I didn't decap prior to cleaning for years, but once I got the Lee Universal I now use it religiously. I decap, clean, and then check primer pockets with a go/no-go gauge. Culling worn out brass at that point saves time and primers in the long run. Not a critical thing for beginners, but over time decapping has become important to my process. When I started reloading I didn't know it was even an option. Thanks for making these videos, I wish I had them when I started out!
Joe, just went to midways and couldn't find go/no-go gauge. Mind where? I decap, clean, brush the pocket and ream the hole.Also got pocket swage. But when hand priming find which is loose or tight. Advise? 👍
I decap before tumbling/cleaning. I agree with you that it keeps dirt & fouling away from my dies and my main press. (I use an old, lightweight press for decapping.) And, getting rid of the primers prevents so much contamination of my tumbling media.
Preach on, no more gritty black game buildup on my presses. I even use a Harvey Hand Deprimer to process rifle brass while shooting at the range. It's helps slow down my shooting and allows my rifle to cool while I deprive a couple of case, before resuming shooting.
I process my rifle brass in large lots, generally 1000 at a time or so. After a quick run through the dry tumbler I decap everything then go through whatever machining procedures are appropriate, the last step is a final tumble with polish to keep tarnish and fingerprints, etc away. After processing is all done I bag the brass for future use. Calibers like .223 that I load in bulk are loaded on a progressive, and the first station is always another decapping die to make certain the flash hole is clear. It helps me sleep easier.
I Deprime before Cleaning my Brass (Wet Tumble Stainless Media), i use the Frankford Arsenal Hand Deprimer works great and all the Dirt is not all over the Press, deprimed thousends of Cases with it. A few weeks ago i was in a hurry to test some different loads and did the Oldschool not Cleaning before Sizing (the Brass Was not dirty on the outside cause indoor Range) never again, with complete Clean Brass the Sizing is so much smoother and the Dies arent messy afterwards
I've been using a handheld depriming tool from Frankford Arsenal. It allows me to multi-task while depriming my brass. Or have a significant other do the depriming for me while I'm performing other reloading activities. :)
I used my Lee Decapping die this morning to decap my 280AI brass prior to wet tumbling. Wet Tumbling done. Tomorrow, I size and install primers. Easy easy.
It's amazing just how much cleaner wet tumbling solution stays if you decap first, and cleaner solution well, just cleans better. The SS media also has a way to go straight through the brass, so less brass jammed full of pins. Not to mention clean primer pockets are really nice. If they make one for your die, a hardened decapping pin from Squirrel Daddy will last a long time. I've bent/broken several Lee pins, but have yet to ruin a Squirrel Daddy. The pin is also tapered so it'll find the flash hole a bit easier if it's a bit off center. I'm not sure if the taper allows for adjustment to fit small flash holes without damaging them, but if it does that would be a bonus.
I got a very cheap Lee press off eBay and use it for decapping before wet tumbling. It keeps all that crap out of my sizing dies and off my good presses.
Use the mighty armory. It has a spring loaded decapping pin. You can get small, large or 50 BMG pins. If the pin doesn't click, check the pocket, it might be a loose one. It's a life changer.
I've decapped my Brass from the beginning Started out using a Lee Loader, and decapping was the first step, and that has stayed with me Even before getting a Universal DeCap Die, I used that Punch from my Lee Loader .... and still have both (a Small and Large) Punches today
I use the Lee decapping die the friction fit pin just slides up out of the way if some how a berdan case would get into the mix. I decap, wash, anneal, then resize & trim, then final wash, dry & weight sort
i use the franklin arsenals decapping tool. i ran through a 3lb coffee can of 9MM while watching TV. all range brass pickups so a few berdan primers mixed in. it just pushes the rod out and you have to reset it.
I decap/resize pistol brass at the same time. I used to decap rifle brass before many of the other processing steps. After I bought an annealer I stopped. I dry tumble after I anneal now. The next step has become decapping. Getting a piece of dry media stuck in a flash hole is annoying. My two shops are now uncluttered and clean now. I will likely start wet tumbling again in the near future.
I anneal...first step. Then I decap and wet tumble to clean. FL resize, expand neck with mandrel. Trim and deburr. Clean again to remove all lube and any shavings. Prime, and it's ready to load.
I had the wrong size abrasive media for case tumbling so I started decapping before tumbling to keep stuck tumbling media out if my reloading press. I also back out or remove my decapping pin on my sizing dies
Most of the brass I buy is mixed .223 or 7.62x51 so unfortunately decapping is mandatory for me because I have to swage all of the primer pockets before I put them into the 550b. If my press had a swaging stage, things might be different. For precision rounds, I decap before i tumble and then anneal and resize, i dont want to anneal with a primer in there.
