Introduction
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding pastime for many firearms enthusiasts. It offers the opportunity to customize your ammunition to optimize performance, potentially save money, and develop a deeper understanding of how firearms function. However, successful reloading is not simply a matter of assembling components; it requires meticulous attention to detail and careful case preparation. One crucial step in this process, particularly when working with military surplus brass, is addressing the dreaded military crimp. This article will delve into the importance of removing these crimps and explore why the RCBS Military Crimp Remover is a highly effective and efficient tool for the task. It’s an essential piece of equipment for anyone reloading military brass, ensuring both safety and optimal results.
What is a Military Crimp?
Military brass, the lifeblood of many reloading operations, often presents unique challenges. This brass, sourced from military ammunition, is typically robust and reliable. However, to ensure reliable primer ignition under the demanding conditions encountered in combat and military applications, manufacturers implement a special feature: the primer pocket is crimped. This means the brass around the primer pocket’s edge is physically deformed or folded inwards, tightly securing the primer in place. This crimp prevents the primer from backing out under the stresses of firing, a critical safety feature in combat scenarios.
Visually, the crimp appears as a ring of compressed brass around the primer pocket’s perimeter. It can range from a simple indentation to a more pronounced, folded-over configuration. This crimp is very different from a standard primer pocket design which usually has a simple chamfer.
Now, the presence of this crimp poses a significant problem for reloaders. The tight confines of the crimped primer pocket prevent the new primer from seating properly. Attempting to force a new primer into a crimped pocket can result in several undesirable outcomes. You might bend or damage the primer. The primer may not seat flush with the case head, leading to inconsistent ignition or misfires. Most importantly, seating the primer improperly can be dangerous, potentially leading to a primer detonation during the reloading process itself. Therefore, removing the crimp is absolutely necessary.
Introducing the RCBS Military Crimp Remover
Enter the RCBS Military Crimp Remover. RCBS, a long-standing and respected name in the world of reloading tools and equipment, is known for producing high-quality, durable, and reliable tools. This tool is no exception. The RCBS Military Crimp Remover is a purpose-built deburring tool designed specifically to tackle the challenge of removing crimps from military brass. It is a simple yet effective solution to a common reloading problem.
The RCBS Military Crimp Remover’s design is clever and straightforward. It typically consists of a hardened steel reamer or cutter that smoothly and effectively removes the crimp. Its cutting profile is optimized to maintain the correct dimensions of the primer pocket while eliminating the crimped material. The tool is typically mounted either in your reloading press or used by hand, offering flexibility and convenience for different reloading setups.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the RCBS Military Crimp Remover
Preparation
Before you even begin, you need to prepare your brass. This involves cleaning the spent cases and inspecting them for damage. Look for cracks, dents, or any other signs of wear and tear. Sort the brass by headstamp or manufacturer to ensure consistent performance during reloading. Cleaning is critical and will remove any debris that could interfere with proper primer seating or contaminate the reloading die.
Operation
Next, if you’re using a reloading press, mount the RCBS Military Crimp Remover in the appropriate die holder (often a dedicated shell holder or a universal case holder). Ensure the tool is securely tightened. Otherwise, If you’re using it by hand, place the case into the tool’s holder.
The following step depends on whether you’re using a press or not. If you are, lubricate your cases (some reloaders prefer to do this; others do not, depending on their brass and case preparation process). Then, feed the case into the reloading press and position it in the tool. Lower the ram of the press, allowing the reamer to engage the crimp. The reamer will remove the crimped material and prepare the pocket for a new primer.
With hand-held models, carefully and slowly rotate the case, applying gentle but consistent pressure to the tool. This ensures the reamer removes the crimp evenly. This is not a race; take your time and ensure you aren’t applying too much force.
Inspection
The key to success lies in controlling the depth and pressure of the cutting action. Avoid excessive pressure, which can damage the brass or the tool. Aim for a smooth, controlled removal of the crimp without removing too much brass. A few test cases will help you refine your technique.
