Lee dies question

[Lavan]

I just got a single stage Lee press and a set of carbide dies for 45 ACP and I'm totally mystified.
What locks the big nut on the dies?
I used to have RCBS dies and there was an Allen jam nut to lock the die depth.
These have a rubber O-ring.
Is that all there is to lock the depth of each die?

I've read the instructions several times and still can't figure it out.

Any info appreciated.

 

[Astocks2622]

Yep. Set the depth, and lightly tighten the jam nut. I've never had an issue with then moving, even with large rifle cartridges.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[Lavan]

Okay.
Can they ever be loosened again?

 

[Ruga Booga]

Yes. Lefty loosy

 

[reddog81]

The Lee rings can be replaced with rings from any other company. The biggest problem I have with with the seating stems. They can loosen and the OAL can shift if you aren't paying attention.

 

[Doug Lee]

I use an end wrench on my Lee dies, just snug it up.

 

[cptjack]

what is an end wrench

 

[Doug Lee]

any open end fixed size wrench, or open end / box end combination.

 

[Lavan]

I may be dense but I'm still not seeing how they can be changed unless that whole "quick change" gizmo that screws into the actual press is left on the die

Confession: I haven't yet tried them. I'm in initial assembly mode and just trying to see how snugging up rubber will stay consistent.

The press only comes with one quick change gizmo.

 

[kmw1954]

Lavan it sounds as if you are describing the breech lock system on that press. The breech lock uses a bushing also with each die. The die gets inserted into the bushing and then locked down to the bushing and then the bushing gets inserted into the press. Do a quick youtube search for the Lee Breech Lock. They can show you quicker than I can explain it. Good luck

 

[Nathan]

I get you....I replace mine with Hornady lock rings.

The Lee design is to set the die. Tighten the lock ring holding the die in place. Remove using only the big lock ring only and it shouldn't slip..it might not, but I like to lock my settings for sure.

 

[pete2]

If you gotta use Lee dies, get some rings with set screws. No way I could remove the dies and maintain the settings. If you have a turret press just install and leave them installed. Poor design but Lee ain't gonna change it. Note: RCBS and Redding make good stuff. Hint Hint---------------

 

[Lavan]

I am regretting buying a Lee loader.
This seems to be a real monkeycrap setup.
You get a press and a 3 die set with ONE quick change lock collet.

And I'll BET that Sportman's Warehouse has NO ...parts... for this thing.

Sooooo..... I get to TRY to find some Hornady lock rings.

Well, kiss THIS weekend "tryout" of the new "press."

 

[lamarw]

Return your single stage press and buy a Lee turret 4 hole turret press. You can use it like a single stage if you desire to learn on or simply use it as a higher capacity turret press.

 

[kmw1954]

Lavan, try here if you have one close by. https://www.cabelas.com/product/sho...ock-quick-change-bushings/731941.uts?slotId=8

 

[mikld]

There is nothing wrong with Lee's system (other reloading equipment manufacturers are using this design too). Far from "monkey crap".You install a die in a breech-lock bushing, install the assembly in the press, adjust it and "lock" the die in place in the bushing. When changing dies, remove the hole assembly from the press. The bushings use an "interrupted thread" breech lock system just like heavy artillery; slide the breech lock bushing/die in place and turn the bushing/die about 1/2 turn to lock it in place. Next use of that particular die is simple and no (or very little) adjustment is needed. Yes bushings are needed for each die.

If you don't like the system, just lock one bushing in place in the press (snug it down in place with an application of red lok-tite; permanent installation.).

The O-ring Lee lock rings are simple and work as designed.On an O-ring lock nut, when snugged down, stays in place by the O-ring exerting an upward force, snugging the threads, acting just like a "jam nut", preventing the die from turning. I have used Lee dies with their O-ring lock nuts since the mid nineties, in single stage presses and on a turret press and experienced no "drifting adjustments". I'm a life long machinist/mechanic and perhaps I just understand tools and the principles behind thread theory and know how to put these theories to use...

My dad used to tell me "First, ya gotta be smarter than the tool"...

 

[Lavan]

I just tried the snugging down on the interrupted thread breech lock.

Fine.

Then I removed the die to see if I could install the other dies in the breech lock.

Whoops.... the locking nut is only FINGER TIGHT!
If I REALLY ..."snug" it down, it does not want to come OUT of the breech lock.

I can see how this could be very easy but only if I get another 2 breech locks to make them "instant."

Do you not need SEPARATE breech locks for each die?

This is maddening.

 

[Lavan]

Maybe that red Lok Tite makes more sense than getting more lock nuts or breech locks.


But then God help me if I ever need to change settings or height or ???

 

[Lavan]

The only reason I even got this thing is to load for ONE caliber.

In another thread, I explained my unique hearing loss and am ..trying.. to set up a way to load powder puff loads in 45 ACP ....ONLY!

That's why I don't want a turret press that is much better.

I can tolerate factory noise in everything up to that damn 45.

9mm and even 357 are fine.

I'm just trying to set up a way to load down for the ACP

And only to avoid selling the gun. Took me a LONG time to find my M25 Smith and I want to shoot it with mild loads.

 

[kmw1954]

Lavan it looks to me as if you are getting angry over a lack of understanding. Understanding of what was required of the press and how to set it up in the first place.

The single stage press in the most simple device to use. They all work and get set up the same way. The "new" breech lock presses now use a bushing so the dies can be changed quickly. So yes each die needs a bushing. Otherwise by locking the bushing in place it then becomes no different than any other single stage press that does not use a bushing. The dies still need to be screwed in and adjusted.