I have found if I leave primers in during a dry tumble enough residue from the media gets stuck in primer behind the spent anvil that you will find it all over your press after you do a bunch of them. If you don't decapp with a separate process this will also get stuck on your case lube. Was leaving them in to minimize any increase in wear to the primer pockets, as they usually wear out first but not sure if its worth the tradeoff of that mess all over my press and loading area.
I would only add my experience with a Zero press. On some SRP's they sometimes would stick, not go trough the press to the cup, or actually lodge in the press shaft. A "flicker" type decapper, such as Mighty Armory's, solved the problem.
I decap before washing. The brass will dry faster without primers and washing will rust spent primers and the decapping pin will poke through the rusted primers instead of pushing them out. Lesson learned the hard way. Universal is the way to go.
Was wondering if you have ever tried Exact Resizing Dies. They size the body first,then it set the headspace and neck last from what I've seen. I am a beginner and was wondering if you could talk about this die. Enjoy learning from you because you explain in detail depth
I don’t see it as getting dies too dirty, the case is still getting cleaned there’s just the flash hole which doesn’t really contact anything… but like you mentioned with berdan primers it’s great for sorting and organizing your brass before tumbling. I often pick up plenty of strange pistol and .223 brass and the sorting process is pretty important to me. Everything from weeding out bad cases and berdan primers to making sure I don’t put any 380 in with the 9, I don’t shoot 380 but I pick up a lot of it lol
I bought the Hornady decapping die but the design with the clamped threaded rod makes it dificult to center the pin, maybe that is why it came with spare pins. Now I use the one from RCBS with no issues.
From my wifes phone. Question I have for a long time. Checked with saami to no avail. What is the concentrity of the flash hole to the case outside of the case. This would allow me to put locator on the hornady neck turner, the shell holder side, to remove out of concentrity when mounting the case.
I think missing about the setup for the decapper is setting the correct tension on the pin. Saw videos on setting that up. Youw ant enough tension to push the primers out, but not enough to keep the pin in place if it misses the flash hole and hits brass.
Lapua has Small Flasholes, i dont know of others / i only use Lapua and RUAG Brass (Norma RWS Geco Sako all together are RUAG Ammotec / Beretta and the Brass is interchangeable propably all from the same Machine with different Headstamps)
Bro, do you happen to have a used "LARGE RIFLE PRIMER" or "MAGNUM RIFLE PRIMER"? I searched the internet to make a decorative dummy bullet, but I couldn't find a place to sell the used primer so I'm leaving a comment. If you have used primers in storage, please leave me a comment I'll buy it.
Why add another step? Tumble, size n decap all in one. Sure I tumble again to get the lube off but it's worth it to work with clean brass from the start
Ooop… is that a beard?… Are you getting closer to being ready to transition from hand model to person? Your video’s will be better if we can see you. It’s more relatable and gives the content personality. Cheers!
Reloading for Beginners Playlist (Cleaning) - czcams.com/video/KxbeY59uTB4/video.html
I didn't decap prior to cleaning for years, but once I got the Lee Universal I now use it religiously. I decap, clean, and then check primer pockets with a go/no-go gauge. Culling worn out brass at that point saves time and primers in the long run. Not a critical thing for beginners, but over time decapping has become important to my process.
When I started reloading I didn't know it was even an option. Thanks for making these videos, I wish I had them when I started out!
Joe, just went to midways and couldn't find go/no-go gauge. Mind where? I decap, clean, brush the pocket and ream the hole.Also got pocket swage. But when hand priming find which is loose or tight. Advise? 👍
@@WillyK51 I use Ballistic Tools Swage Gage for both small and large primers
@@joethearcticfox Thank's , for a moment thought Ballistic Products, Reload Shotshells and they have whatever special comp you need👍
I decap before tumbling/cleaning. I agree with you that it keeps dirt & fouling away from my dies and my main press. (I use an old, lightweight press for decapping.) And, getting rid of the primers prevents so much contamination of my tumbling media.
I clean before and after de capping. I use a sonic cleaner so it’s super easy and quick to do both, plus I’m a little ocd about my brass.😂😂
Preach on, no more gritty black game buildup on my presses. I even use a Harvey Hand Deprimer to process rifle brass while shooting at the range. It's helps slow down my shooting and allows my rifle to cool while I deprive a couple of case, before resuming shooting.
