it works, it was awkward to take the shots so excuse that.

CBR · Nov 2, 2012

I have a bench top drill press set up in the shop with a wide angle chamferring bit in the chuck. One quick stab and the crimp is gone.

Pigfish73 · Nov 30, 2012

RyanReed said:
I have found the easiest way by far to remove the crimp.

Take all your brass and put in in a USPS flat rate box.
Sent it to Top Brass for a brass credit.
Order processed brass from them that has been trimmed and had the primer crimp removed.

Seriously, I did 500 pieces through a Dillon super suage plus trimming and swear I will never do that **** again. Pre Processed brass only for me.

I totally agree with Ryan on this one. Ryan and I go through several K a year of 223 brass. Unless you load on a Dillon 1050 (primer swager built into the floorplate) it is WAY easier to trade it in to Topbrass or send it to a processor. I use Custom Brass Processing in Abilene,TX. $35/1k. You send him your brass and it comes back polished, sized, trimmed, deprimed, and swaged. Ready to load! It is possible to fit 3k pieces in a large flat rate box (barely).

Boxerglocker · Nov 30, 2012

Pigfish73 said:
I totally agree with Ryan on this one. Ryan and I go through several K a year of 223 brass. Unless you load on a Dillon 1050 (primer swager built into the floorplate) it is WAY easier to trade it in to Topbrass or send it to a processor. I use Custom Brass Processing in Abilene,TX. $35/1k. You send him your brass and it comes back polished, sized, trimmed, deprimed, and swaged. Ready to load! It is possible to fit 3k pieces in a large flat rate box (barely).

So the reality is you total cost is about $45 a K to process your supplied brass when you include your shipping. That would translate to over $450 a year for me on average. Though, I do admit it does take work to prep brass. I have it down to a pretty streamlined process to clean size and trim. XL650 with a RT1200. Swaging takes me about 40 minutes to do 500. I'm slowing squireling away the savings and at the end on next season will have the funds to get a Dillon Super 105 dedicated to .223

Pigfish73 · Nov 30, 2012

Yes, it costs roughly $45/1k with shipping since I ship 3k pieces at a time. Much cheaper than buying from Topbrass for $165/1k.
Your 650 with trimmer is a great set up. Especially if you buy a 1050 to load on. Even of I had the money to set up those 2 loaders I would probably still have someone else do it because of time constraints.