S&B is known for having tight primer pockets in both pistol and rifle. I've had a heck of a time with some of their rifle stuff, but I do still load it because I can be a cheap ass at times. Never noticed anything with Herter's or Armscor, but I'm sure I've had a few in my mixed range brass (pistol caliber).
Would it help to run them over a primer pocket swager? Maybe they are staked primer pockets.
Are they crimped?
And not to be a smartass, are you using SPP?
I've noticed that with S&B, but it is great brass. After a reload or two, it loosens up. I loved their 9mm brass when I loaded it. The .45 stuff just seemed 'normal' to me, though would give me more primer depth issues than I cared for (like, 1 issue per 20 pieces). Their .38 and .357 brass I work with here and there is great, darn durable and lasts a long time.
Nothing but bad experience loading Herters and Armscor. Cracked necks on first loading, primer pockets wonky, flash holes off center, etc... Similar with Perfecta brass in .223. Awesome brass, just dimensionally weird and depriming gets... interesting. Filled my swear jar with an afternoon of Perfecta. Out of the thousand plus I worked with that afternoon, about 700 were decent and still soldier on, about four loads in so far.
I got sad when Fiocchi started doing the offset flashholes (on purpose or accident on a large number of lots, not sure). I LOVE Fiocchi .223 brass and actually have a standing offer to buy any I find. lol I've actually traded guys at the range two Federal/Remington to one Fiocchi before. Mental illness I guess.
I thought that hot loads would actually enlarge the primer pocket.I've noticed the tight S&B pockets when decapping also.
I suspect they went tight because they tend to load on the hot side for factory ammo.
I thought that hot loads would actually enlarge the primer pocket.
That's the trouble with getting long out of production things (antiques). I believe Hornady bought out Pacific many years ago. As long as you can get shell holders for the calibers you need and the press works ok for sizing, belling, seating and crimping your reloads, I'd just get a hand held primer seater. I use the Hornady hand primer, but any of the top brands are good.