problem with my RCBS .308 dies

[growr]

I have a set of RCBS dies for .308 Win. that uses the friction style of decapping rod instead of the threaded.

My problem is no matter how tight I have things the decapping rod just slides up and down like there is nothing holding it in place.

Any ideas? Seems like there is something missing here.

Randy

PS. I might just send them to RCBS and let them deal with it.......

 

[serger]

in the past I used 100 grit sand paper to
rough up the decapping rod when that
happened.

Failing that, I have had to use the Lee
military decapping punch and mandrel.

I'm "assuming" this isn't GI brass.

 

[mtgianni]

I have gone so far as gripping the crimp area on the stem with a pair of pliers to increase the friction in that area. As stated above, make sure your not trying it on crimped in primers.

 

[Drm50]

RCBS primer decapping pins come out on return stroke. Take stem out and remove 308 button gently squeeze fingers of collet, reassemble. If you are running GI, some imports or grungy brass that has layed around for years is when pins stick.

 

[M29since14]

I knew Hornady made dies like that, but was not aware RCBS had gone that route. Hornady fixed the problem by manufacturing new decapping rods with grooves that seem to solve the problem. Naturally, I had to buy the new rod, and it wasn’t cheap. (Paying to fix their original poor design. ) Anyway, if RCBS has gone this route…

 

[maxfam]

Call/email RCBS. They will send you a replacement decaping assembly. BEST customer service in the industry.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

I decap (deprime, if you prefer) all calibers with dedicated depriming dies, both the LEE & RCBS versions. It is an extra step, to be sure, but well worth the time IMHO.

I do this prior to wet tumbling and use the resizing dies on the clean cases. If there happened to be a SS pin in the primer pocket these are taken out in this step. It allows the sizing die to ONLY resize the brass. I also routinely check primer pockets for crimp when I trim cases for reloading as well. Once initially trimmed they should be good for many reloading cycles.

This, of course, applies most directly to reloading military ammo in 5.56 & 7.62 x 51 calibers.

Cheers!

P.S. My resizing dies all still look new. I believe this process (and proper case lubrication) results in no stuck cases, which are no fun at all!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Call/email RCBS. They will send you a replacement decaping assembly. BEST customer service in the industry.

After Dillon.........

 

[243winxb]

Not RCBS? Been using RCBS since 1970. Never seen one. Photo please.

LEE makes them.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Not RCBS? Been using RCBS since 1970. Never seen one. Photo please.

LEE makes them.

RCBS #87585 .27-.45"' Decapping Die (Heavy Duty)

(Also a #87580 for .22-.26" : I use the LEE Die for this.)

Cheers!

 

[growr]

For those that need pics...

about as RCBS as it gets!

 

[ReloadforFun]

I don't believe RCBS's foray into collet type decapping spindles lasted for long and were discontinued. I'll have to check to be certain.

I've never cared for collet type decapping spindles in any event.

Online they only have their 2019 catalog, but it does not show any dies using collet type decapping rods tat I can see.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

On the different problem of the decapping pin getting stuck in the spent primer. I called RCBD CS and they offered a kit that "Knocks or jiggles the spent primer off. They also told me that this is a recent problem and come from the newer decapping pins being rounded on the end (both in new dies and replacement pins). Take a file and flatten the end of the pin and go about your merry business.

Worked great and didn't even remove the die or the stem. Just about 15 seconds work with a 6" file and was better than new!

Ivan

 

[DWalt]

Never saw an RCBS die with a decapping rod shaft like that. All mine have threaded shafts. But they are also old. Haven't heard about the rounded end decapping pins. I make my own out the hardest stainless steel surgical pins known to man. Difficult to cut using a Dremel tool and abrasive cutoff wheel. They will not break.

 

[mikld]

Remove stem from die. Clean stem and collet with a good degreaser (brakecleen. acetone etc.).Reassemble and tighten collet. I have done this with my Lee dies without roughing the stem. They sill will slip enough if a Berdan case or a chunk of hard media stays in the case after cleaning but tight enough for the toughest primer removal...

 

[venomballistics]

For those that need pics...

about as RCBS as it gets!

the collet setup ....
see if you can widen the split in the conical collet with a hacksaw.
Clean it up with some sandpaper so it's not hanging up on any burrs. That should give you the range of adjustment you need to lock in the rod.

 

[venomballistics]

Never saw an RCBS die with a decapping rod shaft like that. All mine have threaded shafts. But they are also old. Haven't heard about the rounded end decapping pins. I make my own out the hardest stainless steel surgical pins known to man. Difficult to cut using a Dremel tool and abrasive cutoff wheel. They will not break.

have a few sets like these ... this rod slippage isn't their only party trick. They also like to loosen the expander ball.
If you don't catch it and tighten it, it'll gleefully fold right over when the pin misses a flashhole

 

[growr]

Am sending to RCBS and let them deal with it.

Randy

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

Am sending to RCBS and let them deal with it.

Randy

Right move for sure.
I'm betting you'll have a brand new one back to within 2 weeks.

 

[Racer X]

Am sending to RCBS and let them deal with it.

Randy

absolutely the best solution. probably going to get some SWAG in the return box too. I got 2 hats from Vortex after a minor repair to a second-hand rangefinder I bought.

Reward good customer service by buying from the good people.