View Full Version : Loading Die Locking Rings
JOHN COOK
01-02-2023, 03:07
Need some input on locking ring for my full length sizing
die. Currently using the squeeze type which is tightened with an Allen screw.
This is a pain in the butt when I?m trying to adjust.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
John in SC
I use a Co Ax, it uses the squeeze type or the big ring with an allen screw,
by design, cannot use the standard hex rings, like on a dillon etc,
I have used the same rings on a single stage C or O press with out problems, just set as normal, tighten in place, and go,
what troubles are you having?
When I lock these type, after gaining the adjustment I want, I grasp BOTH the ring and die between fore-finger and thumb, turn BOTH counter-clockwise, and THEN tighten the Allen screw.
JOHN COOK
01-03-2023, 06:39
I use a Co Ax, it uses the squeeze type or the big ring with an allen screw,
by design, cannot use the standard hex rings, like on a dillon etc,
I have used the same rings on a single stage C or O press with out problems, just set as normal, tighten in place, and go,
what troubles are you having?
When trying to adjust the die up or down to get correct(as near as possible) shoulder set back, I have to rotate the die and loosen the set screw and they both want to turn as I tighten the die back to the press. I'm probably not making myself very clear on this problem. ' I ordered Wilson Headspace /cartridge length gauge and maybe I'm trying to be to precise. Sorry to mention HEADSPACE .. Someone will come out of the woodworks..
john in SC
JOHN COOK
01-03-2023, 07:04
Jim, I'm using Lyman rings. It appears to me when I think the ring is tight they aren't. That is where I lose my cool. The set screw feels really snug but isn't. What type rings are you using. I've seen quite a bit of praise for the Hornady design.
john in SC
I also use a Co-ax press. Set the dies once and that's it. Pull them out of the slot put in storage and pop them back in the next time. No more adjusting rings every time I change dies. Whatta Hobby!
When trying to adjust the die up or down to get correct(as near as possible) shoulder set back, I have to rotate the die and loosen the set screw and they both want to turn as I tighten the die back to the press. I'm probably not making myself very clear on this problem. ' I ordered Wilson Headspace /cartridge length gauge and maybe I'm trying to be to precise. Sorry to mention HEADSPACE .. Someone will come out of the woodworks..
john in SC
doing the usual , as in turn the die down till it touches and back up a 1\2, is relatively easy,
just hold the die body, let it touch, when the press is extended, then hold the die, turn , and the twist the lock ring back in place, and tighten
on the Co Ax, you raise the ram, make sure the die touches (it can be tricky until you get how it works) and relax the ram, pull the die and tighten, then check and recheck to make sure you have it right,
once set, it is set for good,
What hasn't been said is the case prep; sizing includes shoulder set back and case head to mouth uniform case length will affect sizing.
JOHN COOK
01-04-2023, 08:05
What hasn't been said is the case prep; sizing includes shoulder set back and case head to mouth uniform case length will affect sizing.
I mentioned I had purchased a Wilson Headspace/ Cartridge gauge.. I’m trying to adjust the die to conform to the gauge which I hope is the correct thing to do.
Thanks everyone I’ll go back and give it another try..
John in SC
Jim, I'm using Lyman rings. It appears to me when I think the ring is tight they aren't. That is where I lose my cool. The set screw feels really snug but isn't. ? . . . . .
John . . .
I’m using some Lyman, some RCBS, some old Pacific, and some Hornady . . . .
I had the same problem as you are with the old Lyman rings.
To solve the “seems tight, but isn’t” problem, I removed the set screw and installed some #8 lead shot then reinstalled the screw.
The lead will squish down into the threads of the die body.
Problem solved!
Luck to ya’, —Jim
I mentioned I had purchased a Wilson Headspace/ Cartridge gauge.. I’m trying to adjust the die to conform to the gauge which I hope is the correct thing to do.
Thanks everyone I’ll go back and give it another try..
John in SC
Forget the Wislon gauge and find an open side Sheridan so you can see what is going on. This will let you know if your cartridge is acceptable or not.
JOHN COOK
01-05-2023, 04:23
Changed locking rings ( had some from estate sale) and I’m getting the results I want.
John in SC
mtnboomer
04-07-2023, 08:26
Lee sells their aluminum lock rings with an O-ring set into it. Once you have the die adjusted like you want it, you hand tighten the lock ring down. The friction from the O-ring on the top of the press keeps the ring from loosening off but is a simple matter to loosen with your fingers for readjustment.
Phloating Phlasher
04-08-2023, 12:54
I'm using the "hex nut with a lock screw" type, but the ones where it bears inwards to the threads, not sideways to clamp. Just make sure there's a bush down inside so the force applied is axial, not rotational.
When locking an adjustment I raise the press ram fully to contact & force up (& concentric) the die within the press body then re tighten the lock nut on the die & lock it. That's why I like the hex nut, not the knurled, so I can use a wrench to tighten/loosen it later.
I understand all reloaders taught themselves how to reload, in the big-inning I figured a way to hold the die and secure the lock-nut. If there was a problem it would be with those that use some kind of a tool that makes the lock nut look as though the user was using a gorilla grip tool to hold/secure the lock-nut.
F. Guffey
I mentioned I had purchased a Wilson Headspace/ Cartridge gauge..
My cases do not have head space, I use the length of the case from the datum to the case head to off set the length of the chamber.
F. Guffey
JOHN COOK
05-04-2023, 11:30
[QUOI have one that was cut in half, I made a jig and aligned it and then stuck it back together. I have bolts that work, I doubt I will ever get around to using it.
F. Guffey
TE][/QUOTE][QUOTE]
You are the Greast.
J.cook in SC
My cases do not have head space, I use the length of the case from the datum to the case head to off set the length of the chamber.
F. Guffey
I set my sizing die to set the shoulder back about .004 from chamber size. I usually anneal before sizing and then ss wet tumble, dry and then trim on my Giraud. Then set my seaters to BTO - .100 to start and then usually work to .075 to .095 depending on the bullet.
[QUOI have one that was cut in half, I made a jig and aligned it and then stuck it back together. I have bolts that work, I doubt I will ever get around to using it.
F. GuffeyTE]
You are the Greast.
J.cook in SC
:1948:
Then set my seaters to BTO - .100 to start and then usually work to .075 to .095 depending on the bullet.
I understand, with a different method/technique all is possible without the guess work and the tools required are home made.
F. Guffey
Quote Originally Posted by JOHN COOK View Post
I mentioned I had purchased a Wilson Headspace/ Cartridge gauge.. I’m trying to adjust the die to conform to the gauge which I hope is the correct thing to do.
Thanks everyone I’ll go back and give it another try..
John in SC
Ever tool has become a head space tool: I have Wilson case gages, the Wilson case gage goes back to 1939, the tool came with a set of instructions, without instructions the Wilson Case Gage is called a drop-in gage by reloaders without instructions.
F. Guffey
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