Hello Forum
I just wanted to put in a good word for Hornadys Sure Loc die rings. They are wonderful. I have been replacing all my die locking rings with these. I bought the Hornady wrench from Mid South Shooting Supply also. I just don’t understand why the other manufactures use small screws to jam up against the die threads. I think the Lee die rings are no better as by hand tightening them you just cant set then to the same position as the last reloading session. Try the Hornay die loc rings. I bet you like them.
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30-30 Man

"I just don’t understand why the other manufactures use small screws to jam up against the die threads."

I believe it's because they know it's not required that the lock rings be secured as if welded in place. Most folks I've watched seem to think that using a wrench to install dies is "best" but that's not true, finger tight is plenty tight for both rings and dies in the press.

Agreed but it you don't tighten them they have a tendancy to loosen if you have a modest batch size. I will give Hornady their due but I'm not a Hornady fan, they make a very nice die ring. The Forster die ring is nice too. I'm a fan of the split-ring-tighten-with-a-die-compressing-screw approach.

I can deal with all methods of lock rings. I dislike the ones with small screws. I prefer wrench flats.

Some die makers "suggest" that you should screw the die down until it contacts the shellholder, "and then lower the ram and screw the die in an 1/8 or 1/4 turn more". What that does is; #1 Take the slop out of the press linkage. #2 Takes the slop out of the relationship between the die and shellholder.
If you folks set your dies this way, WATCH WHAT THE DIE DOES. Mine stand up straight and are in line with the ram/shellholder. This is when I "set" the lock ring(of whatever flavor). Wrench flats are "easier" for me to deal with at this critical step of reloading. My view only.

Cheezywan

A big +1 for Hornady lock rings. Forsters are a close 2nd, or even better if you replace the phillips clamp screw with an allen head one, especially for use on the co-ax press.

Andy

Cheezywan
That is a great idea about how to set the rings. I never stop learning no mater how long I have been doing this.

30-30 Man

Cheezywan
That is a great idea about how to set the rings. I never stop learning no mater how long I have been doing this.

30-30 Man

I'm a learner here too 30-30 Man. I recomend that you "listen" to those that are more skilled than me.

Cheezywan

A big +1 for Hornady lock rings. . . Andy
Roger that. The worst lock rings that I have encountered are the very early ones from Big Green. These are the ones with the lead pellet under the set screw. Once set, they don't ever want to release and I have to resort to vise and pliers with padded jaws to break them free.

Once set, they don't ever want to release and I have to resort to vise and pliers with padded jaws to break them free.

Before breaking out the pliers try this, loosen the set screw, hold the die in your hand and give the lock ring a good sharp whack with a brass mallet or brass punch on the OD of the ring. I have a piece of 5/8" diameter brass rod about 8" long which works perfect for this.

Light but sharp, if that makes sense.

I'll remember to try your method the next time around. Pity Big Green doesn't mention this in their instructions. Thanks for the tip.:)