Looking for RCBS Locking Ring Set Screwss

outrider58 · Jul 6, 2017

I'm having a heck of a time finding replacement brass set screws for my RCBC dies. I've grown to like the convenience of Lee dies, but I still use the RCBS dies that I have and the brass set screws really take a beating. I'll use any set screw as long as it is the right size and type. Any help will be mucho appreciato.

DaemonAssassin · Jul 6, 2017

Did you call RCBS? They might send you a couple for free...

Uncle Duke · Jul 6, 2017

They will indeed fix you up. Sounds like you have the "newer" dies as these have the hex lockdown nut on top of the dies and brass Allen type set screws. The older dies had knurled silver colored rings instead of hex nuts, and steel set screws. Just tell them what you have and what you need, and they'll almost certainly mail your parts no charge.

Art3 · Jul 6, 2017

Are you using them directly against the big threads? I read somewhere (maybe from RCBS :shrug:

) that you're supposed to put a piece of lead shot in the hole first, then the set screw. That way, the soft, cheap and easily replaceable shot is getting mangled by the big threads (and not your set screw), and there is no chance you'll mangle the big threads either.

Also, that means you could use a steel set screw that should be readily available at a local hardware store :innocent0

outrider58 · Jul 6, 2017

DaemonAssassin said:
Did you call RCBS? They might send you a couple for free...

Too lazy, but I might have to. Why the hell don't they offer these on their site(yes, their site really sucks)?

Uncle Duke said:
They will indeed fix you up. Sounds like you have the "newer" dies as these have the hex lockdown nut on top of the dies and brass Allen type set screws. The older dies had knurled silver colored rings instead of hex nuts, and steel set screws. Just tell them what you have and what you need, and they'll almost certainly mail your parts no charge.

Thanks Unc!

Art3 said:
Are you using them directly against the big threads? I read somewhere (maybe from RCBS ) that you're supposed to put a piece of lead shot in the hole first, then the set screw. That way, the soft, cheap and easily replaceable shot is getting mangled by the big threads (and not your set screw), and there is no chance you'll mangle the big threads either.

Also, that means you could use a steel set screw that should be readily available at a local hardware store

I will try that. Thanks.

I just assumed I would be able to find these anywhere since they are so...abusable. I will give them a call I guess. Thanks all.

Uncle Duke · Jul 6, 2017

Art3 said:
Are you using them directly against the big threads? I read somewhere (maybe from RCBS ) that you're supposed to put a piece of lead shot in the hole first, then the set screw. That way, the soft, cheap and easily replaceable shot is getting mangled by the big threads (and not your set screw), and there is no chance you'll mangle the big threads either.

Also, that means you could use a steel set screw that should be readily available at a local hardware store

Spot on sir. They recommend exactly this.

inkd · Jul 6, 2017

outrider58 said:
I'm having a heck of a time finding replacement brass set screws for my RCBC dies. I've grown to like the convenience of Lee dies, but I still use the RCBS dies that I have and the brass set screws really take a beating. I'll use any set screw as long as it is the right size and type. Any help will be mucho appreciato.

Do you have specs for the set screw? IF RCBS doesn't hook you up, there is a Fastenall store by me that probably has them.

I found set screws for my Giraud trimmer there and they had bags of 10 set screws. Much better than having to buy 50 from MSC.

BigDaddy · Jul 6, 2017

Ace Hardware also has set screws. They won't be brass, but the lead shot trick will work

usa259 · Jul 6, 2017

Call RCBS, they have sent me several, along with the 223 primer puncher outer thingy. The decaper....

Blacksmith101 · Jul 7, 2017

McMaster Carr
https://www.mcmaster.com/#set-screws/=18e1c0b

K31 · Jul 7, 2017

Replace them with Hornady lock rings.

Sticky · Jul 7, 2017

K31 said:
Replace them with Hornady lock rings.

That's what I use on all my dies..

Bootknife · Jul 7, 2017

I have used the lead Trick for Years (1962)!

Sticky · Jul 7, 2017

With lead shot, any setscrew will work, even from Ace.. I don't use locking rings on my Lee dies, as the o-ring does a pretty good job of keeping the locknut secure, as long as you are a little careful.

outrider58 · Jul 7, 2017

Sticky said:
I don't use locking rings on my Lee dies, as the o-ring does a pretty good job of keeping the locknut secure, as long as you are a little careful.

That's why I've gone to Lee dies now. Plus, you can make micro adjustments without having to unlock everything everytime.

outrider58 · Jul 7, 2017

K31 said:
Replace them with Hornady lock rings.

Winning!

Sticky · Jul 7, 2017

outrider58 said:
That's why I've gone to Lee dies now. Plus, you can make micro adjustments without having to unlock everything everytime.

K31 · Jul 7, 2017

Sticky said:
That's what I use on all my dies..

Same here.

outrider58 · Jul 7, 2017

K31 said:
Same here.

Just bought six to cover my RCBS dies. :thumbsup:

PowPow · Jul 9, 2017

K31 said:
Same here.

Me too.

Looking for RCBS Locking Ring Set Screwss

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