flycaster Posted May 14 (edited) Hello. I'm using a Lee rotary loading press- I 've had good success with it for many thousands of rounds. But now a used primer is stuck on the tip of the pin, and I can't get into the opening to try to remove it. I also can't loosen the nut that locks the pin in position. Tried about everything. Other than returning it to Lee, any suggestions would be appreciated. Naturally this happened while I was trying to load a bunch of boxes of 9mm. Sheesh. Chuck Edited May 14 by flycaster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowenbuilt Posted May 14 Just raise the handle and it will place the used primer back into the shell. Grind a chisel point on the decapping pin and the used primers can no longer get a grip on the tip on the depriming pin. Some experimentation may be necessary to fine tune the tip but generally a profile of a flat blade screw driver works best. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 14 I'm a little confused. Since the primer is solidly attached to the pin, I don't see how it gets from the die back into the bottom of a brass case. In any case, it seems to be VERY stuck on the pin. If I'm misunderstanding you, I apologize. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHI Posted May 14 (edited) are you saying that a primer stuck to the decaping pin .then it pulled back through the case? Lets see a picture of that. otherwise what sarge said.And through that case away if it did pull back through. Edited May 14 by AHI Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 15 Actually, I don't know how it happened. Your question is a good one, but I'm afraid I can't answer it. I only know that there is a spent primer that is very stuck to the tip of the pin. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHI Posted May 15 are you sure its not a .22 case stuck to the de cap rod? use 2 wrenches 1 on the top of the die the other on the decap rod nut. heat it up with a heat gun etc if necessary. hit decap nut wrench with a hammer sudden shock may break it loose. still would like to see a picture of this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 15 You can see where I tried- in vain- to grind the primer out. The die needs a little clean-up after it's done! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHI Posted May 15 looks to me the pin is broken not something stuck on the end. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadBomber Posted May 15 Holy crap . That's a new one for me. Try using needle nose pliers and twisting it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 15 On close examination, it does look like the center rod has snapped off. Darn. And Lee Precision is basically closed- no phone number or email address on their website. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHI Posted May 15 Copyright © 1958-2020 Lee Precision | 4275 County Road U | Hartford, WI 53027 | phone (262) 673-3075 | fax (262) 673-927 bottom of page Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ddc Posted May 16 Snapping that pin (or bending it) is not uncommon. You might as well pick up some replacements unless you don't mind being offline while Lee ships you a new pin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 17 (edited) I Forum member has offered one at a below new price. I posted my problem on this Forum before any other, because it doesn't seem like a group of strangers. Nice. Chuck Edited May 17 by flycaster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ming the Merciless Posted May 17 (edited) Generally the Lee decapping pins just push up out of the die rather than break unless there is something causing a side load on the pin like debris in the case or the collet nut is overtightened preventing the pin from pushing up. I believe all Lee handgun dies use the same decapping pin (p/n 90027) and it's available on Amazon, Fleabay and else where. https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION-90027-Decapping-Handgun/dp/B00HZ9U5H2 There are also aftermarket versions that a supposedly stronger, but I have no experience with them. Edited May 17 by Ming the Merciless Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hmg1 Posted May 17 Aftermarket versions that a supposedly stronger on amazon are a month out in shipping at this time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jwbfx4 Posted May 19 I keep a few spare decapping pins on my bench just in case. I broke one a long time ago at an inopportune time. But that one has definitely snapped at some point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 19 Thanks for all the advice. Much appreciated. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcc7x7 Posted May 19 I think Midway carries them also. It'll cost you more for the shipping than the pin! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 23 I'm up and running again with a new pin. This is a great Forum! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mvmojo Posted May 23 The Squirrel Daddy hardened steel decapping pins are available on Amazon. Just ordered a 3-pak. $19.95 + $3.99 shipping. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018V7L3C2/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flycaster Posted May 25 Thanks. I'll keep that in mind- just in case. Although, for that price, it might be better to have some spares on hand. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
