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Speaking of Dies

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Wing master View Drop Down
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AKA StraightShooter

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Speaking of Dies
    Posted: 13 December 2019 at 19:36
D's post made me think of the only thing I don't like about RCBS dies. 

The lock ring. The old ones had a lock ring that sorta clamped onto the die. The new ones have a brass set screw that jams into the threads. 

I liked the old ones better, but I still think their should be a better way. Does any other die maker have a better lock ring? Is their something aftermarket that would work better? 

Any other ideas?

Wing master
I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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BEAR View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BEAR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 December 2019 at 11:49
All my RCBS have a ring with an allen set screw that is pointed toward the center of the ring/die.  Been a few years since I had to fix any  rings, but the set screw use to bear on a small lead that jammed into the die threads.   Once fixed one I had taken apart and lost the lead plug.  merely replaced it with a piece of lead shot....worked so good I suspect that is just what RCBS does also.

Lee dies, in my opinion are total junk.  But their die ring with a soft rubber insert is absolutely terrible.  It easily moves so you need to constantly need to adjust it.
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Wing master View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 December 2019 at 12:47
I looked at a few different lock rings. It looks to me like Hornady has the best setup. They have a split ring with an allen screw that tightens the ring. Theirs also has flats on the sides for a wrench to tighten it up into the press. They seem a lot more secure than the RCBS lock ring. 

I like to adjust the dies one time and from then on just run it down and snug it up. I'm going to get a few Hornady lock rings and try them. 

Wing master
I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BEAR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 December 2019 at 14:42
Hornady stuff use to be Pacific.  I had a set of Pacific dies  at one time, never a problem.  Never felt the split ring kept the die body flat as it twists the threads as it is tightened... probable no big deal.

Hornady dies seem to be directed to the load-n-lock system using a removable base plate.  Like you Wing, I just hand tighten my dies in my c-style press after they are set.  set once and never change.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Irish Bird Dog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 December 2019 at 22:39
I like the Hornady type lock rings for dies.....
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