Decapping Lithuanian (GGG) .308

[Xtro]

I have a couple of cases of this really nice NATO ammo. It's boxer primed and I'd like to reload it, but those crimped primers are really tough to get out. I broke the decapping pin on my sizing die already.

I'm going to try a universal decapping die next, but was wondering if anyone else had any experience with this ammo, and a good technique for getting those pesky primers out?

 

[USSR]

While I have no experience with the Lith brass, I have successfully decapped Hirtenberger brass which is notorious for their small flash holes. I use a Lyman Universal Decapping Die which seems to have a small diameter decapping pin and is tough as hell.

Don

 

[Larry E]

European Boxer flash holes are frequently smaller than standard US ~0.080" so a smaller than "standard" decapping pin might be needed. If the primers are really tight there are crimped primer decapping outfits that have a base to hold the case, and a punch type decapping rod that's given a whack with a hammer to knock the primers out. A pain in the tail, but after the crimped primers are removed, and the crimp removed from the pocket things are easier. I use a case mouth chamfering tool to cut out the crimp. If the flash holes are small ~0.060" they can be opened up with a number 45 or 46 drill bit or a flash hole deburring tool.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Punch and base works every time.

I used to have a hole in my bench top with a baby food jar primer catcher underneath and a Lee Yankee Screwdriver style primer pocket cleaner stuck upside down in another hole to give the primer pocket a lick and promise while I had the case in my hand.

I worry more about lead contamination than I used to though - a flash hole deburring tool can be used before decapping to make it easier to use a decapping die in something like the Forster CoAx that does a particularly good job of catching the primers.

 

[ar10]

I've done a number of "ggg" Lith brass, but I use the lee universal decapping die, (about 10~15.00), and never had a problem.
For the primer pocket reaming I use a 1/2" 82deg counter sink running at about 100rpm on my drill press (it's actually a cheapo HF small end mill). Works, but it took some practice to get it right.