Primer pockets

[MT257]

How does one tell when they need to start pitching brass due to loose primer pockets? If you put a primer in and tap it on the table will it fall out?

 

[alamo5000]

I use a tool that has a go end and a no go end. That way I don't have to waste time priming a bad case.

 

[MT257]

I use a tool that has a go end and a no go end. That way I don't have to waste time priming a bad case.

Would you mind sharing what that tool is?

 

[Jrb572]

Small and Large Primer Pocket Swage Gage ® Set

Swage Gage Small Primer Pocket Gauge

ballistictools.com

 

[alamo5000]

Would you mind sharing what that tool is?

Small and Large Primer Pocket Swage Gage ® Set

Swage Gage Small Primer Pocket Gauge

ballistictools.com

You can get one or the other, or both. One end is the size of a standard primer and should fit into the primer pocket. The other end is too big and should not fit. If it does fit then toss the brass.

 

[6.5SH]

Would you mind sharing what that tool is?

Small and Large Primer Pocket Swage Gage ® Set

Swage Gage Small Primer Pocket Gauge

ballistictools.com

 

[MT257]

Thanks guys. Tool seems pretty simple. Now I’m not sure if I wanna know just how many primer pockets are good or not. I’m guessing you have to test once the primer pocket has been cleaned correct?

 

[6.5SH]

For the depth measurement it can do yes, for looseness no, the primer itself keeps that portion clean.

 

[MT257]

For the depth measurement it can do yes, for looseness no, the primer itself keeps that portion clean.

So I’ll need to clean it to check depth, but for fit I won’t need to clean it? Just wondering if I’d be able to check before cleaning/tumbling.

 

[6.5SH]

So I’ll need to clean it to check depth, but for fit I won’t need to clean it? Just wondering if I’d be able to check before cleaning/tumbling.

For a loose pocket check all you need to do is deprime it first.

 

[MT257]

For a loose pocket check all you need to do is deprime it first.

Perfect.

 

[6.5SH]

After a while you should be able to develop a 'feel' for a loose pocket while depriming. The gauge ends up as verification Vs something you'll use on every pocket.

 

[straightshooter1]

So I’ll need to clean it to check depth, but for fit I won’t need to clean it? Just wondering if I’d be able to check before cleaning/tumbling.

I use the same tool to check the primer pocket looseness, but not for depth, since I uniform all my primer pockets to a particular depth and use the uniform priming tool to clean the pockets keeping the pockets uniform. The tool is really best for detecting looseness. I use the tool on every case after a days firing. If the no-go end of the tool goes in, I get rid of that particular case . . . not the who batch. Once I found a single case with loose primer pocket after just 4 firings and the rest of the batch of brass did fine up to 11 firings with not gas leakages around primers and no etching of the bolt face.

 

[MT257]

I use the same tool to check the primer pocket looseness, but not for depth, since I uniform all my primer pockets to a particular depth and use the uniform priming tool to clean the pockets keeping the pockets uniform. The tool is really best for detecting looseness. I use the tool on every case after a days firing. If the no-go end of the tool goes in, I get rid of that particular case . . . not the who batch. Once I found a single case with loose primer pocket after just 4 firings and the rest of the batch of brass did fine up to 11 firings with not gas leakages around primers and no etching of the bolt face.

The reason I am curious of this is when I’m priming brass some go in easier than others.

 

[straightshooter1]

The reason I am curious of this is when I’m priming brass some go in easier than others.

Yes, I found this to be so with no consequence as long that the no-go end of my tool doesn't go in.

 

[MT257]

I got one ordered up.

 

[spife7980]

The reason I am curious of this is when I’m priming brass some go in easier than others.

You’ll notice that eventually they go in with no resistance. That’s when you worry.

Get a little lee decapping pin, or use a decapping die off the press, and see how hard they are to press out, it’s a lot easier going in with tool leverage, I bet they are probably still a good bit tighter than you suspect.

 

[MT257]

You’ll notice that eventually they go in with no resistance. That’s when you worry.

Get a little lee decapping pin, or use a decapping die off the press, and see how hard they are to press out, it’s a lot easier going in with tool leverage, I bet they are probably still a good bit tighter than you suspect.

View attachment 7814251

That’s why I was wondering after installing them if I tap them side way on the bench and they stay in are they good?

 

[spife7980]

That’s why I was wondering after installing them if I tap them side way on the bench and they stay in are they good?

Ive never let one get that loose but I have definitely heard people say that if it holds a primer at all its still good.
Usually for me when they get that loose its on at least like 20 firings and Im ready for some new chamberings by then anyways. When the primer lever/handle just falls closed seemingly freely on a piece Ill mark and set it at the far end of the box and use it as a sighter and toss that one piece after firing just because I dont want to work it all the way through the next sizing cycle to find it wont hold that the primer anymore.