Newbie Mistakes

[Norm99]

Well, just resized my first once-fired 300sav cases. The first 3 shells had dents in the shoulders, (to heavy on the lube?) and then the decapping pin (?) of my rcbs die fell out. I put it back in and then it plied up. I guess I had it protruding to far down? Anyways, I then finished my shells (60) with a second Herters die. I'm now cleaning the pockets. Qustions:
1. Can you buy the decapping pins?
2. Do you need to deburr the flash holes? I know you can buy the RCBS tool but I don't have one.

The trimming comes next! Thanks for your help.

 

[Ripstop]

Talk to RCBS and they will probably send you new decapping pins free of charge. I have a die just for the decapping process and set the pin just slightly lower than the face of the shell plate.

You don't really need to deburr the flash holes but if you are very serious about accuracy, every little bit helps. You can also use a drill very gently to scrape off a burr but drill points are 118 degrees and the deburr tool is 90 degrees.

Too much lube will hydraulic dents in the shoulders. You cannot compress a liquid.

Ruining a couple of cases when you just start out is normal. You do not need all the equipment all at once to reload but as time goes by, you will find that some stuff is quite nice to have around.

Good luck and enjoy yourself. Once you get the hang of things, you will be very satisfied with what you are making.

 

[Norm99]

Thanks for the reply. I might email RCBS and see if I can get a pin. I just finished trimming a few brass to the recommended length, and decided to stop for night. I did find out that the Herter's pin will not fit the Rcbs die. It should be fun.

 

[beretta boy]

RCBS 5 -pin replacement packs aren't expensive ( maybe $ 5.00 )
& it's good to have a spare or two.

Agree... probably too much lube .. or the little vent hole in the die body may be plugged.

Make sure your de-capping pin is tight and extends about 3/16 below the base of the die as it says in the RCBS instruction sheet that comes with the die.

Lots of good info in the front of the Sierra & Hornady Manuals about the reloading process.

Get yourself a good vernier dial or digital read-out caliper that reads in thousandths BEFORE you start case trimming. It's a tool you will use frequently for lots of measuring besides reloading.

Go cautiuously, THINK about what your doing & have fun / enjoy the hobby.