RCBS Primer Uniformer Tool

aim4gold · Rookie Member Joined: Oct 24, 2006 Posts: 10

Still dealing with Primer Pockets

I have a RCBS Large Rifle Primer Uniformer Tool that screws into the Trim Mate.

How the heck do you adjust the depth of cut. It has a set screw on the side, I loosened it, the cutter head didnâ€™t budge, I took the set screw out and poured Kroil into the hole and let it set overnight. No luck. I put the cutter hear on an aluminum plate and tapped it (hard) with a hammer. No luck

Any suggestions? Am I doing something wrong?

kentucky hareraiser · Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 6:08 am Post subject: Re: RCBS Primer Uniformer Tool

dose it have a set screw on the crank handle? my trimmer dose

wncchester · Member Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160

I have a Lyman uniformer but, if your RCBS is like mine and I think it is, we are not supposed to adjust the depth of cut. The makers carefully adjust them to SAMMI specs and then lock the cutters down with a sealant - that's why you can't change yours.

I think what you are doing "wrong" is attempting to move it at all. The likelyhood of us resetting that cutter's depth to its normal plus or minus .001" tolerance is pretty small. Strongly suggest you replace the set screw and don't even try to adjust it anymore. Crying or Very sad

aim4gold · Rookie Member Joined: Oct 24, 2006 Posts: 10

The cutter is set at about 0.140"
I have been advised that the proper depth is 0.128" - 0.132"

Do you know what the SAMMI specs are?

wncchester · Member Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160

I have the SAMMI spec. somewhere but ... unfortunately, as it is easiest to hide a tree in a forest, I have so many old books that I can't find the right one! Will keep looking as time permits but a badly damaged right shoulder makes digging out the books difficult now. Sad

I quoted the plus/minus figure of .001" from memory - a poor resorce these days - but I think you are right with a .002" difference. I have no memory of the correct depth but your number of .130" rings true. I do remember we should aim for having seated primers .003-4" below the case head when the anvil bottoms out for best ignition.

Considering the dimensions you state, I'd suggest you call the famous RCBS customer service people and ask for help. Since we pay about twice for their products over many others it seems they can afford a very liberal return/replacement policy. Why not let them correct your pocket uniformer?

aim4gold · Rookie Member Joined: Oct 24, 2006 Posts: 10

RCBS got back to me - the cutter is supposed to be factory set at 0.131" for large rifle primers

wncchester · Member Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160

HA! Thought I'd never find the right book but I just did!

Yeah, you're right. The primer depth spec. for Large Rifle caps is from .128" to .132", for all others it is .118" to .122" so you can't use your LR uniformer for Large Pistol pockets.

george20042007 · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 1:21 am Post subject: Re: RCBS Primer Uniformer Tool

I have to admit, this is one area of reloading I've never been concerned about. Didn't even know that such a tool existed. What got you involved with this procedure in the first place? Is this a reloading step you incorporate for all your reloads? I need some history here. Maybe it's something I should be doing. How about a convincing argument?
Keep it coming...

Gil Martin · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 6:35 am Post subject: Re: RCBS Primer Uniformer Tool

I agree with george20042007 and am not familiar with this tool. Been reloading since 1960 and seem to have missed something. So what is it and is it significant to the reloading process? Thanks. All the best...
Gil

popgun · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 11:49 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS Primer Uniformer Tool

Benchresters uniform the pocket mostly. It just is not necessary for everyday hunting rounds. Most of our brass today have very uniform pockets.
Uniform pockets give uniform seating depth which give uniform ignition. Strictly a match accuracy thing or for long range hunters and varmint hunters.

george20042007 · Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:59 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS Primer Uniformer Tool

Thanks for clarifying that popgun. For a while I thought I might have missed something for the past forty some odd years of loading. Very Happy

I'll admit, though, if it were something that would have made a big difference, I get one in a minute.
Keep it coming...