I am having problems priming 223 shells. I've reloaded a bunch but not any 223's. When I go to prime the hull I either cant get the primer to go in or it smashes it. I know its probably an easy fix just need to know what to do any help would be appreciated.

Your brass had a crimped in primer. The crimp needs to be removed before it will accept a new primer. This is one of the problems loading military 223 brass with a primer crimp and not removing the crimp. When you purchase brass, always ask before you buy it, unless you have a press or device that will remove the crimp.

Buy a crimp swaging tool to remove the crimp and it only has to be done once.

Is it easy to do? Can you tell if its crimped by looking down the case? I'm wanting to get into reloading but I'm doing some research on here first

With Dillon's super swage tool, it is a piece of cake.

You can tell if it is crimped by looking at the primer pocket. It will have a noticieable rim pressed into the metal around the primer. Any Lake City brass should have this, so you can get an idea of what you are looking for.

You can also google "crimped 223 case" or something like that for pictures

I just googled it... I understand now. Do you guys know if anyone online deprimes 223 and 556 brass? You would think someone would

You can do an acceptable job of removing the crimp with a deburring tool.

I had a chance to pick up a Dillon primer pocket swaging tool for $30 in an El Paso gunshop back in the early 90s. I've regretted passing it up for a long time now.

I reload a lot of .223. Buy these Lyman Primer Pocket Reamer. They work great, and are a lot cheaper than some of the primer pocket reamers from Dillon, RCBS, and Redding. Although, those are much faster.

You'll need the small primer pocket reamer tool

That's the one I use. Works just fine. I also have an RCBS swager that mounts in my press. It's really six in one, half dozen in another.

I have this thing. I chuck it in my drill press, and I can remove the crimp in about two seconds per case. Once it is gone, you never have to do it again.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/400021/...uniformer-small

That's pretty cool. NOt too expensive either. I might have to pick that up.

Mmmm...that will not remove the primer crimp.

You are correct sir. but this one will. have yhe BMG version and it does ok


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/254170/...p-remover-small

I stick a countersink on my drill and hit the pockets for a second. It works just fine.

I've used standard countersinks but you have to be careful and not cut too much.
I picked up one of the Lyman multi-tools that has chamfer, VLD countersink, small and large rifle primer cleaner and small and large crimp remover.
Works like a charm but sometimes gets tiring to use.
But, you only have to do it once and it's GOT until shot out.

Sorry. Wrong product. I have the one kmon linked above. It works great in the drill press.

I have some fired brass that was given to me. Looks like someone used some form of cutter/trimmer to remove the crimp in the primer pockets. I am almost afraid to reload them, so much of the brass is gone, I am worried the primer will possibly blow out the back.
I bought some LC brass, once fired .223, and bought a Dillon Super Swage. Never going back to the old way. The primers go in easily but tight. No problems with over 1K rounds reloaded and fired.

i got alot too due been just tossing them to the side .. the whole drill and cutter thing sounds like you can over cut them ,,but it does sound faster. i might just get the lymans hand tool and just due a few at a time watching tv or something ..

Once you uncrimp the brass do you have to do it every time?

Nope once the military crimp has been removed from the primer pocket it is gone for the rest of the reloading life of that case.

I just put my deburing tool in my drill press Ans slightly taper the crimped primer sleeve that stays in the brass once the primer is removed. I have reloaded 1000's and never had a firing problem.

Its fast and cheap. Anyone else tried this?

I used the Lyman tool and will try to shoot a few rounds tonight. I hope all goes well.

Just bought the Dillon swager a few weeks ago. Wow, what a difference! I can remove crimps on 4-500 an hour!

It is a great tool