Hornady Lock and Load Bushing Problems

[vonb]

I have a Lee Classic Cast press that I converted to the Hornady Lock N Load bushing system circa 2008. I use this press mainly for .223 and some .38/357 and nothing else. I noticed recently that the conversion bushing that screws into the press is shearing/crumbling at the base of the splines. In fact, I inserted a die earlier this week and pieces of the spline about 1/16" in size were falling out of the insert. When the dies are now inserted into the press, there is now play between the bushings causing the die to move vertically upon contact with brass.

In saying this, I adjust my sizing dies per the instructions and don't oversize my brass. Brass shoulders are set back about .0015 so I don't feel I'm putting too much compression on the bushings. Has anyone else experienced this with these bushings?

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Hope you missed a zero! So you are setting your shoulders back .015? Sounds like a recipe for light strikes.

I just screw my dies in an out with one hand while the other is doing something else if I am in a big hurry. L&L bushings just add another junction that can give causing inconsistency.

Frank

 

[vonb]

Yep, I missed a 0. It should be .0015. Thanks for the call out.

 

[Litespeed]

I have the insert in my Redding Big Boss II and had the same issue. Mine was from when I first put it in and tightened it. I put a die setup in and pushed it partially (which ended up being mostly) in and tightened it. It sheared one and a few more broke out in the following months. I replaced it and haven't had issues with the current one in the last several years. I'd just put a new insert in and consider it a wear item.....even if it shouldn't be.