Bad luck with decapping pins

[hartcreek]

The gun stores used to keep the RCBS decapping/expander rods in stock since RCBS uses 4 if I remember right for the whole die line. I bent the while blasted rod running 9mm when I had missed a .380 in the mix. I have checked all the local stores and noboys stocks then any more so I will have to order two from RCBS.

 

[RussellC]

Question: Is Lee universal decaping die any different from one of their other dies other than it doesn't resize ? I have one ( a resizer for 223) I had tightened the nut down on top pretty well and trying to De-cap was like hitting a steel door. I didn't exert a whole bunch of force as playing with crimped brass is new to me and so is my die and didn't want to bust it first night in the cave. But certainly a lot more pressure than I would for any other brass I de-primed.Most are nickel plated and some are OD green.
Didn't know about the Berdan cases, I'll check tomorrow to see if I have any of those in the pile

Yes, it just decapps. Seems like it has a little more difficulty staying lined up, as there is no sizing stuff in there so I guess there is more play. I think my problem was, Too tight on the pin, residue in the shell holder, and slightly off center flash holes. That, and I was flying through them too quickly.

Russellc

 

[bob4]

Yes, it just decapps. Seems like it has a little more difficulty staying lined up, as there is no sizing stuff in there so I guess there is more play. I think my problem was, Too tight on the pin, residue in the shell holder, and slightly off center flash holes. That, and I was flying through them too quickly.

Russellc

Thanks Russellc. I understand that it doesn't resize but why does the universal decapper work any better than one that also resizes is my question. Possibly because of the lack of pressure needed to resize. Inquiring minds and all. Just want to understand before I go for it.

 

[FROGO207]

The actual decapping pin is a bit larger in diameter on the Lee Universal Decapping die. It would get stuck in my FC 357 SIG brass. The standard lee size/decap die would not stick the decapper pin.

 

[BluewaterLa]

I find that de caping with the universal is easier due to the reduced force, and I feel that I get a more smooth action when resizing because of no primer to punch out. Hope his helps with your inquiring mind

 

[1KPerDay]

I have an RCBS heavy duty decapping die (27-45 cal)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...epriming-and-decapping-die-27-thru-45-caliber

and a Lyman universal
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/54...riming-and-decapping-die?cm_vc=ProductFinding

which will work with .223.

Have had no problem with either, and I typically work exclusively with crimped military primers, including the nasty ring-crimped LC/WCC .30-06 stuff from the 50s.

The RCBS one has kind of a "floating" decapping pin, unless I'm using it incorrectly. It seems it's a little loose in the holder to allow for variances in primer hole centers, etc. In any case, it works.

I usually just keep the Lyman in a tool head though. Since it works for everything including .223. Never broken a pin yet.

 

[RussellC]

Thanks Russellc. I understand that it doesn't resize but why does the universal decapper work any better than one that also resizes is my question. Possibly because of the lack of pressure needed to resize. Inquiring minds and all. Just want to understand before I go for it.

Oh, that's likely my OCD! I like to first decapp brass...then I clean it. Then if the type brass that needs it, trim it. I like the separate decapp prior to cleaning, that way much less filth is everywhere when I resize and prime. Then I store cleaned, trimmed resized and primed brass, ready to stuff. This also makes for a much "cleaner" loading session, seems like most of the mess is with the decapping.

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

I find that de caping with the universal is easier due to the reduced force, and I feel that I get a more smooth action when resizing because of no primer to punch out. Hope his helps with your inquiring mind

+1

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

Lee sent out replacement pins...I think I am giving up on the Unbreakable decapping set, with in 3 cases, (that were raising the pin on the universal decapper) it broke again. The replacement on the universal decapper plowed through almost 1200 cases with out a problem. I think I will order a few extras just in case.

Russellc

 

[bob4]

With a good light I did discover a few days ago that I did in fact have Berdan. And they say 2 holes are better than 1. sheesh.