Primer Dent

[Tensaw]

When recently reloading on my Dillon 550, I started noticing very slight, elongated dents in the primers of loaded rounds. I finally figured out they were being caused by a tiny sliver of metal in the bottom of the primer cup. When pressing the primer into the case, the metal sliver was denting the primer. I removed the metal, the dents disappeared and I kept my eye on the primer cup. I ended up removing two more of the metal slivers. This was during a session of loading 300 rounds. I can't figure out where the metal is coming from. Any ideas?

 

[Blue68f100]

Brass slivers? if so it's coming from the primer pockets. Can be caused by misalignment, Un-swagged crimped pockets, alignment off on that station.

 

[edwardware]

If it's ferrous, it's a sliver of Dillon. If it's nonferrous (as I expect) it's a sliver of primer or cartridge brass: this is pretty common in progressive primer systems.

Not a problem, keep rolling. It'll clear up when you dust off the press between batches.

 

[forrest r]

Tight primer pockets or primers going in at a angle can sheer slivers of metal off of the edges of the primers themselves.

 

[mdi]

I keep a 2" paint brush on the wall behind my press just for stuff like that. Occasionally some speck of dirt, sliver from brass trimming, or mebbe a touch of lube will get on my shell holder plate/jaws on my Co-Ax and slightly tilt the case. So I just brush the area off every once in a while between steps...

 

[Charlie98]

I keep a 2" paint brush on the wall behind my press just for stuff like that. Occasionally some speck of dirt, sliver from brass trimming, or mebbe a touch of lube will get on my shell holder plate/jaws on my Co-Ax and slightly tilt the case. So I just brush the area off every once in a while between steps...

Additionally, I keep a can of compressed air on the bench. The brush does a good job, but with my Hornady, the air gets between the shellplate and the press, etc...

 

[bobinoregon]

I get the same thing occasionally on my 550's, a piece of crap get on the primer seater and dents the primers. Other than looks and that it annoys me I just brush it off and carry on. It's never caused me a problem other than a dent in my ego for not noticing it sooner.

 

[Riomouse911]

I had a flake of Unique get stuck on the primer ram and leave shallow circles on a few primers until I noticed it and brushed it off. Stuff like this happens on occasion.

Its good you’re keeping an eye on the little things, that’ll reduce the chances of them growing into big ones.

Stay safe.

 

[lightman]

I'm another that has had dents from flakes of powder. I keep a small artist paint brush on the bench as part of my reloading tool assortment.