Problem with Redding die - set screw broken

[Hans Gruber]

Hey guys,

I went to adjust my sizing die and unscrewed the set screw in the lock down ring. To my horror, it appears that the screw has separated from some other bit that actually makes contact with the threads. So basically I backed out the set screw but my lock down ring won't budge

I really hope that there's a way to fix this without sending it back to Redding.

Any suggestions?

[Hans Gruber]

My google fu is strong:

Please be advised, that in all Redding dies shipped from the factory the lock ring has a piece of lead captured behind the set screw which engages the die threads as the set screw is turned in. This is more costly but far more effective than a simple brass screw, which can be easily stripped and therefore made unusable. Redding uses steel on steel for strength but places a piece of lead between the set screw and the die threads as a buffer to protect the threads from damage and provide a secure lock-up.

Now to just figure out how to get the lead out/moving.

[Jicko]

Kroil oil.... and maybe after a little soaking with kroil.... light tap the ring with mallet or hammer(*lightly*!!) ... most likely the ring is just seized in place a little...

[gunboat]

Just twist - hard -

[Hans Gruber]

I got it with a little bit of elbow grease.

Now I'm having problems with the decapping pin slipping out and leaving the die with the brass. Tinkering now. Probably have to tighten down the expander or switch out with the non-expander since I'm bushing'd and make sure no lube got in there.

[cassius]

With the set screw out and some oil soaked into the lockring threads around the lead -
Just get a good couple pairs of adjustable pliers on there, or better yet a wrench on the die body if it has cut flats on it, and if it a good wrenching.
Keep a firm grip on the pliers on the lockring, so you don't slip or grind the hell out of the knurling on the part. And use slow steady pressure when trying to turn things, not a jerking or bouncing motion. Maintain positive control on the tool, the rest will follow.

/this is basic mechanics, and worrisome that someone messing with reloading doesn't have basic hand tool skills

[Hans Gruber]

With the set screw out and some oil soaked into the lockring threads around the lead -
Just get a good couple pairs of adjustable pliers on there, or better yet a wrench on the die body if it has cut flats on it, and if it a good wrenching.
Keep a firm grip on the pliers on the lockring, so you don't slip or grind the hell out of the knurling on the part. And use slow steady pressure when trying to turn things, not a jerking or bouncing motion. Maintain positive control on the tool, the rest will follow.

/this is basic mechanics, and worrisome that someone messing with reloading doesn't have basic hand tool skills

Yeap, that's exactly what I had to do in order to get the expander ball off of the decapping stem.

For the record, just because I don't want to dive right in and force the situation with a brand new $130 die set doesn't mean that I don't know how to use hand tools. I didn't know exactly what I was dealing with. As soon as I knew it was a lead plug in the end I knew that I could force it without damaging the threads. I just wanted to try different approaches with wrenches as a last resort due to the possibility of damaging the die threads.

I'd say being cautious, methodical and deliberate are very good attributes for reloading.

[Ugly Dwarf]

When all else fails, call Redding. I've spoken with their tech line before about die issues I had and they were quite helpful.

[westcoastr]

i replaced all my lock rings from redding and rcbs with the hornady split ring style. they have an allen bolt that sqeezes the ring together instead of a set screw that jams against your die thread.

[ar15barrels]

Loosen the setscrew 1 turn from the lead bb.
While holding the die body, tap the lock ring on a hard surface with the setcrew facing straight down.
The die body will re-form the lead bb and the lock ring will turn smoothly again.
You have to do this the first couple times you adjust the die and then the lead bb behaves in the future.