Lock rings on dies

Nest time don't use a pneumatic wrench to torque down your set screw.

Just rethread the set screw hole, drill it out to the next bigger size or simply order a few from Midway or RCBS... they're cheap.

Jack

 

I'd use different lock rings. Dillon, Lee, etc

 

I like the split rings that Hornady and others offer. I buy them separately and install them on all my dies.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=391359

 

I know people use 550's & 650's etc with lee dies but use the dillon lock rings... leaving the lee lock rings floating around...

I'd have to check if i still even have mine...

 

Interesting suggestion about lead shot between the screw & the threads. I noticed that's what is already used on the Redding dies.

 

Here's a pack of 12 that is a bit cheaper

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=870631

Anything w/ a crossbolt, as opposed to threading into the die threads, would work.

 

Dillon Lock Rings. I have a set of Hornady and prefer the Dillon. Set screw is not always in the right place if it has the screw. Nothing wrong with a simple steel ring. Dillons are smaller then the Lee as well. Much easier to use.

 

I prefer the dillons as well. A piece of lead shot does work.. used that in the past.

 

yes the lead shot does work.

 

called RCBS the other day. "The man" says try split shot

 

I'm one of those people. I swapped out all the lock rings from various dies sets for the Dillon small rings. A 1" wrench is all you need.

 

Dillon lock dies are the way to go. You don't need the set screw to lock the dies to the press, it's only needed to keep the depth of the die set. I never used the lock on the lock ring. Always preferred to set the dies up each time. Doesn't take that long and you know it's correct for what you're loading.

Leave the set screw alone. When you've got the die where you want it, run the brass back into the die to center it, then tighten up the lock ring to the press and done.

 

Thats because the Lee Lock Rings are a little big on a Dillon Tool Head.

 

I use Lee Dies on my Dillon 550. I also use them with the Lee Lock Nuts.
I throw the rubber O-ring away and flip the nut upside down. The nut just has to be snug enough so it locks the Die setting. You don't need a set screw.

 

I like the design of the Hornady rings and keep a few spares on hand.