Hornady Lock-N-Load Single Stage Primer Pocket Swage Tool for 223 Remington & 5.56x45mm Ammunition

Reloading .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm ammunition requires clean, uniform primer pockets—and the Hornady Lock-N-Load Single Stage Primer Pocket Swage Tool does exactly that. Military-sourced brass and many commercial cases arrive with crimped primer pockets that need attention before you can seat a new primer. Instead of cutting away the crimp (which creates brass dust, debris, and inconsistency), this swage tool deforms the crimp inward, leaving your cases intact and your bench cleaner.

The tool is designed to work with any compatible single-stage reloading press, turning primer pocket prep into a straightforward, repeatable step in your case preparation routine. The adjustable swage depth means it accommodates different case manufacturers and their dimensional variations—critical when you're working with both commercial .223 and military 5.56 brass, which can differ. You'll have everything you need to get started: the swage tool itself, a case handle for manual operation, and a shell holder that indexes your cases consistently.

If you're serious about precision reloading, spent cases with crimped pockets represent wasted potential. This tool pays for itself quickly when you're processing bulk brass for hunting loads, competition ammo, or high-volume range sessions. It's a straightforward, no-fuss addition to your case prep station that eliminates one of the more tedious parts of the reloading process.

Key Features

• Removes primer pocket crimps through swaging instead of cutting, reducing mess and case damage
• Adjustable swage depth to accommodate various .223 and 5.56 case manufacturers
• Compatible with single-stage reloading presses
• Includes swage tool, case handle, and shell holder for immediate use
• Cleans and conditions brass without material loss or trimming

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between swaging and cutting out primer pocket crimps?

Swaging deforms the crimp metal inward and downward without removing material, keeping your case intact and clean. Cutting (reaming) removes the crimp by drilling or scraping, which generates brass dust, creates waste, and can weaken the case pocket. Swaging is faster, cleaner, and preserves case life—especially important when processing expensive brass or large batches.

Will this work with my single-stage press?

Yes. This tool is designed for any compatible single-stage reloading press. If you're using a progressive or turret press, this is not the right tool for your setup.

Does the adjustable swage depth really handle different case brands?

Yes. Commercial .223 and 5.56 cases from different manufacturers can have slight dimensional variations in how the crimp is formed. The adjustable depth lets you dial in the right amount of deformation for each brand, ensuring consistent results without over- or under-swaging.

What comes in the box?

The Hornady Lock-N-Load package includes the swage tool itself, a case handle for operation, and a shell holder matched to .223/5.56 cases. You'll have everything needed to begin processing primer pockets immediately.