Spindle and decapping pin out of line?

[CRNA]

I am relatively new to reloading. I have noticed that my decapping pins on both my FL sizing die as well as my neck sizing dies seem to be out of center. When I have the locking nut on top loosened and I either spin the spindle up or down (doesn't matter which direction) the decapping pin is not spinning perfectly in the center of the die body. Is that normal? When I lock down the locking nut on top of either of the dies I feel like the final resting position of the decapping pin is not perfectly in the center. Feedback is appreciated.

 

[johnnyk]

CRNA,
When I notice that with my dies, I start the case up into the die just enough to make sure the neck of the case is around the expander, stop the ram and unloose the spindle lock on top and then retighten it. This will help center it unless it's machined off center or spindle rod is bent. Most die mfg's will send replacement parts free of charge. JohnnyK.

 

[BigSkyGP]

There should be instructions with your dies for adjusting this. I've tried a couple different ways. Using the brass to center the stem, and holding the stem while tightening the lock nut, snug enough to not come lose, but not so tight I can't get the nut lose to adjust it again later if needed.

 

[boomtube]

"...the decapping pin is not spinning perfectly in the center of the die body. Is that normal?"

It isn't 'right' but it is pretty well normal.

Would be nice if the spindle holder was perfect but the ill effects are usually much less than some folks believe. Fact is, the decap/expander rod isn't sufficently rigid to cause the necks to be pulled out of line very badly but the look does irritate us. On those few spindles that are significantly our of alignment I tend to leave the lock rings on the things a bit loose so they can wiggle/float into better alignment.

 

[CRNA]

"...the decapping pin is not spinning perfectly in the center of the die body. Is that normal?"

It isn't 'right' but it is pretty well normal.

Would be nice if the spindle holder was perfect but the ill effects are usually much less than some folks believe. Fact is, the decap/expander rod isn't sufficently rigid to cause the necks to be pulled out of line very badly but the look does irritate us. On those few spindles that are significantly our of alignment I tend to leave the lock rings on the things a bit loose so they can wiggle/float into better alignment.

Thanks boomtube. I was hoping you would chime in. Always good to hear from you. I'm glad to know that there is really no harm done. I didn't think there would be, but I just wanted to make sure.
Steve