The Essential Tool for Serious Reloaders: Hornady 050085 Universal Decapping Die

For anyone deeply involved in the art and science of handloading ammunition, the phrase "brass preparation" resonates with a distinct importance. It’s the foundational step that dictates the quality, safety, and consistency of your reloaded cartridges. Among the myriad tools available, the Hornady Universal Decapping Die stands out as a specialized, indispensable component, particularly for those who frequently work with specific types of challenging brass.

What is a Decapping Die and Why is it Critical?

At its core, a decapping die performs a singular, vital function: removing the spent primer from a fired cartridge case. This seemingly simple action is the very first step in preparing brass for its next life cycle as a reloaded round. Without a clean, empty primer pocket, a new primer cannot be seated, and thus, the reloading process cannot proceed.

Standard sizing dies often integrate a decapping pin as part of their function. They resize the case while simultaneously pushing out the old primer. However, this integrated approach can present significant challenges when dealing with certain types of brass, leading to frustration, damaged equipment, and unnecessary delays. This is precisely where a dedicated decapping die, like the Hornady Universal 050085, proves its unparalleled value.

Solving the Toughest Reloading Challenge: Military Brass and Swaged Primer Pockets

Imagine you’ve just returned from the range with a bucket full of once-fired brass, perhaps a collection of .223 Remington or .308 Winchester cases. Many of these might be military surplus or commercial ammunition designed for rugged use. A closer inspection reveals a common characteristic: a crimped or swaged primer pocket.

What does this mean for the reloader? A crimped primer pocket has a small ring of brass around the primer opening, designed to securely hold the primer in place, especially under harsh conditions or in fully automatic firearms. While excellent for original ammunition, this crimp becomes a major hurdle during decapping. Standard decapping pins, often thin and brittle, are simply not designed to overcome this resistance. The result? Bent or broken decapping pins, often stuck inside the primer pocket, leading to delays, the need for replacement parts, and potential damage to your valuable sizing dies.

This is the exact problem the Hornady 050085 Universal Decapping Die was engineered to solve. It’s a robust, purpose-built tool designed to effortlessly remove even the most stubborn, crimped, or swaged primers without the common pitfalls associated with conventional dies.

Who Needs the Hornady Universal Decapping Die? Real-World Applications

This die isn't just another accessory; it's a solution for specific, prevalent challenges in the reloading community.

• Reloaders of Military Surplus Ammunition: If your reloading bench frequently sees once-fired military brass (e.g., 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO), this die is an absolute must-have. It bypasses the risk of damaging your more expensive sizing dies and fragile decapping pins.
• High-Volume Shooters: For those who go through hundreds or thousands of rounds and diligently collect their brass for reloading, efficiency is key. The 050085 speeds up the decapping process by eliminating broken pins and stuck cases.
• Precision Handloaders: While precision might seem more related to powder charges and bullet seating, consistent brass preparation is foundational. Ensuring every primer is removed cleanly and uniformly, even from problematic cases, contributes to overall shot consistency.
• Beginner Reloaders Looking to Avoid Frustration: Starting out in reloading can be daunting. Encountering bent decapping pins early on can be discouraging. Investing in a dedicated universal decapper upfront can save new reloaders from common headaches.
• Anyone Concerned with Equipment Longevity: Protecting your expensive resizing dies from undue stress caused by crimped primers is a wise investment. The Hornady Universal Decapping Die acts as the first line of defense.

Consider scenarios like processing a batch of .223 brass that came from a machine gun range, where cases are heavily crimped and often dirty. Or perhaps you've acquired a large quantity of Berdan-primed brass (though note this die is not for Berdan primed cases, it’s crucial to distinguish to avoid misapplication). The Hornady die is specifically for Boxer-primed cases, even if those Boxer primers are secured by a heavy crimp. This distinction is vital for safety and effective use.

Key Features and Engineering Excellence of the Hornady 050085

The Hornady 050085 Universal Decapping Die is not merely a piece of metal; it's a product of thoughtful engineering designed for durability and efficiency.

