Split lock ring trick

[Richard Jones]

Thanks @BoydAllen for sharing. I always enjoy your posts.

 

[divingin]

To me it is kind of funny. If you read all the responses, the great majority have nothing at all to do with my original post.

Threads evolve. Which is fine, especially since you weren't asking a question or looking for information.

That said, I generally do exactly what you were avoiding: Get the die set to where I want it, screw the ring down, lock the ring securely to the die, and then use a pair of channel locks to break it loose. It's a one-time thing (assuming you don't need to readjust the die.) Different strokes.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Threads evolve. Which is fine, especially since you weren't asking a question or looking for information.

That said, I generally do exactly what you were avoiding: Get the die set to where I want it, screw the ring down, lock the ring securely to the die, and then use a pair of channel locks to break it loose. It's a one-time thing (assuming you don't need to readjust the die.) Different strokes.

I’m pretty sure Boyd was showing his method of taking some of the slack out of the threads first would prevent this hard lock down.

 

[divingin]

I’m pretty sure Boyd was showing his method of taking some of the slack out of the threads first would prevent this hard lock down.

I understood that. I'm just pointing out that's a one-time deal (using a tool and breaking the die loose.)

 

[JFrank]

The problem I’ve seen after locking down a die followed by using channel locks or a large wrench to break the die free is that the lock ring isn’t really locked down, once freed the ring will move so you’ve lost the position/setting.
Boyd’s method imho is sound, add a little drag and use a sharpie for a witness mark and”sneak up” on your final setting.

 

[Dimner]

The problem I’ve seen after locking down a die followed by using channel locks or a large wrench to break the die free is that the lock ring isn’t really locked down, once freed the ring will move so you’ve lost the position/setting.
Boyd’s method is sound.

My experience too. And thank you for mentioning it. I often wondered why after using a wrench I could slight turn my lock ring.

I have moved mostly to Hornady quick change inserts, but boyds method will be very helpful for the half dozen occasionally used dies that use traditional die methods.

 

[ToddP]

Lee’s “breech lock” set up is great.
I switched a couple of RCBS presses to this.
Oh, because of the sale price I purchased Lee’s cast iron press. I have 7 mounted presses and didn’t need it, but it is a monster. Even though presses have nothing to do with the finished product, I can’t help myself. That Lee is very impressive.

How do you convert an RCBS to use breech lock? From what I'm seeing, the press has to accept the bushing where the bushing is larger than the thread OD on a die.

 

[Dimner]

How do you convert an RCBS to use breech lock? From what I'm seeing, the press has to accept the bushing where the bushing is larger than the thread OD on a die.

The hornady lock-n-load conversion set will get you started. They also have other sets where they just sell the bushings and not the threaded insert you need to just buy once.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Press Die Conversion Bushing Kit

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Press and Die Conversion Bushing Kit is a great accessory for your reloading press. Simply insert the Lock-N-Load conversion...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[ToddP]

The hornady lock-n-load conversion set will get you started. They also have other sets where they just sell the bushings and not the threaded insert you need to just buy once.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Press Die Conversion Bushing Kit

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Press and Die Conversion Bushing Kit is a great accessory for your reloading press. Simply insert the Lock-N-Load conversion...

www.midwayusa.com

View attachment 1534286

I was asking the guy who said he used the Lee breech lock system on his RCBS. But, I'll have a look at Hornady's solution as that might be as good/better.

 

[Dimner]

I was asking the guy who said he used the Lee breech lock system on his RCBS. But, I'll have a look at Hornady's solution as that might be as good/better.

Gotcha, sorry I missed that part.

I'll add: I have used the Breech Lock system on lee presses and the Lock-N-Load on my RCBS Rockchucker. I like the Lock-N-Load like 600% more. Lee stopped making, as far as i can tell, the steel breech lock collets. The new aluminum ones I just cannot trust. They seem so flimsy. You can still find the steel ones now and again, but I would just go straight to Lock-N-Load.

 

[M-61]

But, I'll have a look at Hornady's solution as that might be as good/better

Yes, do that. ( Hornady) ( maybe ‘that guy’?)

 

[Freezebomb]

I’ve become a big fan of the lock rings from Erik cortina. Love the holes to tighten and then loosen using a 3/16 punch. Flat side and a curved for both styles of a press is a bonus as well.

 

[divingin]

How do you convert an RCBS to use breech lock? From what I'm seeing, the press has to accept the bushing where the bushing is larger than the thread OD on a die.

Most (or at least a lot of) presses have the actual 7/8-14 threads cut into an insert. The insert is the same size as old larger dies; don't remember what the thread size is (1-1/4 x 12?) In any case, conversion is removing that insert and screwing in the Breech Lok (or Lock N Load if you're going to Hornady) insert.

 

[ToddP]

Most (or at least a lot of) presses have the actual 7/8-14 threads cut into an insert. The insert is the same size as old larger dies; don't remember what the thread size is (1-1/4 x 12?) In any case, conversion is removing that insert and screwing in the Breech Lok (or Lock N Load if you're going to Hornady) insert.

Ah, that makes sense. My old Hornady Pacific single stage doesn't have that ability, so I guess those options are off the table.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Rubber O-rings under all my lock rings. On all dies. Not for runout but because it makes it easier to sneak up on the perfect camover, and they never come loose. Seaters never come out of the press. Hornady lock rings on Redding dies.

 

[6MMsteve]

I'm fixing to get the F1 Frankford Arsenal it's smooth and tight, my Rock Chucker is tight smooth as glass but gonna try the Frankford heard good things bout it

 

[Cecil S.]

Boyd Allen is a jewel to this form his depth of knowledge is second to none. I purchased many Forester split rings ( out of pure nubie ignorance) and WOW. Come to find out I am doing it the correct way. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut.

 

[BoydAllen]

How do you convert an RCBS to use breech lock? From what I'm seeing, the press has to accept the bushing where the bushing is larger than the thread OD on a die.

Seek and ye shall find. https://leeprecision.com/1-1-2-12-bl-update-kit

 

[M-61]

Seek and ye shall find. https://leeprecision.com/1-1-2-12-bl-update-kit

Yeah. Just order the correct one. Most presses seem to be 1.25. Some 1.5.
Some neither
All seem to be a 12 pitch
The link above takes you to 1.5
Have I measured every press ever made? No.
I’d suggest measuring the one you may want to convert.
eg: RCBS A-4 Big Max is 1 3/8. So no quick conversation available