Lee Dies Locking Collars

[Exmilcop]

I picked up a set of Lee dies for my .44 Russian. I have to say, I've always been a big fan of RCBS but I couldn't find dies in that caliber so I had to go with the Lee set. I don't like the fact that you can't lock the collars so as I see it, I have 2 options. Option one is buy 3 small hex head grub screws, drill and tap a hole in each collar and make them lockable. Option 2, order 3 collars from RCBS and swap out the collars on the Lee set. Getting stuff up here to Canada from the US can be problematic at times. So, have any of you done this with the Lee dies?

 

[arjay]

I have several Lee sets for pistol Calibers and they work fine as they are. Give them a try first.

 

[M29since14]

Yes. The Lee things are ridiculous. Someone must be able to use them but not me. I like a split threaded collar (nut) rather than one drilled & tapped for a set screw. I think Hornady used to make these. Maybe they still do? The idea of a set screw is not really good practice, in my little machinist’s brain. Kind of bad form to be pushing on the crest of the thread with another screw. You can throw a piece of lead shot in there to try and mitigate the problem a bit, but the split collar is the correct method.

 

[gwpercle]

Read and follow the Lee Directions . At first the non-locking rings bothered me also but after you learn how to work with them and how to install and remove them without moving the adjustments ... you get used to them and don't need the set screw locking rings.
It's a different system but it does work ...work with them before you start spending money .
If you have only used RCBS dies I can see how they might throw you for a loop .
Gary

 

[arjay]

Once you set the lock ring,never touch it again. Screw the die in and out of the press using the top of the body. That’s why it’s knurled.

 

[rkittine]

You can also buy locking rings from Foster. The screws squeeze the rings from the side and do not damage the threads. I have put these on all my dies.

Bob

 

[jag22]

I know they seem rinky dink but they work better than you think they will. That said, I would put new rings on my wish list for when things settle down a bit.

 

[max503]

Once you set the lock ring,never touch it again. Screw the die in and out of the press using the top of the body. That’s why it’s knurled.

I too will try this, but it always seems like my adjustments change.

 

[psquarejr]

I have had zero problems with the Lee dies, they do not come out of adjustment, it is hard to imagine that a rubber ring holds them in place, but it works.

 

[AlHunt]

The Lee rings work, as others say, once you get used to them.

I still hate them.

 

[glenwolde]

Well, well, well.....

Yeah, I don't like them either. I buy the Hornady rings and swap them out. The Hornady rings are my favorite as they are a split ring and the screw tightens the split to lock the ring....no set screw ever touches your threads.

Of course if you're using a Lee press you now should get the breech lock bushings. Or the fancier Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushings which incorporate a lock ring. When you add this stuff, the replacement rings and/or Breech Lock/Spline Drive Bushings...well Lee dies lose their cost advantage.

I find the whole concept of the Breech Lock bushing rather silly. Quick change dies on a single stage press. How much time is that really going to save? Very little assuming you have a good lock ring.

I use them when I have too (like you are)... and replace them when I can. Not a fan. If I buy a set of Lee dies I will eventually end up spending more than if I just buy a set of Hornady dies to begin with.

But these days we use what we can get. They work for the most part.

 

[Golphin]

I have loaded thousands of rounds with Lee dies and never had a issue with the rings that come on them. Easy enough to change but I think it is just more you not use to them then it is that they don't work just fine.

 

[max503]

Do any of you make index marks on your dies? I jab the point of a marker between the ring and the die. Those marks do not stay lined up. I use the marks to reset the dies.

 

[arjay]

That tiny bit doesn’t matter unless you’re a bench rest shooter

 

[SMSgt]

Throw the Lee lock rings in the trash and order Hornady die lock rings.

 

[SMSgt]

Do any of you make index marks on your dies? I jab the point of a marker between the ring and the die. Those marks do not stay lined up. I use the marks to reset the dies.

Shouldn't have to do that.

 

[SMSgt]

I have had zero problems with the Lee dies, they do not come out of adjustment, it is hard to imagine that a rubber ring holds them in place, but it works.

When one is trying to maintain a .002" shoulder bump, the Lee lock rings do not work.

 

[kreuzlover]

It seems to be the thing to hammer anything Lee. FOLLOW THE DAMN DIRECTIONS, AND YOU WON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS! This ain't rocket science, guys.

 

[bigedp51]

The Forster Co-Ax press allows the die to float and self center and thus make more concentric cases.

And the rubber o-ring on the Lee lock ring allows the die to float and self center in the sloppy press threads.

Bottom line the Lee lock ring turns any press into a Co-Ax press.

STOP crying and learn how to use the lock rings and use reference marks "if needed". With standard lock rings you can lock the die down off center with the die tilted.

The main cause of neck runout happens if the expander is locked down off center. And Forster dies have a high mounted floating expander to help prevent neck runout.


O-Rings on Dies May Reduce Run-Out
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[Geno44]

You might try installing the ring upside down with the O-ring removed. Set it up in your press the way you want it and put a little epoxy cement or J-B Weld on the ring and die body to keep it in place. A couple or three small dabs should hold it nicely.