After deburring, thorough inspection is essential. Carefully examine the primer pocket with good lighting. Check for any remaining crimp material or burrs that might impede primer seating. The goal is a clean, perfectly formed primer pocket that will accept the new primer without any resistance.
The ultimate test is to try seating a new primer. The primer should seat flush with the case head, or perhaps a very slight amount below. The primer shouldn’t be proud (sticking up above the case head), as this can create ignition problems. If you encounter any resistance or the primer doesn’t seat properly, repeat the deburring process, removing a bit more material at a time.
Advantages of the RCBS Military Crimp Remover
The advantages of using the RCBS Military Crimp Remover are numerous. Firstly, the tool’s effectiveness is undeniable. It consistently removes crimps cleanly, leaving a properly sized primer pocket ready for new primers.
Secondly, consider the efficiency. Reloading can be a time-consuming process, particularly if you’re working with large batches of military brass. The RCBS Military Crimp Remover speeds up the process dramatically. With the tool, case preparation becomes more efficient, freeing up time for the other steps of reloading.
Thirdly, RCBS tools are renowned for their durability. This tool is built to last, constructed from quality materials designed to withstand repeated use over years. The robust construction ensures that it will continue to deliver reliable performance session after session.
The ease of use is another significant advantage, especially for beginner reloaders. The RCBS Military Crimp Remover is simple to operate. Whether mounted in a press or used by hand, the straightforward design makes it easy to learn and use, even for those new to the reloading process.
Finally, the RCBS Military Crimp Remover provides versatility for various calibers. RCBS offers different sizes of the tool to accommodate a wide range of calibers and case sizes. This adaptability means you only need one tool to handle several different cartridges.
Alternatives to the RCBS Military Crimp Remover
While the RCBS Military Crimp Remover is an excellent choice, it’s worth considering the alternatives available in the reloading market. These alternatives include:
Swaging tools are designed to reform the crimped brass back into shape. These tools typically use a die to press the brass out, returning it to the correct dimensions. Swaging tools can be highly effective, producing uniform primer pockets. However, they can be more expensive than deburring tools like the RCBS, and may require more setup and adjustment.
Another option is the use of chamfering tools. These tools create a beveled edge on the primer pocket, removing the crimp. However, they might require multiple passes and are often slower than dedicated crimp removal tools.
The Lyman M-Die, especially those with integrated deburring, also offers a solution. The M-die is designed to expand the case mouth, making it easier to seat bullets. Some versions include a deburring function, allowing you to address the crimp simultaneously.
Each method has its pros and cons. Swaging tools can provide very precise and uniform primer pockets, while deburring tools offer a simple and efficient approach. The choice depends on your budget, the volume of brass you plan to process, and the level of precision you require. The RCBS Military Crimp Remover offers a compelling balance of effectiveness, affordability, and ease of use.
Tips for Best Results
To ensure optimal results with the RCBS Military Crimp Remover, keep these tips in mind.
First, remember proper lubrication. If you are using a case lubricant, be sure to apply it correctly.
Second, adjusting the depth of the tool is key. Experiment on a few test cases and get a feel for the appropriate depth and pressure for your brass.
Third, avoid over-crimping or under-crimping. You want to remove the crimp without removing excessive material. Over-crimping can weaken the case, while under-crimping can lead to improper primer seating.
Fourth, consistent cleaning and maintenance of the tool are important. Wipe the tool down after each use and store it in a clean, dry place.
Fifth, the most important point is to inspect the primer pocket after deburring. Make sure it is clean and ready to accept the new primer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the RCBS Military Crimp Remover is an invaluable tool for any reloader working with military brass. Its effectiveness, efficiency, durability, ease of use, and versatility make it a top choice for removing stubborn crimps. By properly preparing your brass, you set the stage for safe and accurate reloads. The RCBS Military Crimp Remover is a wise investment, allowing you to reclaim military brass and enjoy the rewards of a well-prepared reloading process.
So, whether you are a seasoned reloader or just starting, you should incorporate the RCBS Military Crimp Remover into your reloading setup. The results will be reflected in your reloading process, and ultimately, your performance at the range.
