Understanding the Problem: Why Replace the Decapping Pin?
Common causes of decapping pin failure:
The art of reloading ammunition is a blend of precision, patience, and a deep understanding of how things work. It’s a rewarding hobby, allowing shooters to tailor their ammunition to their specific firearms and shooting needs. A crucial step in the reloading process is removing the spent primer from a used cartridge case. This is where the RCBS decapping die plays its essential role, and more specifically, where the RCBS decapping pin does the heavy lifting. But what happens when that vital pin breaks, bends, or simply wears out? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the RCBS decapping pin replacement process, ensuring you can keep your reloading operation running smoothly.
Understanding the issues surrounding your reloading equipment, especially your RCBS dies, is key. A properly functioning decapping system is critical for efficient and safe reloading. Neglecting a damaged or malfunctioning decapping pin can lead to significant problems, from damaged brass to potentially dangerous malfunctions during the reloading process. The goal of this article is to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a successful RCBS decapping pin replacement, restoring your die to optimal performance.
The world of reloading involves a complex interplay of forces, and the decapping pin is subject to considerable stress. Over time, the RCBS decapping pin may fail. This can be due to a variety of factors, and knowing these reasons is vital to prevent problems and to know how to react when it happens.
One primary cause of decapping pin failure is the condition of the primer pockets themselves. Cases that have crimped primers, often found in military surplus brass, can place significant stress on the pin. A crimped primer is designed to grip the primer pocket firmly, and forcing the decapping pin through this can lead to breakage or bending. Similarly, if debris, such as small pieces of primer compound or foreign objects, finds its way into the primer pocket, it can obstruct the pin and cause it to fail. Regular inspection of your brass, especially if you’re using a lot of military brass, can help to prevent this common issue.
Another critical factor is proper die setup. If the decapping die is not adjusted correctly, the decapping pin might be forced too far down into the case, resulting in bending or breaking. Conversely, if the die isn’t set up at all, the primer may not even be decapped. Understanding the correct adjustment procedures will keep your equipment working as intended.
Then, consider the inevitable wear and tear. Over time, the constant impact and pressure exerted on the decapping pin, even under ideal circumstances, can lead to fatigue and eventually, failure. This is especially true for reloaders who process a large volume of brass. It’s a natural part of the reloading process; a decapping pin is a consumable part, and replacement is sometimes necessary.
Recognizing the signs of a worn or damaged decapping pin is crucial. A broken or severely bent pin is immediately obvious. You may see the pin physically broken. Less obvious, but equally problematic, is a slightly bent pin. This can cause the pin to drag and create problems during decapping. Another indication is difficulty decapping cases. If you find yourself struggling to remove primers from your cases, the decapping pin may be dull or misaligned. Finally, examine the primers themselves. Damaged or distorted primers may be a sign that the decapping pin is improperly configured, bent, or broken.
Timely replacement of a damaged decapping pin is critical to prevent more significant problems. Continuing to use a broken or bent pin can damage your brass, marring the primer pocket or even ruining the case entirely. In severe cases, the pin can become lodged within the case, requiring more complex extraction methods. More importantly, a stuck pin can also damage the decapping die itself, necessitating more costly repairs or even the need for an entire die replacement. Preventing these issues is a cornerstone of safe and efficient reloading.
Gathering the Necessary Supplies and Tools
Before you begin the RCBS decapping pin replacement process, you need to have all the necessary items readily available. This will ensure the procedure goes smoothly and efficiently.
First and foremost, you’ll need the RCBS decapping die itself. This will obviously depend on the specific caliber you’re reloading. The specific model of the die should be known. For example, you might be working with an RCBS Universal Decapping Die or an RCBS die specifically for a particular cartridge. This information is necessary to obtain the correct replacement pin.
The most important item to acquire is the replacement decapping pin itself. Be sure to order the correct size and type for your specific die. This usually involves identifying the die’s part number or the caliber it’s designed for. You can typically find this information on the die itself, in the original packaging, or in the RCBS product documentation. RCBS and other manufacturers offer a wide variety of replacement pins to suit different die models and case sizes.
Next, you’ll need a small punch. A punch will be useful for removing the old pin and installing the new one. A punch helps to apply controlled force to the decapping pin without damaging other parts of the die. Make sure it is small enough to fit the components of your die.
While not strictly essential, a small mallet or hammer is often helpful. This tool can be used in conjunction with the small punch to tap the old pin loose or gently seat the new one. A mallet provides more controlled force than a standard hammer, minimizing the risk of damaging the die or the pin.
Cleaning supplies are a good addition. While replacing the pin, it is a good idea to inspect the die for any debris or buildup. Use a gun cleaner or solvent to clean the die and remove any buildup, ensuring that the die is working properly. This can also extend the life of your equipment. A cloth or paper towels will also be helpful.
Finally, and most importantly, always wear safety glasses. Eye protection is paramount when working with reloading equipment. The risk of flying metal fragments or debris during the disassembly and reassembly process necessitates proper eye protection.
