Which decapping pin?

[justmerc]

Hey guys, I searched around but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Broke the decapping pin on my RCBS .223 die (#11101). I thought until I got some new ones, I would use the pin from my .243 die since they're both headed and the headed pins only come in one size.

The .243 pin is larger and won't fit. Can someone confirm which decapping pins I need for my .223 die set? I see the small size pins, but they aren't headed, so I'm afraid they'll fall right out.

 

[Reloadron]

RCBS small pin is about .060" and large pin is about .070". What do you mean by "headed"? There are 2 sizes, small and large diameter and you want small for 223 / 5.56.

Oh wait, when you say headed you mean this type?
https://reloadingunlimited.com/product/rcbs-headed-decapping-pin/?gclid=COmz67HM68kCFRCqaQodMmYH2g

Ron

 

[justmerc]

Your reply made me curious, Reloadron, so I looked a little closer. There are indeed 3 options. Large, small, and headed (for newer dies).

It's completely my bad though. I looked in better light, and the expanding ball was actually damaged and not allowing the .243 decapping pin to fit correctly, giving me a false impression of what size I needed.

I suppose a mod could delete this since it's user error, but I do appreciate you taking time to reply. Thank you!

 

[Rule3]

Just call RCBS and tell them what exact dies you have and they will send you a lifetime of pins for free.

 

[justmerc]

That might be worth a shot to call then. Thanks, Rule3!

 

[Reloadron]

Your reply made me curious, Reloadron, so I looked a little closer. There are indeed 3 options. Large, small, and headed (for newer dies).

It's completely my bad though. I looked in better light, and the expanding ball was actually damaged and not allowing the .243 decapping pin to fit correctly, giving me a false impression of what size I needed.

I suppose a mod could delete this since it's user error, but I do appreciate you taking time to reply. Thank you!

No problem, follow upo with Rule 3 option and give RCBS a call. They will send you one free and then in time buy a stash. I try to keep some of each and can't even recall the last one I broke.

Ron

 

[Reefinmike]

Like rule3 suggested, call rcbs and they will set you up. I called them looking to get a .002 larger expanding ball for lead 300blk bullets. Also asked for a spare pin. Three days later i had 6 spare pins and an entire decapping ball/expander ball assembly no charge!

 

[Rule3]

That might be worth a shot to call then. Thanks, Rule3!

I would not call on Monday Morning though. Call later afternoon.

 

[justmerc]

I'll definitely give that a shot then. Since I'm still kinda new to reloading, I didn't even realize that the decapping pin was an expendable part and I freaked out when it broke, haha. Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate it.

 

[gamestalker]

There are actually a couple different types depending on how old the die is.

The collet type, which is what they used on the older dies.

Then the one's that have a flat head, which is the newer design.

As for the size difference, that's something I've never noticed, I've not ever broken a pin, so I've never had to use one from another die, or order one from RCBS.

GS

 

[FROGO207]

I have gone to the hardware store and purchased a package of wire brads of the correct size and cut the head off to get me by until I got more decapping pins. Worked OK for me with the collet style decapper. If the expander ball is boogered up as well they will also send that if you ask. Paying a premium for the dies when purchased new gets you really super customer service now even if you are not the original owner.

 

[gamestalker]

You got that right Frogo, RCBS has never charged me a dime for anything of their's that failed or broke. Great products, and legendary customer service.

GS