RCBS decapping pins for Lapua brass with 0.057" flash holes??

[BlueWater]

Problem: Cannot seem to get RCBS to specify and send me the correct, 0.057" compatible headed decapping pins for the RCBS #87580 Universal Depriming & Decapping die.

First, ordered the die based on the part number they'd indicated, asking specifically for the one that'd support the smaller flash hole size. Instead, it came with the standard, fatter pin. Won't work.

Next, called RCBS to get the correct part number for the smaller-sized, replacement headed-type pins that would work with the 0.057"-sized flash holes on the Lapua SRP brass. Ordered and was sent the #90164 Headed Decapping Pins pack ... but, again, they're the standard, "fat" ones. Won't work.

Is there a trick to this? A different part number that not all of the RCBS customer service folks know of? Do I need to consult the Ouija board first, before calling? Anyone done this ordering "dance" previously ... and, if so, how to get RCBS to get it right?

Or, is the RCBS decapping die simply not the right way to go if using the Lapua SRP smaller-flash-hole brass?

Reloading setup: Redding T-7 turret press, RCBS Universal Decapping Die, 6.5mm Creedmoor, Lapua brass with small rifle primer pockets.

 

[RedfootRanch]

Based upon my experience, a 'universal' decapping die pins are designed for .080" flash holes. I don't find in the RCBS catalog anything regarding a small flash hole stem/pin for a their universal die.

Lapua runs a 1.5mm flash hole in SR primer pockets. A new box of Lapua SRP brass I have is labeled "Small Flash Hole...1.5mm/0.059"". I use a Lee Universal decapping die for all brass other than .17 cal and small flash hole brass. For that I use a Redding 69100 (Small Decapping Die 22 cal - 50 cal) with a 69250 (Optional 17 caliber rod, "An optional decapping rod for this die is designed to work with all 17 caliber cases and will accommodate the small .060” flash holes found on the BR and PPC cases."

At the time I needed this setup, Might Armory did not offer such but I believe they do now, and there may also be other options.

 

[Texas10]

I had no problem getting decapping pins from RCBS for the Lapua brass. I called customer service and they sent 2 along with the other parts of the decapping stem too at no charge. I hope your experience is not a trend.

 

[AlNyhus]

RCBS calls their .057 pins 'Xtra Small'.
RCBS specifically references the .057 dimension in their catalog when they describe the 'Xtra Small' pin.
So, if you asked for 'Small', they sent what you asked for.
Those Xtra Small pins may or may not work in that universal decapping die....

 

[BlueWater]

Well, the couple of CS folks I've spoken with at RCBS haven't known about the distinctions, apparently, despite clearly indicating that the pins they had identified would work with the small-hole Lapua brass.

With the universal decapping die, there's a rod and headed pin assembly, and the rod doesn't come with the sizing mandrel as part of it.

The headed pin types are required, then, if retaining this rod/pin assembly.

But the non-headed "X-small" pins aren't compatible with the rod assembly that comes with the die.

Perhaps RCBS has the right pins (or rod) for this die to work effectively on the Lapua small-hole brass. If not, I'll consider one of the other makers (Lee, Redding, whomever). It's a beefy-looking die, and I'm all for getting it to work. We'll see.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Well, the couple of CS folks I've spoken with at RCBS haven't known about the distinctions, apparently, despite clearly indicating that the pins they had identified would work with the small-hole Lapua brass.

With the universal decapping die, there's a rod and headed pin assembly, and the rod doesn't come with the sizing mandrel as part of it.

The headed pin types are required, then, if retaining this rod/pin assembly.

But the non-headed "X-small" pins aren't compatible with the rod assembly that comes with the die.

Perhaps RCBS has the right pins (or rod) for this die to work effectively on the Lapua small-hole brass. If not, I'll consider one of the other makers (Lee, Redding, whomever). It's a beefy-looking die, and I'm all for getting it to work. We'll see.

I see where a lot of people dress the Lee pin down to a acceptable size, looks like it would work on this also.

 

[joshb]

I see where a lot of people dress the Lee pin down to a acceptable size, looks like it would work on this also.

That’s what I did. I wanted it now so I chucked a pin in a drill and honed it down on an old sharpening stone. Took 10 minutes.

 

[GLShooter]

That’s what I did. I wanted it now so I chucked a pin in a drill and honed it down on an old sharpening stone. Took 10 minutes.

I also turned the shaft down on mine to go into 17 caliber necks.

Greg

 

[D-4297]

Should you decide to "turn" it down , sand it , what-ever . Reduce the diameter of the pin down to .055 , simply to have some clearance in the flash-hole for "floating" the pin thru the hole , as the pin lines up with the primer , so as not to damage the case . That's safer than damaging those expensive cases . Ask me how I learned this ....The hard way .

 

[BlueWater]

Called RCBS.

Ended up with this: a couple of the the #9839 Decap Unit for 0.057" flash holes. Which is compatible with the 0.057" flash holes.

The rod+pin that comes with the 87580 Decapping Die for .22-.45, which will handle 6.5mm but has the larger-diameter headed pins only. And replacement headed pins only come in the fat-diameter flavor.

The spare #9839 decapping rod+pin assembly is different than the rod+pin that comes with the decapping die. It's of the non-headed-pin variety, and it comes only with the expander ball as part of it. But it's specifically designed for the 0.057" flash holes. Can't use the X-Small pins in it, apparently, as those spare pins don't seem to allow the rod to hold them properly when swapped in. Strange, when what seems to be a X-Small pin in the delivered #9839 unit seems to be the same as the spare X-Small pins. But RCBS has indicated that with their lifetime warranty against breakage on the rod+pin assembly, it's simple enough to call them for a replacement if needed. I've got two of the units, so I should be fine even if one does break in future.


Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Much appreciated.

 

[KMart]

Another "work around" would be to buy a Forster decapping assembly with the small pin. The Forster assembly will screw into the RCBS dies just fine.

My "universal" decapping die is a Forster 7 Remington Magnum F/L die that otherwise gets little use. I put the small pin in the decapping assy. Also Forster makes the pins in 2 lengths

 

[jackieschmidt]

The usual procedure among Short Range Benchrest Shooters is to simply run a 1/16 drill in the flash holes. You can get a 1/16 drill and a pin vice at Home Depot.