“Depriming” or “decapping” are terms that reloading enthusiasts and hand loaders use, best depriming tool pertains to the process of removing the used primers from the spent casings.
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It is one of the first steps in reloading your ammo, and it will allow you to completely clean your used cartridges before doing the next steps in the process.
However, depriming your casings can be one of the most tedious tasks in the reloading process, especially if you do not have the proper equipment. In order to have an enjoyable reloading experience, you need the best primer removal tool.
But with all the depriming tools in the market, how do you know which one is the best? Well, we are here to save the day! In this article, we will review the 5 perfect models that you can get your hands on.
Best Depriming Tool Comparison
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Top Depriming Tool Review
Here are the models that many reloading enthusiasts have sworn by, and you will surely love them too! Be sure to choose a model that will fit your needs.
1) Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Best Depriming Tool 909283
A lot of reloading enthusiast will tell you that this is the best hand depriming tool, and we also think the same. It is one of the most innovative reloading tools that has ever been developed. Let’s find out more about it!
One dilemma that reloaders face is the mess that the reloading process makes. This is very apparent in the depriming stage. However, you do not have to worry about it when using this tool!
For the ease of use, this product comes with an easily detachable spent primer catch tube. It also features an assisted ejection case holder that will help you in removing the primers from the spent cases with ease.
This universal depriming tool can deprime brass from .20 cal up to .338 Lapua. What’s more, you can use it for pistol brass, rifle brass and, even military crimped primers!
Users really like how convenient it is to use this model, and you can deprime a lot of brass anywhere and anytime. It also is designed with an ergonomic grip so you can use it for hours without having to worry about hand fatigue.
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Related Guide: Best Case Trimmer buyer’s guide
2) Lee Precision Pin 90783 Universal Decapping Pin
Are you on a budget? Looking for the best depriming tool that is very affordable and will do the job? Well, look no further because the Lee Precision Pin is here to save the day.
Lee Precision is one of the leading dealers of reloading equipment. This product is supposed to be used with the Universal Decapping Die, as it actually is its replacement pin. However, you can still use this pin alone.
This is why this model is the best for those with a limited budget. With the use of a hammer and a case holder, you can manually remove your primers.
However, it still works best if you use it with the die and a reloading press to deprime cases quickly and without too much effort.
This pin is also useful in cleaning the primer pocket holes if there are tumbler debris stuck into it.
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3) RCBS Berdan Decapping Tool
How do you make sure that you are getting a good depriming tool? Of course, you need to purchase it from the leading manufacturer of precision reloading equipment, and that is no other than RCBS.
We all know how hard it is to remove Berdan primers. In doing so, it is better to use a dedicated depriming tool, like this one. This decapping tool is made from the highest quality materials, so you know it will last for years.
To use this product, all you need to do is hook the depriming tool’s jaw under the rim of the case, place the pin properly into the deprimer tool, and lever it out! It’s just like opening up a beer bottle.
Moreover, the case holder rod is very helpful in keeping the case in place when depriming. This is perfect for those reloaders who are just starting, and those who do not have any reloading press yet. It is a simple, easy to use tool that will do the job.
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4) Hornady Decapping Die
Hornady is one of the leading brands when it comes to ammunition and handloading components. Handloaders and reloading enthusiasts trust the brand’s products, and this depriming die is one of the staples in every reloading benches.
This die is designed for decapping cartridge cases prior to sizing them. It will remove used primers even from the most tenacious cartridge cases. Well, except for Berdan primed cases.
But other than that, this tool can be used to deprime tough military cases, including those with swaged primer pockets. To use it, you just need to set it up onto your reloading press and you can deprime all day long.
We cannot deny that depriming tools’ pins are still vulnerable to wear, even if they are made from high-quality materials. Unfortunately, this depriming die’s pins are prone to breakage.
The good news is that Hornady sells replacement pins for this die cap.
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Suggested Guide: Best Bench Priming Tools
5) Lyman Universal Decapping Die
Another known brand when it comes to reloading equipment is Lyman. Since the 1800s, the brand has been providing the market with top of the line reloading materials. And when it comes to depriming tools, the brand has never failed to impress.
If you are in search of a decapping die that is durable, affordable, and will get the job done, this is the perfect option for you.
This tool is the ideal die for decapping tool prior to case cleaning. It can be used for military crimped primers and will work on all calibers .22 thru .45, with the exception of .378 and 460 Weatherly.
Moreover, the product features an innovative one-piece hardened steel depriming rod. There is no doubt that this is one of the most durable reloading dies you can add to your collection.
It also is very easy to use. You just need to attach it to your reloading press, and you are good to go.
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Suggested Topic: Calipers for Reloading
Things to Consider Before Buying
There are many techniques and strategies to successfully remove the used primer from your cartridge, but each method will require a good depriming tool.
However, the many options that are available in the market will confuse a lot of shoppers out there.
For that reason, you need to know exactly what you are looking for to end up with a depriming tool that you will enjoy using. To help you in shopping, we listed down the points you need to consider.
Types of Depriming Tool
There are two major types of depriming or decapping tools in the market that you can choose from.
Manual Depriming Tools
Most models of manual depriming tools are robust metal crimpers or pins that allow users to grab and press at any position. These models do not need any electricity to work and will require manual labor to remove the primers from your cartridges.
Electronic Depriming Tools
These types of tools offer a higher consistency and reproducibility of results than manual tools. They are also more expensive than manual depriming tools.
Durability
You want your depriming tool to serve you for a long time. Nobody wants to repurchase their dies or pins often. That said, it is important to choose a model that is made from durable materials.
For decapping dies, you want them to be made from heavy-duty steel or other kinds of materials that will handle prolonged wear.
Ease of Use
To make your reloading experience enjoyable, it is important that the tools you use do not require complicated setup and operation. This is a key consideration for depriming tools and any other reloading equipment.
In this list, you will find universal decapping tools that are handheld; others are dies that you need to attach to your reloading or bullet press, and there also is a pin type that you can use alone.
Speed
Some users need to deprime a lot of used cartridges in one batch, and speed may be very important to them. If you are one of these reloaders, then it is important to choose a product that will deprime in seconds.
Price
Because there are a lot of different depriming tools, their prices also vary. If you have a limited budget, there are decapping pins that are affordable and will do the job.
Whatever kind you choose, be sure to get the best out of your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common queries asked online about depriming tools:
What exactly is a primer, and what is its purpose on a bullet?
Primers are part of a cartridge that is made of either a copper or brass alloy cup and is equipped with a brass anvil.
It contains a very small amount of explosives, and its purpose is to ignite the propellant powder in a given cartridge.
I am just a beginner in reloading, and I do not have much equipment yet. What decapping tool can I use?
The Lee Precision Pin/90783 Universal Decapping Pin is a decapping tool that is supposed to be used with their Universal Decapping Die.
Although, if you do not have a reloading press yet to attach your decapping die, you can use the pin on its own. You just need a hammer and a case holder to perform the depriming.
Do I need to deprime my cases before or after I use the tumbler?
There is no definite answer here. The rule is to do them whenever you feel comfortable. However, if you find that the cases are too dirty, it is better to throw them in the tumbler before you go on with the depriming.
Are depriming tools expensive?
It depends on the model. Some are affordable, like depriming pins, while some are more modern and expensive.
What are the popular brands when it comes to reloading?
Brands like Hornady, RCBS, and Lyman are on top of the reloading game.
Final Words
There you have it, the top products when it comes to depriming. Which one do you think is the best depriming tool for you? We hope that this article helped you in shopping and we wish you good luck!
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