Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer Kit - Small

The Hornady Primer Pocket Reamer Kit for small primer pockets is an essential tool for reloaders who work with small-primer brass, especially military-spec cases that need decrimping before re-priming. If you're resizing and reloading once-fired military brass—or simply want to ensure your civilian brass is prepped to precision standards—this kit addresses a real bottleneck in the case-prep process. A properly reamed primer pocket delivers uniform seating depth and consistent ignition shot to shot, which matters when you're chasing accuracy at distance or across a string of loads.

The kit screws into Hornady's lightweight aluminum handle, which features full knurling across its grip for solid purchase whether you're working at the bench or in a portable setup. The reamer itself removes the crimp from military-issue primers—a necessary step before you can seat fresh primers in those cases. If you're mixing military and civilian brass in the same session, or building a reloading system that prioritizes consistency, having the right primer-pocket reamer on hand eliminates a potential weak point in your prep workflow.

This is the small-pocket version, sized for cartridges that use small primers (like .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 9mm, and similar rounds). Hornady's modular design means you buy the specific reamer size you need—no wasted money on tools you won't use.

Key Features

• Removes primer crimp from military-spec brass for reliable re-priming
• Sized for small primer pockets
• Screws firmly into knurled aluminum handle for stable, controlled operation
• Promotes uniform primer seating and consistent ignition
• Modular design—purchase only the components you need

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a primer pocket reamer if I'm reloading military brass?

Yes. Military primers are crimped into the pocket to prevent accidental removal. Before you can seat a new primer, you must remove that crimp with a reamer. Civilian brass typically has loose-fitting primers and may not require reaming, but military brass—whether .223, .308, or other calibers—almost always does.

What's the difference between a reamer and a cleaner in primer-pocket tools?

A reamer removes the crimp from military-issue primers. A cleaner (sold separately) removes spent primer residue and carbon fouling from the pocket. For military brass, the reamer is the critical step. If you're working civilian brass that's already been reloaded, a cleaner may be all you need.

Will this kit work with large primer pockets?

No. This kit is sized for small primer pockets only. If you reload cartridges with large primers (like .30-06 Springfield, .338 Lapua Magnum, or .45 ACP), you'll need the large-pocket version instead.

What calibers use small primer pockets?

Common examples include .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 9mm Luger, 6.5 Creedmoor, and most modern rifle and pistol cartridges. Check your specific round's specifications to confirm, but small primers are the modern standard for most military and civilian ammunition.