First Impressions of Lee Swage Punch
The Lee Swage Punch is a seemingly simple but crucial component for reloaders seeking to consistently prepare their brass casings. It comes from Lee, a brand synonymous with affordability and practicality in the reloading world. This tiny tool promises to restore primer pockets to their proper dimensions after they have been crimped, ensuring reliable primer seating and, ultimately, consistent ammunition performance.
I found myself needing this product after acquiring a batch of once-fired military surplus brass. Many military cartridges have crimped primer pockets for increased primer retention under harsh conditions. Reloading these cases necessitates removing or reforming the crimp; otherwise, seating new primers becomes difficult, dangerous, and can damage your equipment.
The Lee Swage Punch arrived in a simple, no-frills package – a testament to Lee’s focus on function over aesthetics. Upon opening, I immediately noted its small size and the seemingly durable steel construction. It felt solid in hand, despite its diminutive stature. It appears to be well-machined for its intended purpose.
Compared to a universal reamer or a dedicated primer pocket uniformer, the Lee Swage Punch offers a different approach. I chose it due to its reputation for effectively removing crimps without removing excessive brass material, thus preserving the case life. Other methods, such as using a chamfer tool, can sometimes remove too much material, loosening the primer pocket over time. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – it seemed like a simple, effective solution to a common reloading problem. I was excited to try it out and see if it lived up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Swage Punch to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Lee Swage Punch was my reloading bench, processing a batch of .223 Remington brass. I used it in conjunction with my Lee reloading press. After the first few cases, the process became surprisingly smooth.
The Lee Swage Punch performed admirably, effortlessly removing the crimp and allowing for easy primer seating. The tool worked perfectly from the start, even when my hands were slightly oily from the reloading process. There were no significant issues encountered during this first session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several hundred rounds of brass processed using the Lee Swage Punch, it has proven to be a reliable and consistent tool. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the punch itself. It has held up remarkably well.
Maintaining the Lee Swage Punch is incredibly simple – a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is generally sufficient. It outperforms my expectations of what an $8 tool should be capable of handling. Its reliability is a testament to its simple, yet effective design.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Swage Punch
Specifications
The Lee Swage Punch is a replacement small swage punch designed specifically for Lee primer pocket swagers. Its primary function is to remove or reform primer pocket crimps on brass cartridge cases. It is made of hardened steel for durability.
The Lee Swage Punch is a compact tool, designed for use with Lee reloading presses and primer pocket swaging kits. This specific model is intended for small primers. The specification matters because it allows reloaders to restore crimped primer pockets to the correct dimensions, ensuring proper primer seating and consistent ignition.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Swage Punch performs its primary function exceptionally well. It effectively removes primer pocket crimps, allowing for smooth and consistent primer seating. The tool does its job perfectly, making reloading crimped brass significantly easier.
The strength of the Lee Swage Punch lies in its simplicity and effectiveness, but its limitation is that it is only compatible with the Lee swaging system. This tool is worth buying, as it efficiently does its job at an excellent price. It more than meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Swage Punch is a simple, cylindrical piece of hardened steel. It is designed to be used with Lee’s primer pocket swaging tool or press. The tool, though small, is very comfortable to hold.
The Lee Swage Punch is exceedingly user-friendly. A novice reloader would be able to use the tool without any learning curve. It’s designed to be straightforward and simple.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its hardened steel construction, the Lee Swage Punch should last for many years of use. It is easy to maintain and does not require any special cleaning or lubrication. Its lifespan is dependent on how well it is taken care of.
Accessories and Customization Options
As a replacement punch, the Lee Swage Punch doesn’t come with any accessories. It is specifically designed for use with the Lee primer pocket swager. It is not customizable in itself.
It is compatible with Lee swaging kits, but not generally compatible with other brands’ swaging systems.
Pros and Cons of Lee Swage Punch
Pros
- Affordable. The price point makes it accessible to all reloaders.
- Effective. It reliably removes primer pocket crimps.
- Durable. The hardened steel construction ensures a long lifespan.
- Easy to use. Simple design requires no learning curve.
- Simple design. The overall design leads to the product’s affordability and ease of use.
Cons
- Limited to Lee swaging systems. It’s not universally compatible with all reloading presses or swaging tools.
- Small size could be easily lost. It’s easy to misplace due to its size.
Who Should Buy Lee Swage Punch?
Perfect for reloaders who process military surplus brass or any brass with crimped primer pockets. It is a must-have for anyone using a Lee primer pocket swager. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious reloaders who need a reliable tool for primer pocket swaging.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders who do not reload crimped brass. Also, reloaders who prefer universal decrimping tools should consider a different path.
Must-have accessories are the Lee primer pocket swager kit and a reliable reloading press.
Conclusion on Lee Swage Punch
The Lee Swage Punch is a simple, affordable, and effective solution for removing primer pocket crimps. Its value proposition is excellent, given its low price and high level of performance.
I would personally recommend it to anyone who uses the Lee primer pocket swaging system and reloads crimped brass. If you’re a reloader looking for an affordable and reliable way to swage primer pockets, the Lee Swage Punch is an excellent choice. Purchase it today.