1. Heavy-Duty Decapping Pin: This is the heart of the die's capability. Unlike the slender pins found in standard sizing dies, the Hornady Universal Decapping Die features an oversized, robust pin. This thicker, stronger design (often around 0.090 inches in diameter) is built to withstand the significant force required to punch out stubborn, crimped primers without bending or breaking. It's a game-changer for decapping military cases.
2. Universal Design: As its name suggests, this die is designed to work with a vast array of centerfire Boxer-primed cartridge cases, from small pistol calibers like 9mm to large rifle cases like .30-06 Springfield or even .50 BMG (with appropriate shell holder). Its design allows the decapping pin to pass through the flash hole and push out the primer, regardless of the case's shoulder or neck dimensions, since no sizing takes place. This makes it a versatile addition to any reloader's toolkit.
3. No Sizing Function: Critically, this die only decaps. It does not resize the brass. This is a deliberate design choice that enhances its effectiveness for crimped primers. Without the need to simultaneously resize, the die can focus all its force and engineering on punching out the primer, making the process smoother and less prone to pin breakage. It also means you don't need to lubricate your cases for this step, saving time and mess.
4. Exceptional Durability and Longevity: Crafted from high-quality steel, typical of Hornady's reputation, the die itself is built to last. The robust construction ensures it can withstand countless cycles of decapping, even under heavy loads from stubborn cases. This translates to a reliable tool that will serve your reloading needs for many years.
5. Simplified Brass Preparation: By decapping before any other process (like cleaning or sizing), you can use simpler methods. For instance, you can tumble dirty, decapped brass in a wet tumbler. The empty primer pocket allows cleaning media and solution to reach inside the case and primer pocket, resulting in much cleaner brass overall. This also prevents media from getting stuck in the flash hole.

How to Effectively Use Your Hornady Universal Decapping Die

Using the Hornady 050085 is straightforward, but a few tips can enhance your experience and results.

1. Mounting the Die: Thread the Hornady Universal Decapping Die into your reloading press, whether it's a single-stage, turret, or progressive press. Ensure it's securely tightened.
2. Adjusting Die Height: Raise your press ram to the top of its stroke. Screw the die down until it just touches the shell holder (or very nearly touches, leaving a tiny gap). Lower the ram and screw the die down an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn. This ensures the decapping pin protrudes enough to reliably push out primers. The large design of the decapping pin means you have ample leeway for adjustment without fear of bending.
3. Insert Brass: Place a fired cartridge case into the shell holder.
4. Operate Press: Cycle the press handle firmly but smoothly. The decapping pin will push the spent primer out of the primer pocket, and the primer will fall through the hollow center of the die and typically out the bottom of your press into a primer catch tray.
5. Inspect: Remove the decapped case and visually inspect the primer pocket to ensure the old primer has been fully removed and the flash hole is clear.

One key advantage of using this die early in your brass preparation is that it allows you to decap dirty cases. Since you're not resizing, lubrication is unnecessary, and any grit or grime on the case exterior won't scratch or damage the die. This also means your dirty primers are removed before cleaning, preventing lead residue from spreading during tumbling.

Maintaining Your Decapping Die for Peak Performance

Like all reloading equipment, proper care and maintenance extend the life and performance of your Hornady Universal Decapping Die.

• Keep it Clean: Occasionally wipe down the die with a clean, dry cloth. If you notice any stubborn residue, a light solvent on a patch can be used, ensuring it's completely dry afterward.
• Store Properly: When not in use, store the die in its original container or a designated die box to protect it from dust, moisture, and potential damage.
• Lubrication (Minimal): While cases don't need lubrication for this die, a very light film of rust preventative oil applied to the exterior of the die occasionally can help protect it, especially in humid environments. Avoid getting oil inside the die where primers fall through.
• Check Pin Condition: Although incredibly robust, it's good practice to occasionally inspect the decapping pin for any signs of wear or damage. While extremely rare with this heavy-duty design, vigilance ensures continued optimal performance.

