Standard or undersized, which to choose
The choice between standard (0.062") and undersized (0.057") depends on the flash hole diameter of your cases. Most factory ammunition and common brands like Lapua, Hornady, Federal and Winchester use the SAAMI standard flash hole of approximately 0.080". For these cases, the standard 0.062" pin works perfectly. This is the pin shipped from the factory in virtually all Redding dies, and is suitable for 95% of all common reloading applications.
The undersized 0.057" pin is intended for cases with a smaller flash hole. Lapua manufactures specific PPC and BR cases with an undersized flash hole of approximately 0.059", for example in 220 Russian, 6mm PPC and 6mm BR Norma. A standard pin simply doesn't fit through or binds in these cases, resulting in it breaking or even jamming a case in your die. For benchrest, F-Class and precision reloaders working with these cases, undersized pins are essential.
If you're unsure about your flash hole size, measure it with a set of pin gauges or inspect your dies. Many competitive reloaders keep both diameters in their toolbox to choose the right pin for every case.
Why a spare stock is indispensable
Decapping pins break. That's a fact every reloader faces sooner or later. A primer that's unusually stuck, a case with a misaligned flash hole, or a primer with military crimp, all scenarios that can put a pin under stress. Especially with cases of military origin (5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO), crimped primers occur regularly and pins are extra vulnerable.
The frustrating part is usually the moment it happens: in the middle of a reloading session, on a Sunday evening, while you need to be on the range tomorrow. With a stock of spare pins at your workbench, you replace it in a minute, recalibrate the die and production continues. The 5-pack provides enough pins for years of normal use, or several months of intensive reloading with military cases.
Compatibility with other brands
While these pins are original Redding components, they fit most decapping rods using the industry standard 0.062" diameter. This includes many RCBS dies, Forster dies, Hornady dies and universal decapping dies. The diameter matches industry standards, making them a versatile addition to your reloading bench regardless of which die brand you use.
The same principle applies to undersized 0.057" pins. Other brands offering undersized pin options for small flash hole cartridges use the same diameter, making cross-compatibility work well in practice. If you're unsure about compatibility with your specific die, check the current pin diameter with a micrometer.
Specifications
- Packaging: 5 pieces per bag
- Diameter standard variant: 0.062" (1.57 mm)
- Diameter undersized variant: 0.057" (1.45 mm)
- Material: Hardened industrial steel
- Application: Replacement pins for decapping and sizing dies
- Compatibility: Redding dies, RCBS, Forster and other brands with standard pin diameter
- Suitable for: Standard SAAMI flash holes (0.080") and undersized flash holes (0.059", PPC/BR brass)
- Manufacturer: Redding Reloading Equipment (USA)
