Lyman Resizing Die

Bucksnort1 · May 15, 2015, 09:24 PM

For the second time in 15 years or so of reloading, I broke a de-cap pin. It is on a Lyman, 44 mag sizing die. This is the only Lyman die set I have. Apparently, the pin cannot be changed so I guess I'm stuck with buying the whole assembly. I did some looking on eBay and found, for a reasonable price, the assembly. My question is, does Lyman have a newer assembly where the pin can be changed? I found one that looks like this is the case but I don't know if it will work with my die.

Drm50 · May 16, 2015, 12:16 AM

I've got 100+ sets of dies. 20 some sets are Lyman. I have never seen a Lyman
die that the decapping pin can't be replaced. The pin is different than RCBS type.
You unscrew sizing button, push out portion of pin still in button. Lyman pin has
a small head like a nail, this will be in knurled bushing on 3 die pistol dies. Same
as sizer button on rifle die. Drop in new pin, screw back on shaft and you back
In production. Just went and looked at 44 mag set to make sure of my advice.

Bucksnort1 · May 16, 2015, 08:50 AM

DRM50,

I unscrewed the unit from the die and looked at the pin. The pin is a permanent part of the long shaft and cannot be removed. I will look at it again. Thanks.

Reloader270 · May 16, 2015, 09:34 AM

One of the main reasons for de-capping pins to break is when the rod is not fastened and centered. Before putting the die in the press always ensure that the decapping rod/pin is centered and that it is fastened properly.

Bucksnort1 · May 16, 2015, 09:55 AM

I have attached a photo of my Lyman decapping gizmo titled, Pin. There is no way this pin can be removed from the long shank. On a site, I found another like mine except the pin can be removed by unscrewing the little holder gizmo. Ones like mine are available for about $2.50 but if I can buy a replacement with a replaceable pin, I'd rather do that.

I want to know if the one with the removable pin is compatible with my die, which I believe it is. I have attached a photo of the newer style (Pin2).

cheygriz · May 16, 2015, 10:07 AM

E-mail Lyman. The stems should be compatible.

**44 AMP** · May 16, 2015, 10:32 AM

Except for the finish, the pin in Pic 2 is exactly the style used in the Lyman dies I bought in the 1970s, and still use. (.357, .44, .45acp and others)

Be aware that with this style, breaking a pin can also damage the "cap" that holds it.

Bucksnort1 · May 16, 2015, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the replies. I guess the word stem is better than gizmo. I will buy the newer style and some replacement pins.

Drm50 · May 16, 2015, 05:27 PM

I have never seen this type of Lymam decapper stem&pin. They must have made a run of economy dies, I know RCBS did. I checked all mine, all replaceable. Learn something new.

Bucksnort1 · May 17, 2015, 08:58 AM

Cheygriz,

I have Lyman's 800 number in front of me. I will call them, tomorrow. If I buy the one piece style, like the one I broke, I will ask them which length to buy. There are two. I'm sure you're right about the compatibility of the newer style and if they confirm this, I will buy one and some pins. Thanks.

TimSr · May 18, 2015, 07:33 AM

My Lyman dies from the 1980's uses the 2nd one pictured. Never seen the first one before.

May 15, 2015, 09:24 PM	#1
Bucksnort1 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2013 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 1,121	Lyman Resizing Die For the second time in 15 years or so of reloading, I broke a de-cap pin. It is on a Lyman, 44 mag sizing die. This is the only Lyman die set I have. Apparently, the pin cannot be changed so I guess I'm stuck with buying the whole assembly. I did some looking on eBay and found, for a reasonable price, the assembly. My question is, does Lyman have a newer assembly where the pin can be changed? I found one that looks like this is the case but I don't know if it will work with my die.

May 16, 2015, 12:16 AM	#2
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,380	Lyman dies I've got 100+ sets of dies. 20 some sets are Lyman. I have never seen a Lyman die that the decapping pin can't be replaced. The pin is different than RCBS type. You unscrew sizing button, push out portion of pin still in button. Lyman pin has a small head like a nail, this will be in knurled bushing on 3 die pistol dies. Same as sizer button on rifle die. Drop in new pin, screw back on shaft and you back In production. Just went and looked at 44 mag set to make sure of my advice.

May 16, 2015, 10:07 AM	#6
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	E-mail Lyman. The stems should be compatible. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

May 16, 2015, 10:32 AM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Except for the finish, the pin in Pic 2 is exactly the style used in the Lyman dies I bought in the 1970s, and still use. (.357, .44, .45acp and others) Be aware that with this style, breaking a pin can also damage the "cap" that holds it. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

May 16, 2015, 05:27 PM	#9
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,380	Lyman pins I have never seen this type of Lymam decapper stem&pin. They must have made a run of economy dies, I know RCBS did. I checked all mine, all replaceable. Learn something new.

May 16, 2015, 08:50 AM	#3
Bucksnort1 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2013 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 1,121	DRM50, I unscrewed the unit from the die and looked at the pin. The pin is a permanent part of the long shaft and cannot be removed. I will look at it again. Thanks.

May 16, 2015, 09:34 AM	#4
Reloader270 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2015 Location: South Africa Posts: 138	One of the main reasons for de-capping pins to break is when the rod is not fastened and centered. Before putting the die in the press always ensure that the decapping rod/pin is centered and that it is fastened properly.

May 16, 2015, 11:59 AM	#8
Bucksnort1 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2013 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 1,121	Thanks for the replies. I guess the word stem is better than gizmo. I will buy the newer style and some replacement pins.

May 17, 2015, 08:58 AM	#10
Bucksnort1 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2013 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 1,121	Cheygriz, I have Lyman's 800 number in front of me. I will call them, tomorrow. If I buy the one piece style, like the one I broke, I will ask them which length to buy. There are two. I'm sure you're right about the compatibility of the newer style and if they confirm this, I will buy one and some pins. Thanks.

May 18, 2015, 07:33 AM	#11
TimSr Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Rittman, Ohio Posts: 2,074	My Lyman dies from the 1980's uses the 2nd one pictured. Never seen the first one before.