RELOADING DIE LOCK RINGS
LEE lock rings don't lock onto the die. All other lock rings do.
The split kind with an allen screw that tightens/clamps the split, don't work well for me. I find it unweildy to turn the allen screw while holding the die and lock ring together. Also, there are no flats on these split lock rings; so if the ring is locked onto the die, I need water pump pliers and a rag to loosen the die/lock ring from the press.
Other lock rings come with or without flats to accept a wrench. Lock rings that have set screws going into the die threads work well. I have used steel wool, plastic whittled bits and lead shot in the set screw hole to keep the set screw from buggering the die threads. Some lock rings have a brass set screw. These brass set screws are a solution that doesn't work. The brass set screws get deformed.
Hornady Sure-Loc rings are split, allen wrench-tightened, with flats for a wrench. These may be best currently available, but that allen screw is a pain when it's on the back of the press.
My ideal reloading die lock ring would be steel, with flats for a wrench, and two-180 degree apart-plastic tipped or just big plastic set screws. Two set screws eliminates the set-screw-on-the-back-of-the-die problem.
Any thoughts? joe b.