The Hornady Difference: A Legacy of Reloading Excellence

Hornady has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, synonymous with precision, innovation, and unwavering quality. Their commitment to producing high-performance components and tools has earned them the trust of reloaders worldwide. When you choose a Hornady product, you're investing in:

• Precision Engineering: Every Hornady die is manufactured to exacting tolerances, ensuring consistent performance and compatibility with industry-standard presses and shell holders.
• Durable Materials: Hornady uses high-grade steels and advanced manufacturing processes to produce tools that withstand the rigors of high-volume reloading.
• Innovative Solutions: The Hornady Universal Decapping Die itself is an example of Hornady's foresight in addressing common reloading pain points with smart, effective solutions. They listen to the needs of reloaders and develop products that genuinely make a difference.
• Reliable Support: Hornady stands behind its products, offering support and a legacy of quality that gives reloaders confidence in their equipment.

This specific die, the Hornady 050085, encapsulates these values perfectly. It's a testament to Hornady's understanding of what reloaders truly need to achieve efficient, safe, and successful ammunition production.

Maximizing Your Overall Reloading Efficiency

Incorporating the Hornady Universal Decapping Die into your reloading workflow can significantly enhance your overall efficiency.

1. Streamlined Brass Processing: By isolating the decapping step, you can process large batches of brass quickly without interruptions from broken pins. This allows you to then move to cleaning (tumbling or washing) with already decapped cases, which leads to cleaner primer pockets and flash holes.
2. Protection of Other Dies: By handling the most strenuous part of brass preparation, the universal decapper protects your more specialized and often more expensive resizing and sizing/decapping dies from unnecessary wear and potential damage caused by crimped primers.
3. Enhanced Safety: A broken decapping pin can be a nuisance, but a primer that's not fully removed or a flash hole that's partially obstructed can lead to misfires or inconsistent ignition. Ensuring a clean, empty primer pocket from the outset promotes safer and more reliable ammunition.
4. Optimized Workflow for Progressive Presses: While often associated with single-stage presses, the Hornady 050085 can also be invaluable on a progressive press. If you have a dedicated "dirty" station or are running brass through a pre-processing stage, this die handles the initial decapping without tying up a sizing die on your progressive setup.

Safety First in Reloading

While a decapping die might seem innocuous, reloading always demands adherence to strict safety protocols.

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses when operating a reloading press. Primers, even spent ones, can contain residual compounds, and the act of decapping can sometimes dislodge small metallic fragments.
• Proper Ventilation: While not as critical for decapping as for powder handling, good ventilation is always recommended in your reloading space.
• Cleanliness: Keep your reloading area clean and organized. This reduces the chance of mix-ups or accidents.
• Understand Your Tools: Fully comprehend the function and limitations of each piece of equipment, including the Hornady 050085. Never force a process if something doesn't feel right.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always refer to the specific instructions provided by Hornady for their die and your press manufacturer for their equipment.

By prioritizing safety, reloaders can enjoy the rewarding hobby of handloading with confidence and peace of mind.

In conclusion, the Hornady 050085 Universal Decapping Die is more than just a tool; it's a strategic investment for any serious reloader, especially those who frequently encounter the challenges of military crimped brass. It streamlines a critical step, safeguards other valuable equipment, and ultimately contributes to a more efficient, reliable, and enjoyable reloading experience. Its robust design and universal applicability make it an indispensable component, truly earning its place as a "universal" solution for a common reloading hurdle. This product, like many other high-quality reloading tools, is readily available to enhance your handloading journey.

Product Specifications and Details

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Series	Decapping Die
Model	Universal
Die Type	Decapping
SKU	050085
UPC	090255050851
Application	Removes spent primers from centerfire Boxer-primed cases, excelling with crimped/swaged primer pockets.
Compatibility	Works with a wide range of common rifle and pistol calibers (not for Berdan-primed cases).
Special Note	Does not resize cases; dedicated solely to primer removal.
Availability	Available at deguns.com