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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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---------------
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.
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 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.
