RCBS primer pocket swaging die review

[Jmoser]

Never pulled the trigger on the $$$ Dillon super swage back when but grabbed some used brass and tried the $45 RCBS decrimp die in my single stage.

At first it was hard to feed the case over the inverted rod but after 30 or so you pick up the feel and dexterity to make it instinctive.

Pin tumbled decapped cases first and after 200 or so it feels like it may be sticking [galling] on the bright brass similar to a Dillon powder drop funnel. Ill try a quick polish of the swaging horn which usually fixes this. Hadnt resized yet so the case lube may have prevented this - note to self for next time. Sizing first also would have fixed the few deformed case mouths that wont fit over the rod.

In any case crimped brass is usually available and it's a nice affordable addition to the tool kit.

 

[Jmoser]

Galling clearly visible - gonna hit it with Flitz on a felt dremel point

 

[Jmoser]

And after

 

[2ASteve]

I have that same kit. I haven't tried it yet.
Thanks for the insight.

 

[Jmoser]

Video and instructions are pretty helpful - setup is a bit tedious but once you get it all locked down you are good to go.
I have the Hornady 'QD' lock-n-load bushing press so never have to setup again.

Hint from me is to re-seat spent primers [or live if you want] in the first 5-10 setup cases to make sure you get it right.
Every case has a slightly different primer pocket so you need 5-10 to get a feel for proper seating force.

Not sure if you can actually overswage the pocket with this but you could certainly miss the crimp or put too much force on the rod in the base of the case.

I like this since it just takes up a die box to store and pops into the press, no need to mount on the bench etc. Plus the $

If I was doing 1000s of cases frequently I would get the Dillon model.

 

[Charlie]

Mine sticks quite a bit unless I lube it occasionally. I am not as satisfied with either my RCBS or Dillon for 223 as I am for 308 or 30/06. I generally use a reamer in a drill for 223.

 

[2ASteve]

Thanks for the inputs, I'll be at the machine shop tomorrow and will make a threaded reamer. I think I have some A2 tool stock hid away.
I'd prefer not reloading 556 but stocking up for a rainy day😁

 

[Jmoser]

I can also use my RCBS powered case prep station but the pocket reamer makes a huge mess of brass shavings for all those cases.
Swaging is much cleaner.

 

[Clicker]

What they didn't tell you in that video is to sort cases by brand and readjust the die accordingly to prevent bending the rod.

Screw all that noise I gave up using the RCBS tool a couple decades ago, reaming is the way to go for me.

 

[gunwonk]

After I bent my rod, RCBS replaced it for free. I think the new one has better temper.

 

[Tarowah]

Glad it’s working out for you man, I really struggled with military brass when I first started reloading and tried several “life hack” gadgets to swage, none of them worked well for me.

One of the best purchases I’ve made for hand loading was a Dillon Super Swage, a buddy of mine upgraded to a Dillon 1050 (which he’s since fully automated) and sold me his super swage for $25 bucks, with all of the parts & attachments, it’s made my life much easier!