Lock n Load bushings? Good or bad?

[fatelvis]

I've been contemplating using them for years as a quick change option for my dies. In your opinion, do they work well? Once set up, do they return and hold their original setting? Does the O-ring wear, or otherwise change the setting? Does the O-ring work as a positive, and let the die float? Any input is appreciated!

 

[dstoenner]

Frustrating would be my word. Couldn’t keep my sizer dies from slowly working loose. Had to retighten the die Every 10 rounds to keep consistent sizing. I have removed my LnL adapter and gone to a threaded die insert. It seemed like a great solution but....

david

 

[rardoin]

I use them in a Rockchucker II that is a 'second operations' press. ie- used for deprime/neck expansion/collet puller etc. The system is outstanding for that as it makes switching out tooling as fast as popping out CAT tooling on a mill. I have used it some for sizing and I have encountered no issues. The O ring does allow float but the wear, if any concern, would come from the metal dogs on the L'n'L bushing or press insert. I have found it to size as well as my other press using conventionally inserted dies. I don't seat bullets in that press but on an arbor press so I can't comment on seating depth consistency. Again, used in a second operations press the system can't be beat IMO.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I have used the bushings for years now and love them. Easy change out and I get very good concentric rounds. I did replace the O-Rings with slightly larger diameter material to prevent the issue that @dstoenner indicated. But even without it, I only had to reach up once in every 10-20 rounds and give it a little twist. Not really a big deal for me.

The best part is the ease at which you can change dies out and they settings are very consistent.

 

[rebs]

MY Hornady LNL came with them and I have had no problems

 

[Bill Norris]

I've use them for many years and have no complaints at all. Never had one to loosen up and/or give any issues.

 

[AllenOne1]

I love the LnL bushings for ease of use. I have no issues with their use and can only remember having the powder measure come loose all the others seem to stay right where they should.

 

[divingin]

I don't think the O-ring wear would contribute to variance, as the die pushes up against the threads.

I use the bushings for all standard press operations (when I do them), but do most of my rifle stuff on an arbor press.

 

[dgeesaman]

Frustrating would be my word. Couldn’t keep my sizer dies from slowly working loose. Had to retighten the die Every 10 rounds to keep consistent sizing. I have removed my LnL adapter and gone to a threaded die insert. It seemed like a great solution but....

david

I’ve found that tightening the split-clamp style of die collar will cinch it down onto the press / die holder. Or if I simply hold the LNL bushing with a vice-grips to get it extra tight. Or snug the die collar when the ram is driving the die upward. All of my sizing dies have solid metal collar designs - I can see this would not work at all with an O-ring style holder.

Overall I’m quite happy with the LNL bushings kit. I have them on all of my dies.

David

 

[shoot4fun]

My "go-to" press is the Forster Co-Ax but my secondary is a Hornady LNL. Honestly, the LNL will load every bit as concentric ammo as the Co-Ax. I tighten the collar screw once the die is in the correct depth and never have issues with anything working loose.
I also have a RCBS RC press converted to LNL in the wings should I need it ($25 garage sale buy).

 

[ronemus]

I've used them for over 20 years, and they reproduce settings very well - everything measures well within 0.001" after removing and inserting them. I have no complaints. I'm in the process af starting up a .338 Lapua, so we'll see how they hold up under the additional forces required by the big case. I've been reloading .223, .284. and 10 mm Auto.