I process my rifle brass in large lots, generally 1000 at a time or so. After a quick run through the dry tumbler I decap everything then go through whatever machining procedures are appropriate, the last step is a final tumble with polish to keep tarnish and fingerprints, etc away. After processing is all done I bag the brass for future use. Calibers like .223 that I load in bulk are loaded on a progressive, and the first station is always another decapping die to make certain the flash hole is clear. It helps me sleep easier.
I Deprime before Cleaning my Brass (Wet Tumble Stainless Media), i use the Frankford Arsenal Hand Deprimer works great and all the Dirt is not all over the Press, deprimed thousends of Cases with it. A few weeks ago i was in a hurry to test some different loads and did the Oldschool not Cleaning before Sizing (the Brass Was not dirty on the outside cause indoor Range) never again, with complete Clean Brass the Sizing is so much smoother and the Dies arent messy afterwards
Good overview with valid points
I've been using a handheld depriming tool from Frankford Arsenal. It allows me to multi-task while depriming my brass. Or have a significant other do the depriming for me while I'm performing other reloading activities. :)
Decapping has been my first step for years! I've been using Lyman's decapping die for over 30 years. Great advise!
Mighty Armory has an amazing decapper.
Good options. Good advice. Thanks
I have a Lee single stage press that lives with a single die in it - a universal decapping die !
I used my Lee Decapping die this morning to decap my 280AI brass prior to wet tumbling. Wet Tumbling done. Tomorrow, I size and install primers. Easy easy.
It's amazing just how much cleaner wet tumbling solution stays if you decap first, and cleaner solution well, just cleans better. The SS media also has a way to go straight through the brass, so less brass jammed full of pins. Not to mention clean primer pockets are really nice.
If they make one for your die, a hardened decapping pin from Squirrel Daddy will last a long time. I've bent/broken several Lee pins, but have yet to ruin a Squirrel Daddy. The pin is also tapered so it'll find the flash hole a bit easier if it's a bit off center. I'm not sure if the taper allows for adjustment to fit small flash holes without damaging them, but if it does that would be a bonus.
You have some super informative stuff 👏🏾 thanks man.
Mighty Armory decapping die is A++++++
The owner is a racist. I refuse to deal with Wayne in any form.
Great videos
Glad you like them!
I got a very cheap Lee press off eBay and use it for decapping before wet tumbling. It keeps all that crap out of my sizing dies and off my good presses.
I decap first as well
I like my Lee universal thanks for sharing your experience and information.
Use the mighty armory. It has a spring loaded decapping pin. You can get small, large or 50 BMG pins. If the pin doesn't click, check the pocket, it might be a loose one. It's a life changer.
I've decapped my Brass from the beginning
Started out using a Lee Loader, and decapping was the first step, and that has stayed with me
Even before getting a Universal DeCap Die, I used that Punch from my Lee Loader .... and still have both (a Small and Large) Punches today
I use the Lee decapping die the friction fit pin just slides up out of the way if some how a berdan case would get into the mix. I decap, wash, anneal, then resize & trim, then final wash, dry & weight sort
i use the franklin arsenals decapping tool. i ran through a 3lb coffee can of 9MM while watching TV. all range brass pickups so a few berdan primers mixed in. it just pushes the rod out and you have to reset it.
I love mine - and I tumble with steelmedia so its great to get the primer out first ;-)
I decap before sizing, but I just set up a shell holder and 1/16 steal pin in a drill press. Very simple.
I decap/resize pistol brass at the same time. I used to decap rifle brass before many of the other processing steps. After I bought an annealer I stopped. I dry tumble after I anneal now. The next step has become decapping. Getting a piece of dry media stuck in a flash hole is annoying. My two shops are now uncluttered and clean now. I will likely start wet tumbling again in the near future.
I anneal...first step. Then I decap and wet tumble to clean. FL resize, expand neck with mandrel. Trim and deburr. Clean again to remove all lube and any shavings. Prime, and it's ready to load.
I had the wrong size abrasive media for case tumbling so I started decapping before tumbling to keep stuck tumbling media out if my reloading press. I also back out or remove my decapping pin on my sizing dies
Most of the brass I buy is mixed .223 or 7.62x51 so unfortunately decapping is mandatory for me because I have to swage all of the primer pockets before I put them into the 550b. If my press had a swaging stage, things might be different.
For precision rounds, I decap before i tumble and then anneal and resize, i dont want to anneal with a primer in there.
I have found if I leave primers in during a dry tumble enough residue from the media gets stuck in primer behind the spent anvil that you will find it all over your press after you do a bunch of them. If you don't decapp with a separate process this will also get stuck on your case lube. Was leaving them in to minimize any increase in wear to the primer pockets, as they usually wear out first but not sure if its worth the tradeoff of that mess all over my press and loading area.
