Redding die with a jacked up lock ring

[nuclear_shooter]

I've got this set of Redding dies Redding 2-Die Set 300 Winchester Mag, and the lock ring on the FL sizer seems to have popped off the threads and gotten all locked up. When I was running it though the sizer, it did seem like it used a lot of force, but I'm surprised it was enough lock it up like this. I've only resized a few pieces of brass. Anybody ever have this happen before? Is this a sign of too much force? I'll get in touch with Redding customer service, but does anybody know a quick way to get it off? I'd like to reload some ammo for this weekend...

Edit: looks like its locked up at just about the right shoulder bump, so I should be okay for this lot of brass anyway...

 

[hewlett260]

Whenever you get it off I recommend changing to Hornady lock rings. All of my dies have them, and all of my dies are Redding dies. I'm not sure I would want to try to use it if it's crooked though, might be better off to wait and see what their customer service says.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

You sure it's not the metal plug, that gets cinched down against the threads proper, to lock the ring in place?

I know that they can sometimes shift in the ring's hole, when loosened and cause the die body to bind up in the ring.

Some companies use plastic 'plugs' and the binding is minimized.

Chris

 

[nuclear_shooter]

You sure it's not the metal plug, that gets cinched down against the threads proper, to lock the ring in place?

I know that they can sometimes shift in the ring's hole, when loosened and cause the die body to bind up in the ring.

Some companies use plastic 'plugs' and the binding is minimized.

Chris

I got the little metal plug out, so I don't think that's the problem.

 

[former naval person]

Some dies have a brass or lead tip on the locking screw...if that popped off in the hole and locked the ring up, you may have to use a strap wrench to unscrew the ring and clean it out.

 

[19Scout77]

Remove the lock ring set screw. Take your die and WHACK it against a solid object...bench, floor whatever. Whack it so the side of the ring where the set screw goes in takes all the force of the hit. This should dislodge the little lead ball redding uses to secure the lock ring.

 

[FLIGHT762]

Remove the lock ring set screw. Take your die and WHACK it against a solid object...bench, floor whatever. Whack it so the side of the ring where the set screw goes in takes all the force of the hit. This should dislodge the little lead ball redding uses to secure the lock ring.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ When my lock rings lock up, I smack the lock ring smartly with a hammer after loosening the set screw. It always works.

 

[nuclear_shooter]

19Scout77, FLIGHT762 you guys rock! One light rap from nylon hammer and it was loose! I was sure my die was a gonner. I'm going to replace with the Hornady style soon.

Edit: out of curiosity, what causes this? Something I can do to prevent it from happening again?

 

[19Scout77]

It is intended by redding. They place a lead ball on the bottom of the set screw so that when you lock it down, you do not bugger up the threads on the die body. You do not want to prevent it.

 

[former naval person]

Yes...get the clamp rings from Hornady or Forster. No thread impingement.

 

[nuclear_shooter]

Yes...get the clamp rings from Hornady or Forster. No thread impingement.

On their way already. Having to unlock my ring while I'm adjusting the die just doesn't seem right.