Lee Universal Decapper & 6.5x47L

[ThunderDownUnder]

I clean my cases before reloading and decided to get the Lee 90292 universal decapper. The idea being, since I use the Redding Type S Match die set, I would be running dirty brass thru the neck sizing bush to decap and I dont want to continue doing that.

Well I discovered the handy "universal" decapper from Lee decapped my 223R cases but not my 6.5x47L cases. The flash hole is smaller in the 6.5x47L,Lapua make these cases strong) than in the 223R. I measured the Lee decapping pin diam and it was 0.062" whereas my Redding decapping pin measured 0.056".

So I still have to use my Redding die to decap and neck size until Lee offer a smaller diameter decapping pin. It was a good idea but didn't quite work out for me. I have emailed Lee Precision in the hope that they might offer a smaller decapping pin and make their very handy universal tool, truly universal.

 

[Fred Bohl]

You have a couple of choices:

Take the pin out of your Lee decapper and reduce it down to your desired diameter - I actually put it in the lathe and file it down. You may want to get three spares - leave two as is for large flash holes and reduce the other two for small flash holes,one active and one spare of each).

The alternative would be to get the Redding Decapper Die and order two small dia pins and one spare large pin - one active of each size and one spare of each size.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

You have a couple of choices:

Take the pin out of your Lee decapper and reduce it down to your desired diameter - I actually put it in the lathe and file it down. You may want to get three spares - leave two as is for large flash holes and reduce the other two for small flash holes,one active and one spare of each).

The alternative would be to get the Redding Decapper Die and order two small dia pins and one spare large pin - one active of each size and one spare of each size.

Thanks for the file idea, I will try that using a drill instead of a lathe!

 

[jdfletch]

I contacted Lee a few months ago. I talked with several people and none knew that their "universal" decapping rod was not universal... After a considerable length of time explaining that smaller flash holes,BR) do actually exist, they stated that they have no plans to create a smaller decapping rod. FYI.

Doug

 

[fdshuster]

Had the same problem with the RCBS Universal decapping die: their pin diameter is also too large for ppc & BR. Took the pin out, put it in a drill press, and used a jewelers fine file to reduce the dia. to fit the smaller flash holes, leaving the larger "top" dia. for a good hold in the collet. "Universal" it is not.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

The pin in the drill didn't work for me, as the pin is hardened and all the file could do was polish it. I got out the trusty dremel with a grindstone attachment and spun the pin in the drill while grinding. It worked really well and I now have a uniform 0.056" pin. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Well Lee Precision answered the email I sent to them informing them that their universal tool is not really universal.

Here is the reply I received...

"Thank you for your letter, I will pass a copy along to Mr. Lee. We are aware of the problem, and considered reducing the diameter down to .055 inch for the reason you found, but in testing we found that when reduced to this diameter the pin was much easier to break. There are only a few cartridge case manufacturers who make cases with the smaller diameter flash holes. The vast majority use the SAAMI standard diameter of .062 inch."

Its a fair comment and shows they dont intend to sell equipment thats not reliable. There is a solution to this problem and I have answered their email with the following suggestion...

"Why not include another decapping pin with spindle at the 0.055" along with the larger decapping pin and spindle at 0.062" that you now supply as standard. I would only be too happy to pay for the additional cost of including the smaller decapping pin in the kit, which would then be the only true universal decapping tool available. Put me down as the first to order your new decapping tool with both pin sizes included and set yet another first for Lee Tools."

These guys make some unique tools for shooters and I hope they can see fit to add another decapping pin to their universal decapping die.