Lee Loader

I want to break apart some old .308 loads no longer needed. Want to save the bullets,brass and powder. Question is how to neck size the unloaded brass with a hot primer. Is de-capping a hot primer a good idea ? If so can the primer be re-used or is it trash. From what I see if I remove the pin from the Lee neck or full sizing dies (to leave the primer in the case) it also removes the neck forming mandrel. Will either of the dies work correctly w/o it installed.

I have knocked out primers with a decapping pin. And then loaded the primers as usual. They were modern primers not crimped in.

Steve wrote:I have knocked out primers with a decapping pin. And then loaded the primers as usual. They were modern primers not crimped in.

Same here, I use a Lee Decapping Die.

Yes, it's probably done more often that any of us know. Obviously don't slam the press handle down and wear ear and eye protection just in case. The dies will "work" as they will still resize but the neck wont be expanded for the new bullet. One of the reason I like the decaping rods with removable pins.

Make smoke,

Think about getting a universal decapping die and slowly decap and catch the primer. Use the case neck die to resize the case neck after lubing the case. Then I trim, deburr, neck brush and wipe the case of lube all with electric drill adapter. Then I prime the cartridge

I do it.

Universal (non-sizing) de-cap die and safety should be used.

Resize brass later with usual process.

Ranch Dog wrote:

Steve wrote:I have knocked out primers with a decapping pin. And then loaded the primers as usual. They were modern primers not crimped in.

Same here, I use a Lee Decapping Die.

Ditto. Just did a bunch the other day w/ the Lee decapper. I just go very slow and gentle. np

carnut wrote:....Question is how to neck size the unloaded brass with a hot primer.......... Is de-capping a hot primer a good idea

A couple of suggestion might be to neck size with a Lee collet die of if using a full length sized for just neck sizing is to remove the decapping pin, on both.

Yes as already stated you can remove live primers. Just go slow and, as I know you would for any reloading procedure , ware safety glasses.

Pull the pin out and size as usual . Replace the pin and short stroke to just go over the expander but not into the neck portion of the sizer or turn the die out 6-7 turns . I have a couple of cartridges that don't get sized in their correct dies due to neck dia needs , this is the general flow .

if you are worried, I always read soak them in oil then deprime...