Stupid die question???

[sawman556]

Hey y'all. New reloader here. I just finished loading my first 50 rounds of .223 and all went pretty smooth, so I hope! I was just wondering about my RCBS Rockcrusher IV and my RCBS dies. The locking ring with the little brass set-screw doesn't seem to stay tight when I want to switch dies. Am I missing something? Aren't they supposed to stay tight to aid me in set-up next time I use them? Thoughts? Help? Eat shit? Thanks.

 

[dmike]

Mine didn't hold either, I didn't want to strip it. I went with a cross-bolt ring and it held a lot better for me. I read that the redding set-screw style has a lead-tipped steel screw so you can torque it harder without damaging the die threads.

Forster Cross Bolt Die Locking Ring 7/8-14 Thread
SINCLAIR CROSS BOLT LOCK RING | Sinclair Intl

 

[sawman556]

Mine didn't hold either, I didn't want to strip it. I went with a cross-bolt ring and it held a lot better for me. I read that the redding set-screw style has a lead-tipped steel screw so you can torque it harder without damaging the die threads.

Forster Cross Bolt Die Locking Ring 7/8-14 Thread
SINCLAIR CROSS BOLT LOCK RING | Sinclair Intl

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at these. They also have flats to get a wrench on. So I reckon RCBS dies are 7/8-14 ?

Hornady Sure-Loc Die Locking Ring 7/8-14 Thread

 

[427Cobra]

Get some clamp type lock rings, Hornady or Sinclair are top choices, Forsters are good but are Aluminum and the screws suck.

 

[dmike]

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at these. They also have flats to get a wrench on. So I reckon RCBS dies are 7/8-14 ?

Hornady Sure-Loc Die Locking Ring 7/8-14 Thread

Yep. Good call on the flat

 

[sawman556]

Or maybe convert to these???

Hornady Lock-N-Load Press Die Conversion Bushing Kit

Upgrade to my Rock Chucker using Hornady LnL bushings. - AR15.COM

 

[ZombieMonkey]

Upgrading your press to take Hornady LNL bushings is one modification worth while in my book.

 

[mtrmn]

I have a bunch of the Dillon lock rings laying around. I take 2 of those and lock them together once I get my die set where I want it. The brass set screw won't hold and a steel set screw will mess up the threads on the die.

 

[flyrodder]

Split rings are nice and work much better, but you can also put some bird shot (#8 or so) under the set screw to help the RCBS rings hold. You can also swap the brass set screws for steel, which helps but you'll need the lead to keep the die threads from getting damaged. This works best for me on lock rings I don't need to move once they are set.

 

[mxjunky78]

Split rings are nice and work much better, but you can also put some bird shot (#8 or so) under the set screw to help the RCBS rings hold. You can also swap the brass set screws for steel, which helps but you'll need the lead to keep the die threads from getting damaged. This works best for me on lock rings I don't need to move once they are set.

+1 on this. Worked well for me until I switched to hornady rings.

 

[slowr1der]

+1 on the Hornady rings. I switch all of my seating dies to the Hornady rings. IMO that's the way to go.

 

[Sig Marine]

Or maybe convert to these???

Hornady Lock-N-Load Press Die Conversion Bushing Kit

Upgrade to my Rock Chucker using Hornady LnL bushings. - AR15.COM

Using Hornady's bushing set is a nice upgrade BUT not entirely necessary. If you have the spare money, go for it but it can be done later. The Hornady lock rings on the other hand are well worth the money spent. There are other lock-rings on the market but the flats can be convenient.