5.56mm primer reloading question

Limpy

I am starting to get into reloading the 5.56mm round for my ar-15 (it seems that prices have sky rocketed for these rounds since the Sep. 11 attack). I use my RCBS Rockchucker for the reloads I use on my pistol rounds, but I am concerned about the rifle round. Being that I don't have a lot of brass saved up, Im am looking to buy brass, I am learning that some military cases have primer "crimps". Some people sell brass with the crimps "swaged out" not "cut out". What difference will that make for me? Better yet, what the heck does that mean? And, if I buy brass with the crimp not removed, what will I have to do to remove it? Any information is GREATLY appreciated!Thanks!

bfair

Yep you can't seat a regular primer in those mil cases without first removing the crimp as the primer packet is too small for a large rifle primer

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Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Paratus

cpermd

Proper swaging means a steel insert is forced into the primer pocket which pushes the crimped metal out so a new primer will fit.Works great.You can use your case mouth prep tool for the same results.Put the small end in the primer pocket and give it 1/3 turn to just cut out the crimp,no more though.Works great.cpermd

Iconoclast

Swaged is better than cut. But if you do cut, be very careful to take only the lip where the crimp is, not down the sidewall of the primer cavity. Lyman used to make a tool specifically to cut the crimps out. RCBS used to make a primer swaging tool which could be mounted in a press and Dillon makes a fancy job to do it quickly - not worth it to the average joe. You can also buy 'processed' brass where this has already been done for you in addition to having the head roll-sized, cleaned & etc. such that it is ready to load (in theory - I always run it through my small base dies the first time just to be sure of functioning).

buddyb

Lee sells a case champering tool for about 3 dollars that does a good job cutting primer crimps.