Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly Review

Field Notes on the Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly

For any serious reloader, especially those dealing with military-crimped brass or the occasional primer pocket anomaly, the Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly presents itself as a significant upgrade. This device is designed to integrate seamlessly into a progressive reloading press, specifically addressing the common frustration of dealing with difficult primer pockets that can lead to jams or, worse, broken tooling. My journey to this particular assembly began after a particularly vexing session where mixed .45 ACP brass, some with small primer pockets and others with stubborn military crimps, repeatedly stalled my progressive press, costing me valuable time and increasing the likelihood of damage.

The initial impression upon receiving the Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly was one of robust quality. The unit feels substantial, crafted from what appears to be hard anodized aluminum, suggesting it’s built to withstand the rigors of a busy reloading operation. This immediately instills confidence, a crucial factor when dealing with precise machinery. I had been considering simpler, non-sensory swaging dies, but the allure of an automated safety net for potential brass anomalies made the investment in this smarter solution feel justified. My first reaction was one of anticipation; I was eager to see if this sophisticated assembly could indeed smooth out the rough edges of brass processing.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for the Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly were my well-lit and organized workshop, specifically integrated into my progressive reloading press. The primary scenario involved processing a large batch of mixed 45 ACP brass, notorious for its inclusion of small primer pockets and the occasional “ringer” primer that stubbornly adheres to the case. I configured the assembly with the appropriate swage rod for large primer pockets initially, anticipating potential issues with smaller ones. The initial setup was straightforward, guided by clear instructions, and the assembly fit snugly into its designated station on the press.

During this first extended session, the assembly performed admirably. It efficiently swaged the crimps on the military brass, and when it encountered a case with a small primer pocket, the machine did indeed stop, alerting me via the connected tablet interface. This immediate feedback mechanism was a revelation; instead of a loud, metallic crunch or a jammed ram, I received a clear notification. This prevented potential damage to the swage rod and saved me the headache of diagnosing a jam. The only minor surprise was the slight increase in the overall height of the swaging station, which required a minor adjustment to my die seating.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and processing well over a thousand rounds of mixed pistol brass, the Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly has proven its worth. It has become an indispensable part of my reloading workflow, particularly when processing newly acquired brass that I haven’t yet sorted for primer pocket size. The unit has continued to reliably detect both small primer pockets in .45 ACP brass and instances of partially ejected primers (“ringers”) that could otherwise cause significant problems. There have been no instances of broken swage rods since its installation, a testament to its protective capabilities.

Durability has been excellent; the hard anodized aluminum construction shows no signs of significant wear, and the chromoly swage rods remain sharp and functional. Cleaning is as simple as with any other die; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth and occasional application of a small amount of lubricant on the rod’s travel path is all that’s needed. Compared to the constant anxiety of processing unsorted brass with a standard swaging die, this assembly offers a peace of mind that is hard to quantify but incredibly valuable. It has significantly reduced the time I spend sorting brass and the worry associated with potential press damage.

Breaking Down the Features of Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly

Specifications

The Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly is constructed from hard anodized aluminum, a material chosen for its excellent durability and resistance to corrosion, which is crucial for components exposed to the lubricants and debris inherent in reloading. It comes complete with two hardened chromoly swage rods: one for small primer pockets and one for large primer pockets. This dual-rod system ensures compatibility across a wide range of brass. The key technological component is its proprietary sensor system, which integrates with a tablet interface to detect blockages, such as partially seated primers or incorrect primer pocket sizes.

These specifications are critical because they directly translate into the assembly’s functionality and longevity. The hard anodized aluminum ensures the unit can withstand the forces involved in swaging even the toughest military crimps without deforming. Having two specialized rods means optimal performance and less chance of damage for both small and large primer pockets. The sensor technology, however, is the star feature, as it actively prevents catastrophic failures by stopping the press when an anomaly is detected, thus saving tooling and reducing downtime. This intelligent design far surpasses the capabilities of a simple swage die.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly is to reliably swage primer pockets and, crucially, to detect and alert the operator to anomalies that could cause jams or damage. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. It tackles even the most stubborn military crimps with ease, creating a clean, properly sized pocket for new primers. The detection system is surprisingly sensitive and accurate; it consistently stopped the press when encountering small primer pockets in .45 ACP brass and correctly identified instances of “ringers.” This level of proactive protection is its most significant strength.

Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is that it requires a compatible Mark 7 press and the accompanying tablet interface to realize its full potential. Without this integration, it functions as a high-quality swaging die but loses its “Sense” capabilities. For users without this integrated system, a standard swaging die might be a more cost-effective solution. However, for those invested in the Mark 7 ecosystem, this assembly not only meets but often exceeds expectations by proactively preventing costly mistakes.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, the Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly is a blend of robust mechanical engineering and intelligent electronic integration. The hard anodized aluminum construction gives it a professional, high-quality feel, and its finish resists minor scuffs and abrasions common in a workshop environment. The two hardened chromoly swage rods are precisely machined, ensuring they fit perfectly and perform their task without wobble or play. The overall unit is compact enough to integrate into most progressive press setups without adding excessive bulk.

Ergonomically, the assembly is designed to be a “set it and forget it” component once installed and calibrated. The only user interaction required during normal operation is to address the alert and clear the anomaly. The real-world usability shines through in its ability to absorb potential errors without user intervention beyond the initial alert. The smooth operation of the swage rods, combined with the reliable sensor feedback, makes the swaging process less of a mechanical chore and more of an automated, reliable step in the reloading process.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly is clearly built for the long haul. The hard anodized aluminum body and the hardened chromoly swage rods are indicative of materials chosen for their resistance to wear and tear. I have observed no degradation in performance or any signs of premature wear after processing hundreds of rounds. The internal sensing components are sealed, protecting them from the usual reloading dust and debris.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage for any reloader. Beyond occasional cleaning of the swage rods and the station itself, there’s little required. The two hardened chromoly swage rods are consumables in the very long term, but given their robust construction, replacement should be infrequent. There are no specific known failure points from my experience; the design appears sound and focused on reliability. Users should, however, ensure their press and tablet are kept clean and functional, as they are integral to the “Sense” functionality.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly comes with its essential components: the main housing and the two hardened chromoly swage rods (one for small and one for large primer pockets). There are no additional accessories included, as its function is highly specialized within the reloading process. Customization, in the traditional sense, isn’t applicable to the main assembly itself. However, the choice of which swage rod to install at any given time is the primary form of user customization, dependent on the brass being processed.

It’s important to note that this assembly is designed to work with Mark 7 reloading presses and their integrated control systems. Therefore, compatibility with accessories from other press manufacturers or generic reloading tools is not a consideration. The genius of this particular unit lies in its proprietary integration, ensuring a seamless and intelligent operation within its intended ecosystem.

Pros and Cons of Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly

Who Should Buy Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly?

This assembly is ideally suited for reloaders who utilize Mark 7 progressive reloading presses and frequently process mixed or unsorted brass, especially those that may contain military-crimped cases or .45 ACP brass with mixed primer pocket sizes. If you’ve ever experienced the frustration and potential damage from a jammed primer pocket or a broken swage rod, this unit offers a sophisticated solution. It’s perfect for the reloader who values efficiency, wants to minimize downtime, and appreciates built-in safety mechanisms that protect their equipment.

Individuals using other brands of presses or those who strictly sort their brass by primer pocket size before swaging might not see the same immediate value. For those users, a simpler, more traditional swaging die might suffice. However, if you’re looking to upgrade your Mark 7 press with an intelligent system that automates error prevention, this is the way to go. A necessary complementary item would be the Mark 7 tablet interface and software if you don’t already have it integrated with your press.

Conclusion on Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly

The Mark 7 Reloading Swage Sense Assembly is a testament to intelligent design in reloading equipment. It takes a necessary but often problematic step in brass processing – swaging primer pockets – and elevates it with proactive safety features. The combination of robust construction, effective swaging capability, and the sophisticated “Sense” technology makes it an invaluable addition for any Mark 7 press owner dealing with challenging brass. While the price point reflects its advanced capabilities and integration needs, the potential savings in broken tooling and reduced processing headaches justify the investment for the intended user. I would wholeheartedly recommend this assembly to any reloader who fits the profile of needing its advanced error-detection features; it transforms a potential point of failure into a reliable, automated process.