Part 2d: Depriming and Resizing Brass

Depriming and Resizing Brass

In this segment I am going to talk about the process of depriming and resizing your brass. We are finally getting into some fun stuff!

The first thing I want to discuss is how to adjust your dies. I found the RCBS instructions to be a little confusing. So here are the steps in my words:

1. Insert the shell holder you are going to use into the press
   

   223/556 Dented Brass (Too Much Lube)

2. Run the press all the way up as far as it goes
3. Screw in the resizing die until you feel it hit the shell holder
4. Lower the press all the way back down
5. Screw the die 1/8 or 1/4 of a turn and tighten the black lock nut
6. Run the press all the way up as far as it goes again. You should feel the press cam over center

Here is the official RCBS die instruction pamphlet 

I like to resize and deprime my brass in the same step. Before you can start this process you need to lube the brass.

1. Apply case lube to the pad  Be sure not to apply too much or you will dent your brass during resizing. If you dent your brass throw it away. Using it could
   

   RCBS Resizing/Depriming Die

   potentially cause increased pressure and cause catastrophic failure to your gun or injury.

2. Take about 6-8 pieces of brass and roll them on the pad
3. Take the brush, rub it on the pad (or apply lube directly), and swab the inside of the necks

Now your almost ready to resize and deprime. But first you will need to adjust your depriming pin. These steps aren’t in the RCBS instructions but I thought they may be useful:

1. Unscrew the nut which locks in the depriming pin.
2. Unscrew the depriming pin far enough were its into the press frame.
3. Run the press all the way up to the top.
4. Screw in the depriming pin just past the point in the shell holder were the primer would be if a piece of brass was inserted.
5. Screw the nut which locks in the depriming pin.
6. Now put your lubed brass in the press and resize your first piece. As it resizes the primer will pop out. If it doesn’t repeat steps 1-5.

The reason that I execute the above steps is because I found that if you have your depriming pin  excessively extended it increases the chance that it could snap. I had some old 30-06 brass that I broke 3 pins on; I wasn’t very happy so I started using this method.

Now that your die is adjusted for resizing and depriming you shouldn’t have to adjust it again for a very long time. I create a repeatable process and get in a rhythm. Before long you will have all your brass ready to go for the final cleaning which is the next step.