Thread: uh oh!

Just been doing a few 223 rounds to get ready for a wallaby trip.
After approx 100rnds or so through the resizing die today, the next doesn't deprime. WTF? have a closer look and found the decapping pin has broken and the screw tip has bent.
ARRRRGH!!!!
Nothing felt different. No restriction more than normal. All been normal so I thought and then - nek minit - uh oh.

Luckily I have quite a few rounds already done so I can continue loading etc.

Might have had the decapping rod slightly to far in and it bottomed out on a biy of brass with slughtly more brass in the head?

Been there done that

I'll have to check once I get a new rod. The Hornady kit came with a spare decapping pin, but with the rod bent I really need to get a new 1 as well.
I did set it up to the 3/16 protrusion, but you could be right there Perazzi. I could've hit a case with more brass, as it is a mixed bag.

Incidentally I found 4 berdan primed cases in the bag as well. Didn't put them through the die. Noticed the red ring around the primer so had a look down the neck and saw the double flash holes. Put them in my scrap pile.

Oh well, I guess I have done 800rnds easily without a problem so not going too bad I suppose.

I have that happen a few times the problem was the primer hole was off centre now I carry at least one spare decapping setup.

I'm actually thinking of getting a decapping die rather than using my sizing die in the kit.
Then I can clean the brass in the tumbler before sizing etc.

Originally Posted by shooternz

I have that happen a few times the problem was the primer hole was off centre now I carry at least one spare decapping setup.

Interesting.....I'll have to have a look at the brass. That is another good culprit right there.

Cambo

I've done that too.... several times over the years.

Mostly because I get a Berdan primed case mixed in with my cases...... usually because either I or another helpful shooter has picked it up off the range.

A broken depriming pin can sure wreck your reloading session.

Now I carry spares .... just in case

Cheers
Pete

With brass I'm using in the 223 Maximus, I've found a few cases have a off center flash hole. Only about 6 out of 100. I noticed some added restristance when decapping(using a Lee decapping die as the case is too long for most the decapping pin in the neck size die). I was luck not to break the pin.

Side note:
Fired a 5 shot group with the off center brass and a 5 shot group with good brass. There was no difference in the group size or the POA.

Get a couple of the Lee decappring dies. They are cheaper than the Hornady or RCBS decapping shafts and a bit more rugged.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

Get a couple of the Lee decappring dies. They are cheaper than the Hornady or RCBS decapping shafts and a bit more rugged.

I've even created new flash holes with the lee decapper using the "if it don't fit, push harder" method. Still haven't broken or bend one yet.

Originally Posted by Uplandstalker

I've even created new flash holes with the lee decapper using the "if it don't fit, push harder" method. Still haven't broken or bend one yet.

I gave up on the Hornady depriming die pretty quickly, too fragile.

No decapping dies in the country at all.
Had my local store ring all the suppliers and there is no stock.

There are various kits (decapping spindles/pins) for other brand dies though, but none of them fit the Hornady die.
So for the meantime, I got a die maintainence kit. Got 2 spare spindles and a few spare pins as well as other non essential items. Cheaper than a single spindle and pin.
Will get me up and running again

So if anyone knows of a 223 decapping die that is not being used...........

What you really need is a universal decapping die RCBS and Redding make them and maybe Lee, they come in large and small and just
take out the primer with out sizing keeps the crap out of the sizing die

@cambo have you tried reloaders or workshop innovation ? One or tother usually has the goods

Tim

It's all good.
Steves Wholesale has got the Hornady decapping die back in stock. Got 1 on order.