Mighty Armory THE BLUE Decapping Die with LEE APP press

[Alex G]

Hello all!
Posting this short review on the MA THE BLUE decapping die for other members out there that are considering picking one up, but don’t know if it will fit or how it’ll work with the LEE APP press for decapping. For those who don’t want to read a long article, I’ll put the pros and cons directly below, and then further down explain more.

Pros:

1. Die does fit inside the small APP press frame (I was hoping it wasn’t too tall)
2. Primer flicker spring has caused 0 primer pullbacks over the past 3-4K cases once dialed in, as compared to 4-5 every hundred cases previously with a universal decapper. (Dirty range brass)
3. Knurling on the die body and cap is deep, making adjustments and/or removing the die from the breechlock bushings slick snd easy, even with greasy hands.
   
4. Aluminum outer die body will not rust, and looks great.
   
5. Extremely strong decapping pins
6. Self-centering (to some extent) decapping pin because of the spring
7. “Ping” sound when primers shoot out, so you’re not guessing if it Deprimed or not
8. Spring compression as the decapping pin contacts the spent primer smooths out the stroke into more of a push than an impact, thus less jarring to your arm, press, and bench if you’re decapping large quantities.

Cons:

1. If you short stroke the APP press when on the upstroke of the handle, then bring it back down quickly, the case will slam into the side of the die opening. On a regular progressive press this isn’t as much of an issue, but on the APP it’s easy to get going quickly and short stroke. This will start to mar the mouth of the die because it is aluminum. Would it be nice to have a steel protective ring at the die opening, yes, but also we can’t ask for everything.

This die is an excellent upgrade if you’re concerned about having primer pullbacks, or want a smoother cycling decapping die in general. Some of the brass I process is range brass that has sat outside in the elements for several weeks, wet tumbled to clean the grime off, and then decapped and wet tumbled to clean. Definitely worth the money so far, and appreciate the thought Wayne put into making it! If you have any questions or comments I look forward to seeing them below. Thanks everyone!

 

[Skgreen]

Link to product:
https://www.mightyarmory.com/products/mighty-armory-the-blue-ap-auto-decapping-die

 

[Walkalong]

They are proud of their stuff, but it is very good quality, I finally gave in and bought one.

Since this picture I replaced the lock ring with a Hornady, they really should supply a better one.

 

[Skgreen]

The itty-bitty spring in the RCBS decapping 'stud' is as weak point. Looks like the MA unit has a MUCH larger spring! Probably easy to find one at ACE if it ever fails,,, (Unlike the tiny RCBS spring which is about as big around as a pencil lead)

I also like the full taper at the base of the MA decapping pin. I've found that if I don't take my time and slow down a bit, with 223, my other decapping devices can 'catch' the case mouth and destroy the case. (My LEE universal decapper is the worst offender in this regard,,,)

 

[Alex G]

The itty-bitty spring in the RCBS decapping 'stud' is as weak point. Looks like the MA unit has a MUCH larger spring! Probably easy to find one at ACE if it ever fails,,, (Unlike the tiny RCBS spring which is about as big around as a pencil lead)

I also like the full taper at the base of the MA decapping pin. I've found that if I don't take my time and slow down a bit, with 223, my other decapping devices can 'catch' the case mouth and destroy the case. (My LEE universal decapper is the worst offender in this regard,,,)

Yep, that’s what I had previously. It did the same exact thing.

The spring Wayne uses is a multi-coil piano type I think it’s called. It’s really stiff

 

[GoldieMI]

I have the same one as Walkalong as well as the Green Lapua one for punching out the primers in Lapua brass
happy with both. Wayne has been great when I call with questions and such. I like MA stuff.

 

[Alex G]

I definitely agree. It amazed me that both times I’ve contacted him, he’s replied within 30 minutes.

 

[Blue68f100]

The itty-bitty spring in the RCBS decapping 'stud' is as weak point. Looks like the MA unit has a MUCH larger spring! Probably easy to find one at ACE if it ever fails,,, (Unlike the tiny RCBS spring which is about as big around as a pencil lead)

I also like the full taper at the base of the MA decapping pin. I've found that if I don't take my time and slow down a bit, with 223, my other decapping devices can 'catch' the case mouth and destroy the case. (My LEE universal decapper is the worst offender in this regard,,,)

I replaced the spring in mine with a spring that I cut down from my spare AR parts. After doing so it has not failed since. It launches the primers with authority.

 

[Alex G]

Just spoke with Wayne a few days back, looks like he’s releasing a new version of the die that uses the case guide system of the Super Duty decapping die, and is also made of stainless steel! Keep your eyes out if any of you are interested!