Where to obtain these items is also important. Replacement RCBS decapping pins and other reloading supplies can be purchased from a variety of sources. The most direct option is the RCBS website, which offers a comprehensive selection of replacement parts and accessories. RCBS also has excellent customer service and can assist you in finding the right parts.
Local gun stores are another excellent resource. Gun stores often carry a range of reloading components and accessories, including RCBS replacement parts. These stores offer the advantage of in-person shopping, allowing you to inspect the parts before purchasing.
Online retailers are another option, such as Amazon or specialty reloading websites. These retailers typically offer a vast selection of products and competitive prices. Be sure to order from a reputable source and carefully verify that you’re ordering the correct pin for your die.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Replacement
Once you have all the necessary tools and replacement parts, you can begin the RCBS decapping pin replacement process. The process is relatively straightforward, but it is important to work carefully and methodically.
First and foremost, prioritize safety. Before you even touch the die, put on your safety glasses. Make sure the die is unloaded and away from any live primers. This is a fundamental safety precaution. This prevents accidents that can occur when the die is being worked on.
Begin by removing the die from your reloading press. Simply loosen the lock ring and unscrew the die. Remove the die body. This makes it easier to work with and manipulate during the disassembly process.
Next, you need to identify the key components of the die. The primary parts are the die body itself, the decapping pin assembly, and the lock ring. These can be of various designs, depending on the specific RCBS die model.
Carefully unscrew the decapping pin assembly from the main die body. Depending on the die design, this assembly might be threaded into the body or held in place by a set screw. Be careful not to overtighten or strip the threads.
The next step involves removing the decapping pin itself from its holder. This may involve a variety of methods, depending on the specific design. In many cases, the pin is held in place by friction or a retaining clip. The method of release varies. Sometimes, the pin is held in place with friction. Use the small punch to carefully tap the pin out of its holder. Use the mallet, if required, to apply gentle force. Ensure that you are supporting the assembly to prevent any damage.
Once the old decapping pin is removed, clean the decapping pin holder. If there is debris, remove it before inserting the new decapping pin. Make sure the new decapping pin is properly seated.
Carefully insert the new decapping pin into the decapping pin holder. Double-check for proper alignment. Ensure that the pin is seated correctly and that there are no obstructions.
Then, reassemble the die. Screw the decapping pin assembly back into the die body, ensuring that it’s firmly seated. Tighten it securely, but avoid over-tightening.
Now that you have reassembled the decapping die, a final step is to do a quick inspection. Double-check that all parts are secure and that there are no loose components. Lubricate the die for easier operation.
Adjusting and Testing the Decapping Die
Proper adjustment of the decapping die is critical for optimal performance and to avoid damaging your brass or the die itself. After replacing the pin, you need to set the decapping depth correctly.
The primary goal of adjustment is to ensure the decapping pin penetrates the primer pocket sufficiently to push out the spent primer without deforming the case or the pin. To do this, install the decapping die back into the reloading press.
Use a fired case. Raise the ram of the reloading press. Then, slowly lower the die until the decapping pin just begins to contact the primer pocket. Now, make small adjustments to the die. With the ram still raised, slightly lower the die to decapping the case. With the ram lowered, inspect the case. Adjust further until the case is decapped successfully. Make only very small adjustments.
Once you have completed the adjustment, perform a function check. Decap several cases and examine the decapped primer pockets. The primers should be cleanly removed, and the primer pockets should not be damaged.
If there are any issues, troubleshoot them immediately. If the decapping pin isn’t reaching the primer, the die is set too high, or the pin is set too low. This will require adjusting the die until it reaches the case head, or adjusting the pin itself, based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the pin is hitting the case head, the die is set too low, and you need to adjust it. If you find it difficult to remove the primers, the pin may need adjustment, or there may be a problem with the primer pocket itself.
Maintaining Equipment and Preventing Future Problems
Once the decapping pin has been replaced and the die is functioning properly, you can do some things to extend the life of your equipment. Prevent problems with these tips.
Perform a regular inspection of the decapping pin. This can be done at intervals that are consistent with your reloading volume. Inspecting the pin before and after each reloading session, or after a set number of reloads, can help prevent failures.
Cleaning your equipment is also very important. Regularly clean the die and the primer pockets. This will help to remove any debris that might damage your equipment.
Lubricate your reloading dies. Friction is an enemy of all reloading processes. The more friction in the system, the more chance of damage. The proper lubrication will keep all components functioning as intended.
Implement preventative measures to reduce future decapping pin failures. Inspect all cases prior to reloading to look for signs of damage. Ensure the die is properly adjusted to prevent any damage.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Reloading in Top Shape
Replacing the decapping pin is a relatively simple process, and with the right knowledge and tools, any reloader can successfully complete this task. By understanding the causes of pin failure, gathering the necessary supplies, and following the step-by-step instructions, you can restore your RCBS decapping die to its optimal performance.
Remember to always prioritize safety, and to take the time to perform regular maintenance and inspection to ensure the longevity of your reloading equipment.
You’ve now been empowered with the knowledge to conquer any problems. By having an understanding of the decapping pin replacement process, you can prevent unnecessary downtime. Reloading is more than a hobby; it’s a craft.
