Lee Universal Decapping Die- Help Needed

[hiredgun]

I am new to reloading and need help setting up my brand new Lee Universal Decapping Die. I screwed it in like a FL die, touching the shell holder and then tightening down. I then inserted a fired 223 brass, and the primer was not removed. Screwing the die in an extra turn did nothing; there is no feel of the "pin" of the decapper touching the spent primer. At the top of the die, there is a bolt adjuster that probably adjusts the pin lower in the die, but this is speculation on my behalf. Logically the pin might be set a the factory for a larger cartridge (308 or 30/06) and must be lower for the smaller 223, but who knows? Before I get out my wrench set, I seek advice from more experienced reloaders. Thanks.

 

[tiriaq]

Yes, adjust the decapping stem until spent primers are pushed out. It is held using a collet system. One wrench on the die body flats, another on the "nut" on top. Loosen, slide the stem, retighten. There is no reason for the die body to contact the shellholder.

 

[BEARMAN]

goto www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/tworeloadingtools/index.asp

 

[stickhunter]

Also, make sure that the pin is clean of any oil/dirt where the nut/collect tightens down on it. Be forewarned (and I think the Lee instructions mention this), you may have to really torque down on that nut to keep the pin from slipping.

I use the Lee universal decapping and for my 35 rem cases, he pin is set flush with the top of the collet.

 

[Winnipeg Toymaker]

Yes mine too....even with the top of the collet. Visually you must see the pin sticking out of the bottom of the die about 1/4 to 3/8 inch.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Bring the shellholder up to the die. I like the die to be just off the shellholder. Move the rod down until the tip of the decapping pin is below the hole in the shellholder.

Problem solved for any cartridge you want to decap.

Jerry