swaging and reaming of primer pockets

[RooftopKorean]

I have read they both do the same thing it's just a matter of if you have a press that can do it like with a Dillon or if you have a case prepper tool like the Hornady Case Prep Trio.

Is one better than the other? I've read that the swaging requires lube where you can do reaming dry.

Currently I have done a light ream on my brass with the Hornady attachment for the Case Prep Trio and cleaned the pocket with an RCBS primer pocket cleaning attachment. The reaming definitely made the tighter pockets easier to prime on the PPU 303 brass.

Pocket cleaner works nicely

 

[Tisto]

Not too sure exactly what you're calling 'reaming', but I can offer you this:

Swaging is one method of removing a military crimp from a primer pocket. It basically involves gently pushing the brass back into place and does not remove any of it.

You can also remove a military crimp by chamfering the edge of the pocket. This actually cuts and removes brass from the head of the cartridge. I believe this is what you are referring to as 'reaming'.

Then there are other processes involving primer pockets. Many benchrest shooters will 'true' the pocket, which is to say they make the pocket more uniform by flattening the bottom of it, and they will also make the flash hole round and of a consistant size.

Hope this helps

 

[RooftopKorean]

You can also remove a military crimp by chamfering the edge of the pocket. This actually cuts and removes brass from the head of the cartridge. I believe this is what you are referring to as 'reaming'.

Then there are other processes involving primer pockets. Many benchrest shooters will 'true' the pocket, which is to say they make the pocket more uniform by flattening the bottom of it, and they will also make the flash hole round and of a consistant size.

Hope this helps

From your description it seems as if chamfering the primer pocket is the same as reaming it.

I just want to know the general consensus of which is the better approach or if it's just preference.

 

[kev74]

I prefer swaging the primer pockets. I feel like I get more consistent results. I use the RCBS primer pocket swager in a single stage press.

When I tried reaming out the pockets, sometimes the primers went in looser if I didn't hold the cutter and the case together straight.

 

[Tisto]

I suppose it's a matter of preference. I have cutters from RCBS that I use. I have used a Dillon swage tool, but it wasn't mine. They both do the job. As a technical consideration, I would think that swaging would be better simply because you are not removing any material from the head of the case, and therefore the primer is better supported in the pocket. That being said, unless you're reloading well above actual maximum pressures, I don't think it makes that much of a difference.