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Posted: 11/9/2011 11:53:17 AM EDT
| Is any brand better then another ? Will be swapping dies in and out of a couple toolheads instead of buying more |
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for standard use Hornady is the best because the ring clamps onto the die's threads instead of having a brass set screw that mashes into the threads. They're do fine on a Dillon 550B toolhead. If you're using a 650 you should consider the 1" smaller diameter lock rings from Dillon because that toolhead is cramped http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/24577/catid/4/Dillon_Wrench_Lock_Ring_5_Pack |
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Quoted:
I tried to find the link but recently someone had pointed out you can buy lock rings from industrial supply places for around $ .60 which is alot cheaper than the hornady Never thought about that,MSC,Grainger or McMaster Carr ought to have them, Thanks. Toss them in the mill and cut a couple flats , should work great. ETA: that search turned up nothing any cheaper than Hornady , if anyones got a link that would be great |
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yep, I buy Hornady to replace the Redding and RCBS set screw type. My old old RCBS dies from the eighties had a similar clamp style lock ring without the wrench flats. They were good. Forster bonanza makes a similar rind but no wrench flats.
I find the RCBS ones of brass strip out in the hex socket and the steel set screw in the Reddings just fail to hold. |
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Hornady rings work slick with Hornady wrench, some complain about wrench being made of aluminum. Then again some folks don't have business with a screw driver too. Aluminum doesn't marr the dies. When I get a chance. Converting all dies to Hornady lock rings, except Dillon and Lee dies. Just looking I think tool head is too cramped on 650. Not sure if 1050 has more room to maneuver with two flats on lock rings or not, but I'm using dedicated tool heads for 650. Dillon jam nuts as you are likely aware strip themselves easily as made to do. I don't consider them reusable.
Lee rings work well with a palm sized end wrench. Swapped out lock rings last weekend on Forster and RCBS dies, forget which brand lock ring was. It was a thin sided hex lock ring. Might look into those. Hope that gives some insight. Have fun. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I've used both Hornady, Redding and Lee. All work.
Dillon's are marginal. They work, but they are cheap and prone to breakage if you torque them too much. If you have issues with the dies holding, I would add thread locker if using a press that utilizes a removable toolhead. If using a SS press, or a press where the dies screw directly into the frame, avoid Dillon's. |
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