Depriming by hand

[nrobertb]

From time to time I see a U-Tube video that talks about using a ground down nail to knock out spent primers. This method certainly works and I used to use it myself.

I think there is a better easier way though. Go to the hardware store and buy a 1/16" pin punch, It is just the right size to pass through the flash hole, will never bend like a nail might, and is easier to handle.

[Ozzman]

Question: Which calibers would you do this for and why?
You still have to resize.

I use the Lee Universal Decapping die only on my .30-06 cases before I throw them into the tumbler or the sonic cleaner.
Much faster than a punch or a nail.
Either way, I still need to neck size or FL size to get them going again.

[nrobertb]

The dies for some of the large cases like ,577-450 are for full length resizing. I only fire them in one rifle, so don't want that constant reworking of the brass. I take out the decapping rod and just run the case far enough into the die to firmly hold a bullet. Then I decap by hand. I only do 25 at a time so it isn't a big deal.

[patrick_ford]

I use a Lee Universal de-capper, especially for my black powder cartridges prior to cleaning. You could always unscrew your full length sizing die until it doesn't touch the shoulder and see if the de-capping pin can still do its job. Either way, if your nail or pin punch works for you, more power to you.

[rickplayer]

RCBS universal decapper

[Kurt]

I am not that familiar with the 577 & 450 but I set my 303 sizing die just so it de-caps and touches up the neck.

[rickplayer]

I use the decapper out of a full length sizing die.

[nrobertb]

Well, you silver tongued rascals, you talked me into it...getting a universal decapper, that is.

I went to the Midway website and read the reviews for both the Lee and RCBS versions. I decided on the Lee because it was cheaper. Most of my dies are Lee and I know they make good products.

I''ll be using it on commercial cases in military rifle calibers. I tried it tonight on a batch of 8mm Mauser and it worked like a champ.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[daboone]

For off press decapping I use the Harvey hand deprimer or the FA Hand deprimer.

http://www.harveydeprimer.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsena ... 00RPABDZO