Lee handheld decapper for me. I just gotta say, I’ve never seen a reloading bench that clean. One may say, too clean 😂
Good video. Just bought my first reloading kit and am having a hard time finding good info on how thigs work and what to do.
Hand decapping, much faster
Can live primers be removed from unused ammo and reloaded? into another caliber for example?
I would only add my experience with a Zero press. On some SRP's they sometimes would stick, not go trough the press to the cup, or actually lodge in the press shaft. A "flicker" type decapper, such as Mighty Armory's, solved the problem.
I decap before washing. The brass will dry faster without primers and washing will rust spent primers and the decapping pin will poke through the rusted primers instead of pushing them out. Lesson learned the hard way. Universal is the way to go.
Was wondering if you have ever tried Exact Resizing Dies. They size the body first,then it set the headspace and neck last from what I've seen. I am a beginner and was wondering if you could talk about this die. Enjoy learning from you because you explain in detail depth
No dirty brass in my LE Wilson s
I don’t see it as getting dies too dirty, the case is still getting cleaned there’s just the flash hole which doesn’t really contact anything… but like you mentioned with berdan primers it’s great for sorting and organizing your brass before tumbling. I often pick up plenty of strange pistol and .223 brass and the sorting process is pretty important to me. Everything from weeding out bad cases and berdan primers to making sure I don’t put any 380 in with the 9, I don’t shoot 380 but I pick up a lot of it lol
I bought the Hornady decapping die but the design with the clamped threaded rod makes it dificult to center the pin, maybe that is why it came with spare pins. Now I use the one from RCBS with no issues.
Thanks for sharing and I do have and use the decapping die , I like a clean primer pocket and I may be o c d about some stuff ,LOL
Yep, hit a berdan 308 the other day :(
I dry tumble first, then full length resize decap in the same step, then primer pocket clean. Every reloader has own preferences for our workflows.
hi,whats is correct ammunition lenght 308 cal 175 gr Sierra Match King bullet ,to CBTO ,ogive ?
I decap first on an old Rock Chucker with a Mighty Armory decapping die with the spring...
Ok, I am confused. I am new and have a 4 die set from Lee, do I use this die or another? Case lube?
I only do it on 338 Lapua as a separate step. Everything else gets sized and has the primer removed at the same time.
I prefer to clean first, then decap. If the primer pocket is empty, it fills with cleaning media and is hard to get out.
From my wifes phone. Question I have for a long time. Checked with saami to no avail. What is the concentrity of the flash hole to the case outside of the case. This would allow me to put locator on the hornady neck turner, the shell holder side, to remove out of concentrity when mounting the case.
223 holds water inside unless it is decapped. Just easier to decap them first.
talking no show the results is waste of time in my life talk is talk vs doing it
The Lee decapping pin is inexpensively replaceable.
When you say that you use your Redding large décaper for .338, are you meaning Lapua, or would I need one to reload .338 Win. Magnum?
I mean lapua, but my guess would be both
If a decapping die is optional, how do you remove the primer without one?
Most sizing dies come with a decapping pin integrated with a expander ball.
@@BoltActionReloading Thank you, found it and am decapping primers like a pro.
I think missing about the setup for the decapper is setting the correct tension on the pin. Saw videos on setting that up. Youw ant enough tension to push the primers out, but not enough to keep the pin in place if it misses the flash hole and hits brass.
Emailed you
Your title and vodeo is not matching. You review the materials you used to remove primer.😂 But no video on removing primer
What ammo uses a small flash hole please and thanks
From what I've seen, it seems random, well when buying brass it will be label, SPR, (small pocket )or something to that affect.
Lapua has Small Flasholes, i dont know of others / i only use Lapua and RUAG Brass (Norma RWS Geco Sako all together are RUAG Ammotec / Beretta and the Brass is interchangeable propably all from the same Machine with different Headstamps)
@@lenzadlberger thanks i do have Lapua 308 win brass coincidently delivered yesterday. Will have to check the holes out
Bro, do you happen to have a used "LARGE RIFLE PRIMER" or "MAGNUM RIFLE PRIMER"?
I searched the internet to make a decorative dummy bullet, but I couldn't find a place to sell the used primer
so I'm leaving a comment.
If you have used primers in storage, please leave me a comment I'll buy it.
Why add another step? Tumble, size n decap all in one. Sure I tumble again to get the lube off but it's worth it to work with clean brass from the start
You tumble twice. I just wipe of the brass with a rag.
Help bullet key chain mr.
Boop
Ooop… is that a beard?…
Are you getting closer to being ready to transition from hand model to person?
Your video’s will be better if we can see you. It’s more relatable and gives the content personality.
Cheers!