First Time Setting Up My Reloading Stations

I was planning to a basic reloading class Today but a winter storm came through and blasted us here on the East coast. So instead of going to bed like a normal person I started tinkering with my Lee 1000 last night.

I think I have the all of the dies set up correctly (using the video's on the Lee website) but the decapping die is giving me a problem. I had it screwed in before (not properly adjusted...just screwed in). I was actually running brass through (no no powder or primers) and I could see and hear the spent primers popping out. Then all of a sudden it just stopped working. :banghead:

I guess my question is am I missing something. I saw something online that made it seem like the actual decapping pin in the die can and needs to be adjusted so that it is sticking out of the die more. Does that sound right and if so how is that adjustment made?

I feel like the guy in that movie the matrix? I shoud have taken the blue pill. NOW I have been bitten by the shooting and reloading bug. And I think I kinda like it! :)

Be Safe,

Kenyatta
Kenyattadonley@verizon.net

that decapping pin will slide up if not REAL tight. the locknut is on TOP of the die and usually the pin is flush with the top

You should probably see the pin slightly sticking out the bottom of the die. As above, if the lock nut isn't REAL tight, the pin will slide up. It should be tight enough so the pin will move instead of break, but tight enough that a normal primer will not move it.

I believe my Hornady instructions state that the pin should extend 3/16" beyond the die body.

Welcome to THR and to the reloading addiction.:)

hahahaha your addicted.

yes the decapping pin needs to be adjusted. just like was mentioned about 3/16 below the base of the die. your really need to tighten up that nutt on the top though.

Welcome to THR and to the reloading addiction

Thanks. Recenly I started shooting IDPA and fell in love with it. This is my first experience participating in any of the shooting sports :what: So there was a need to shoot more for practice as well as have rounds available for matches. So someone mentioned reloading. Next thing I knew, I was on Ebay bidding on a press and one of my Masonic lodge brothers built me a BEAUTIFUL bench. The rest is history.

As soon as I get a chance I'll post some pictures of my humble little setup. I am bidding on a scale right now and then I need a tumbler. Then I'll be ready to go. Thanks for all the responses to my question!! This is a great site and a great group of folks.

"...bidding on a scale..." Less fuss to just go buy a scale and tumbler. They're not terribly expensive.
"...just stopped working..." Is the pin still in the rod? Or did it come out? They do both by times. If the pin bends or breaks, don't panic. Most reloading companies will sell you a replacement package or just send you a few.
The decapping rod should be adjusted to pop the primer out when the case is all the way up. The dies should be adjusted to just kiss the shell holder when all the way up.
Read the how-to chapter in your manual. It'll tell you everything you need to know to get started.
When you get this far:
Beginning with the starting load, load 5 rounds only. Go up by half a grain of powder, loading 5 of each keeping them separate until you get to the max load in your manual.
Then go shooting. Shoot for group only, slowly and deliberately off a solid rest. Once you have a group, sight in.

Looks like eveyone had the same answer and I noticed the locknut is about half way down the top of pin (not flush with the top) but when I try to loosen the locknut it won't budge. I think I am going to have to find a vice grip to hold it and try again. This was a used die set. Maybe its damaged? Then again it was working when I initially installed it. :banghead:

So you stayed up and played with your reloading set up? Off hand I'd say you hooked for life. :)
And it sounds like your pin was a bit loose. Just reset the length and tighten it a bit tighter.