Reloading Series: Universal Decapping
Introduction
Hi everyone, Caleb and Steve from Brownells here! Welcome back to our reloading series. In today’s video, we’re focusing on decapping, specifically using a universal decapping die. We’ve mentioned this tool in previous videos, and today we’ll explain why it’s so valuable and how to use it efficiently. Let’s get started!
Why Use a Universal Decapping Die?
So, Steve, why would we want to use a universal decapping die? Well, it all comes down to preserving your expensive sizing dies. When you decap your brass before cleaning it, you’re saving your sizing die from unnecessary wear and tear. Dirty brass can be abrasive, and running it through a sizing die just to remove the primer isn’t ideal. By using a universal decapping die, you’re only knocking out the spent primer and leaving the rest of the case untouched.
Benefits of Using a Separate Decapping Die
Steve explains that a crimped primer can be seated pretty tightly in the case, and that’s where the universal decapping die shines. These dies are built to be robust, like a tank, and can handle even the most stubborn primers. Using a decapping die is great for anyone who likes to clean their brass before resizing, which helps prevent grime from getting into your expensive sizing dies. Plus, the decapping die only interacts with the primer pocket and doesn’t touch the body of the case, reducing the risk of case damage.
Setting Up the Decapping Die
Now let’s walk through setting up the universal decapping die. We start by raising the ram on our reloading press to its highest point. Then, we screw the decapping die down until it touches the shell holder. It’s that simple. Once the die is in place, you’re ready to decap your brass.
Decapping Brass Demonstration
Here comes the fun part—decapping! Place a piece of brass in the shell holder, run the ram up, and voila, the spent primer is punched right out of the case. It’s quick and efficient, leaving you with a case that’s ready for cleaning. Once decapped, your brass is prepared for the next steps in your reloading process.
Family-Friendly Decapping Tips
Decapping is a straightforward task, and it’s something the whole family can get involved with. Steve shares that he set up his decapping station and gave his kids a little safety briefing before letting them take over. It’s a great way to get younger family members engaged in the reloading process, and it turns a necessary step into a fun and productive activity. Whether it’s your kids, grandkids, or even your parents, anyone can do it!
Cleaning Brass After Decapping
Once the primers are out, your brass is ready for cleaning. Whether you prefer using a tumbler or an ultrasonic cleaner, make sure you’re getting the primer pockets clean as well. If you’re using media in your cleaning process, check the pockets afterward to ensure no media is stuck inside.
Clearing Media from Primer Pockets
Steve gives a tip for dealing with cleaning media stuck in the primer pockets: don’t try to dig it out with anything sharp. Instead, use compressed air to blow the media out. This method is quick and prevents any damage to the case or pocket. Just give each case a good blast of air, and you’ll be good to go.
Using the Sizing Die for Additional Decapping
If you find media stuck in the primer pockets even after cleaning, there’s another option. You can leave the decapping rod in your sizing die. When you resize the case later, the decapping rod will help clear out any remaining media. It’s a helpful backup plan that ensures your brass is clean and ready for priming.
Closing Remarks and Support
And that’s all there is to it! Using a universal decapping die is a simple and effective way to decap your brass without causing unnecessary wear on your sizing dies. If you have any questions or want to see more reloading content, let us know in the comments below. And as always, if you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call on the Brownells Tech Line. We’re here to help with all your reloading needs. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you next time!
