Let’s Dive into RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2
Reloading ammunition is a meticulous process, a journey from spent brass to a fresh, reliable cartridge. One of the most tedious steps, especially when dealing with military surplus brass, is removing the primer crimp. This is where the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 come into play. These tools are designed to make quick work of removing those stubborn crimps, preparing your brass for seamless primer seating. RCBS, a trusted name in reloading, promises efficiency and precision with these crimp removers, and I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.
My reloading journey started with a desire for consistent and accurate ammunition. Military brass is often readily available and affordable, but the crimped primer pockets present a challenge. I was tired of fighting primers that wouldn’t seat properly or damaging them in the process. I needed a reliable tool to prep my brass quickly and effectively.
When I first received the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2, I was impressed by the simple yet robust design. The steel construction felt solid in my hand, inspiring confidence in its durability. The cutting edges looked sharp and precise. It was clear that these were tools built to last.
I considered other options like swaging tools and universal chamfer/deburring tools. Swaging tools are effective but can be slow for large quantities of brass. Chamfer/deburring tools can remove the crimp, but it’s easy to remove too much material and loosen the primer pocket. The RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 seemed like a more controlled and efficient solution for removing just the crimp.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to streamline my case prep process. However, I was also slightly concerned about the potential for over-reaming or damaging the primer pockets. The ultimate test would be putting them to work.
Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my reloading bench, where I had a hefty batch of 5.56 NATO brass, all sporting that telltale military crimp. I mounted the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 in my RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center. I started processing brass and was pleasantly surprised by the ease of use. The cutter smoothly removed the crimp with minimal effort.
I also tested the crimp removers with my hand drill. The user feedback in the description was accurate. The RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 worked better with the hand drill than with the case prep center.
The performance was consistent across different headstamps and brass thicknesses. There was no noticeable difference in performance with LC (Lake City) brass versus commercial .223 brass. This consistency was crucial for ensuring reliable primer seating later in the reloading process.
There were no significant issues or surprises during the first use. The tools performed exactly as expected, removing the crimp cleanly without excessive material removal. The only thing that bothered me was the speed using the case prep center.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of processing thousands of rounds of brass, the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 have proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my reloading setup. There are no signs of wear and tear on the cutting edges. The steel construction has held up remarkably well, even with consistent use.
Maintaining the crimp removers is simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is all it takes to keep them in good working condition. The tool is very easy to maintain.
Compared to my previous experiences with manual crimp removal tools, the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 have been a game-changer. They are significantly faster and more consistent than hand-reaming tools. They also minimize the risk of damaging the primer pockets. They outperform my previous tools by a wide margin.
Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RCBS. RCBS is a well-known and trusted manufacturer of reloading equipment and accessories.
- Projectile Caliber: .17 Caliber. This is a bit misleading. The tool is designed to remove crimps from primer pockets, which will work for cases of any caliber that use the same sized primer pocket. The caliber listed here most likely refers to the smallest caliber case that can be properly crimped.
- Quantity: 1. The package contains one crimp remover.
- Country of Origin: USA. Knowing that the tool is made in the USA gives me confidence in the quality of the materials and workmanship.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 is to remove military primer crimps, and it excels at this task. It consistently removes the crimp without damaging the primer pocket, ensuring smooth and reliable primer seating. This leads to more consistent ignition and improved accuracy.
The strengths of the tool lie in its ease of use, durability, and consistent performance. The weakness, mentioned by other users, is the use with the case prep center.
The RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 meet and exceed my expectations for a crimp removal tool. They are a valuable addition to my reloading process.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 is simple, yet effective. The steel construction feels robust and durable. The cutting edges are precisely machined for efficient crimp removal.
The tool is user-friendly and requires no special training or expertise to operate. Even a novice reloader can quickly master the use of the crimp removers with minimal practice. The design is well-suited for both high-volume and small-batch reloading.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 ensures long-lasting durability. With proper care and maintenance, these tools should provide years of reliable service. This is an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use. Regular cleaning will help prevent the buildup of brass shavings and ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 are designed for use with the RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center. While they can be used with other case prep centers or even a hand drill, the RCBS system provides the most efficient and ergonomic setup. Other than the mounting method, there are no specific customization options for this tool.
Pros and Cons of RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2
Pros
- Efficiently removes military primer crimps.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use, requiring minimal training or expertise.
- Consistent performance across different brass types.
- Made in the USA.
Cons
- Caliber limited. Only works on cases with the same sized primer pockets.
- Slow when used with case prep center.
Who Should Buy RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2?
The RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 are perfect for reloaders who frequently process military surplus brass. They are also ideal for those seeking a faster and more consistent method of removing primer crimps. Competitive shooters and high-volume reloaders will also appreciate the efficiency and durability of these tools.
Those who only occasionally reload or primarily use commercially available brass may not find these tools as essential. Those looking for a solution that works with all primer pocket sizes should skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable case prep center like the RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center. However, user feedback suggests a hand drill may be even better.
Conclusion on RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2
The RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 are a valuable addition to any reloader’s toolbox. They offer a fast, efficient, and consistent method of removing military primer crimps. The steel construction ensures long-lasting durability, and the ease of use makes them suitable for reloaders of all skill levels.
At a price of $19.49, the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 are a worthwhile investment for anyone who frequently processes military surplus brass. The time saved and the improved consistency in primer seating more than justify the cost.
I would personally recommend the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 to any reloader looking to streamline their case prep process. They are a reliable and effective tool that will make reloading military brass a much more enjoyable experience. So, ditch the tedious hand-reaming and upgrade to the RCBS Trim Mate Military Crimp Removers-2 – you won’t regret it!