I have tried various methods and gadgets for cutting or swaging crimps, including:I have been setting aside a bunch of 223/5.56 brass that need the primer pocket swagged. I finished all I had to do today and start thinking about a gallon+ bag of brass that needed to be worked. So I started working on it. I do not want to do that again. It might be a couple hundred cases but felt like thousands.
I have tried various methods and gadgets for cutting or swaging crimps, including:
1) RCBS crimp remover bits.
2) Dillon swager
3) Lee APP with swaging kits, both the original and the redesigned models (they are quite different from one another).
4) Lee press mounted swager.
5) CH4D press mounted swager.
The cutting bit works much quicker in a drill than it does in a case processing station, since the drill spins faster. The finished product is probably the best of all the methods, IMHO.
The Lee APP with the newer swaging design works reasonably well for large batches, but the regular press mounted kit works exceptionally well for smaller batches.
The Dillon is more cumbersome than the Lee, and has to be adjusted carefully, and sometimes for each headstamp (different web thicknesses). Not a big deal, but I did process a bunch of brass one time with it adjusted a little too deep and ended up ruining a bunch of brass, with loose primer pockets. Switching between large/small sizes is rather involved. There are optional rods for different diameter cases.
The CH4D swager is difficult to adjust. There is a fine line between getting just enough swage, and damaging the rim of the case. All of the force of the swaging operation is on the rim, instead of against the internal web as it is on most other swagers. I damaged too many rims trying to get it right, and finally just gave up on it and sold it, with full disclosure to the buyer.
For most of what I do now, I will grab the Lee press mounted kit. It takes just a few seconds to install it in my press, Quick and easy.
I sometimes will cut or swage the primer pockets of S&B brass. The S&B brass is not crimped, but has no radius on the primer pocket, which makes seating primers very difficult. Other than that, I consider S&B brass to be good quality.
Cheap Drill press and counter sink bit. Still a pain, of all of them is the staking or stabbed crimp plenty of the LC 12 I have is that way, but one n done.... of them all the counter sink by feel, then the LEE APP..I have tried various methods and gadgets for cutting or swaging crimps, including:
1) RCBS crimp remover bits.
2) Dillon swager
3) Lee APP with swaging kits, both the original and the redesigned models (they are quite different from one another).
4) Lee press mounted swager.
5) CH4D press mounted swager.
The cutting bit works much quicker in a drill than it does in a case processing station, since the drill spins faster. The finished product is probably the best of all the methods, IMHO.
The Lee APP with the newer swaging design works reasonably well for large batches, but the regular press mounted kit works exceptionally well for smaller batches.
The Dillon is more cumbersome than the Lee, and has to be adjusted carefully, and sometimes for each headstamp (different web thicknesses). Not a big deal, but I did process a bunch of brass one time with it adjusted a little too deep and ended up ruining a bunch of brass, with loose primer pockets. Switching between large/small sizes is rather involved. There are optional rods for different diameter cases.
The CH4D swager is difficult to adjust. There is a fine line between getting just enough swage, and damaging the rim of the case. All of the force of the swaging operation is on the rim, instead of against the internal web as it is on most other swagers. I damaged too many rims trying to get it right, and finally just gave up on it and sold it, with full disclosure to the buyer.
For most of what I do now, I will grab the Lee press mounted kit. It takes just a few seconds to install it in my press, Quick and easy.
I sometimes will cut or swage the primer pockets of S&B brass. The S&B brass is not crimped, but has no radius on the primer pocket, which makes seating primers very difficult. Other than that, I consider S&B brass to be good quality.
When did the redesigned APP come out. I have one that I bought about a year ago. It is still in the box but I intend to get it out soon. Is there some way I can tell which version I have?I have tried various methods and gadgets for cutting or swaging crimps, including:
1) RCBS crimp remover bits.
2) Dillon swager
3) Lee APP with swaging kits, both the original and the redesigned models (they are quite different from one another).
4) Lee press mounted swager.
5) CH4D press mounted swager.
The cutting bit works much quicker in a drill than it does in a case processing station, since the drill spins faster. The finished product is probably the best of all the methods, IMHO.
The Lee APP with the newer swaging design works reasonably well for large batches, but the regular press mounted kit works exceptionally well for smaller batches.
The Dillon is more cumbersome than the Lee, and has to be adjusted carefully, and sometimes for each headstamp (different web thicknesses). Not a big deal, but I did process a bunch of brass one time with it adjusted a little too deep and ended up ruining a bunch of brass, with loose primer pockets. Switching between large/small sizes is rather involved. There are optional rods for different diameter cases.
The CH4D swager is difficult to adjust. There is a fine line between getting just enough swage, and damaging the rim of the case. All of the force of the swaging operation is on the rim, instead of against the internal web as it is on most other swagers. I damaged too many rims trying to get it right, and finally just gave up on it and sold it, with full disclosure to the buyer.
For most of what I do now, I will grab the Lee press mounted kit. It takes just a few seconds to install it in my press, Quick and easy.
I sometimes will cut or swage the primer pockets of S&B brass. The S&B brass is not crimped, but has no radius on the primer pocket, which makes seating primers very difficult. Other than that, I consider S&B brass to be good quality.
What bullet is that?Setup for 6mm Remington for the first time for my brother. Worked up a few rounds to test for in his rifle and do some pressure test shots.
View attachment 703330
Hornady 95gr SSTWhat bullet is that?
Thanks for the info. I will check it out the next time I'm in Stecoah.The new version has spring loaded fingers that center the case mouth.
View attachment 701824
The original kit:
View attachment 701825
I didn’t look sat when I was in my LGS but the last time I did, they had multiple boxes of juggernauts on the shelf.Found a box of Berger 185's that I'm thinking of trying in my .308. Prepped 100 rounds of same (Starline). All I have in stock is R15 and now to see where to start.
Man if I could shoot a group like that with your rig I’d be ecstatic! Awesome shooting sir!I’ve spent 2 weeks working up 300 grain and 405 grain 45-70 loads for this single shot with a new powder. The group at 100 looks great but by 200 barely stay on the paper. I’ve blamed the loads but I think it’s the peep sight and my old eyes lol !!
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Missed a doe late this evening at about 175 yards…putting myself in the penalty box 😖😖😖. Ain’t missed a deer in probably 20 years…🥺. But it was a clean miss 🙏Been tussling with my 257 Roberts…just can’t get her to play nice and have ordered a neck sizing die to hopefully get her back on track.