They look awesome, but I think they cut a few corners. First, the screws should use either an Allen wrench, or a Torx. Those small Phillips heads can strip easily, especially when you try to really tighten them down. Second, they should have milled a relief slot into the same location as they did on the original breech lock adapter so that the plunger could come back up and lock it in place. With just a couple minor tweaks, they could have made these really great.
Before purchasing a new progressive press I called all the manufactures out there and requested a manual on their presses. This included dillons, hornady, lee and a couple of others. The purpose of this was to study them befor buying. I chose the lee loadmaster for very specific reasons. One of the main one was the ability to reconfigure it to do more than the others without changing it to the point of taking it out of a warranty state. 1st I never deprime or prime on press so this allowed me to move the powder station to the second station on the head, this allows me to put a powder check die in the original powder station for added safety. 2nd I can also set it up to process brass without going thru all the stations, (size cleaned deprimed rifle and pistol brass) and collect it in a seperate bin on the left side of the press. It can be drimed at the same time but as I stated I do this of press ((by hand to feel primerpocket tension) and inspect cases at this time). Also I just don't run dirty brass thru my dies. 3rd I changed out the shell locator hands on the 3rd and 4th stations with ones made with thumb flipper lips so my arthritic fingers could move them or open the up easly to remove a case easly. 4th I designed an on off clutch for their bullet feeder so I did not have to remove parts to disable it while using, this allows me to turn on and off at will, by a simple turn of a knob and allows quiker change out of heads for other calibers. Also it allows me to use ther bullet feed and seat on the same station and not loose the final station thats used for crimp and carbide check die. Easly put back to origanal configuration with no warranty infractions. If you reas this Gavintobe and are interested in this let me know. You will like the mods and find them extreamly usefull and added production and safety.
@@lucab9593 absolutely. All they do is lock the dies in place. The benefit it's they don't crush the threads of the die line the rcbs and better quality than the lees
Smitty SF-3751 Been learning a lot from you, even at 80 years old. Did not know you had to buy the new press to work with the new lock rings. Keep up the Great Work.
The lock ring eliminator bushings are different from the older ones, which used to come with a hexagonal screw and accompanying hexagonal wrench. I purchased some of the new ones from Midway and they are just as good. The hexagonal screw has been replaced with a slotted screw, which concerned me at first but I after attaching them to my dies and tightening them, the screw is set and no further adjustments are needed. In short I love theses lock ring eliminators because they allow someone on a single-stage press to quickly change dies without having to constantly readjust them. Well worth the investment!
Lee always said that their original lock ring only needed to be finger tight but we all know that they still loosened up. Now they finally give you a wrench which they always needed anyhow.
I got a set of those LEE lock rings over a month ago. Wanted a lower profile locking nut than the old 1 1/8" Dillon lock nuts. Short story >> After a month I'm done with them. They don't save that much room on the 550 head plus they have a standard slot screw to lock it in place. Solution>> I'm in the process of switching ALL die nuts to the newer 1" Dillon lock nuts.
I vote for switching to Torx. 4 rifles - same caliber - 4 differing head-space requirements - A pile of labelled cases, for case length - and 4 sets of finished bullet with crimps.-- of all the bullets I every stuffed in a case. A pail of ammo - once or lightly fired brass. It fits all the guns. It's the pray and pass the ammo box. The rest gets divided into 40 to 100 cases - all from what rifle and chamber - and stays from that point to destruction. I think my best case was 27 reloads with 95% loads. As of today - I have hot day confirmation. Dec Next - will give cold weather data - Even tried some guaranteed Were-Wolf projectiles. They are a third less heavy that Current - and the smack stuff real good.
I recommend putting the rubber O-ring on top. Then you get more precision because you are not compressing the rubber different amounts each time you install the die. Very hard to fully compress the rubber with the little cheesy plastic tool resulting in ⅛-¼ turn variance.
After setting up the die’s with the breech lock bushings i wish i could fit them back into the original case for safe storage. Maybe one day LEE could mold them for this.
I just got my first set of Lee Dies in 35 Rem. Have always used RCBS dies with out any problems. I have no problem with the old style lock rings that came with my new Lee Dies, but they haven't stood the test of time yet.
Yes but lee is a far less expensive brand. You either cut features or quality. Can't have it all for less. Lee is becoming more modular. Able to start basic then add features. I likely never would have started reloading 100 dollar dies but 30. Ok. But now I have 4 presses, (two table mounted, 1 shotgun, one portable) and several hundred in dies. It became another hobby. 🙂 I just dont shoot enough to justify the cost of the other guys and make hunting ammo only. For myself target shooting is only to sight in and practice to hunt. For that basic features are just fine. Now in 22 under the global oligarchy I'm going to have to make a primer press it seems. 😭
I need to check them out. With the notches cut in the lock rings, you can make a die float in the head of the press with a roll pin . I need to experiment with that and floating shell holder.
I don't like them myself considering that all of my older sets have the original ones and that they don't come with the tool to tighten them down. Pipe wrench works decent enough until I can replace them
Ola Gavintoobe, I hope you are very well, I wanted to tell you that I really like this program but I would like you to put subtitles on what you are talking about, there are many who watch the program but do not understand what they are talking about because they speak another language , thank you very much and a cordial greeting from cali norte, thank you very much for such a great contribution.
the second thing i throw out when i get a set of Lee dies is the lock ring. always hated the dang o ring retention system. First thing i throw out is the dipper. The split ring type would be a huge step in the right direction!
I swapped all my Lee lock rings to Lyman rings years ago. Only reason I could see myself changing is if I finally break a press and have to goto a breech-lock or LnL setup.
Gavin, been watching and enjoying all your vids for years. This is the last however. You are NEVER critical in any way of anything you have ever reviewed. Everything you demonstrate is according to you great. Some that ive tried are, and some downright are not. I know, I’ve bought (too many) of those reviewed items you’ve reviewed. These rings are one. Already had some before your vid and there are two others brands that are much, much better. Anyways, all i see is you giving continuous good reviews in order to get a continuous supply of reloading goodies from the manufacturers. With all due respect Gavin, goodbye and good shooting
Jay- I'm sorry that you feel that way. Thank you for being a viewer all these years. I do my best to provide viewers with the information they need to make their own purchasing decisions. In my recent reviews (more in-depth ones) I've started to add "PROS and CONS" (see my recent in-depth press reviews) and I do indeed point out issues and problems when I see them (see the tracking inaccuracy I reported when I reviewed the Monstrum scope for example). I did not see any issues with these lock rings in the short time that I've been using them. You mentioned you don't like them, but you didn't say what about them you don't like- please share specifics.
Hey Gavi. Would you make a video on the Lee APP press? It is an excellent tool for prepping brass, resize lead bullets, debulge, ext..... Awesome press.
IT dose not intergrade with other presses only for Lees press. Damm the bad luck! I like Lees Ideal what they did. I wish they all get on the same page and it standard with all presses.
Question. I seem to be having an issue indexing the splines to the push down button. I can get the button to pop up but the lock ring eliminator moves 1/8 inch either direction, but still stays in place. Is this normal slop to be expected ?
I don't understand the O-ring Lee likes to use cuz it seems like you get a little variance when you tighten it down I like the Hornady lock rings they go right to the same spot every time
Gavin,, do these work the same in a RCBC rockchucker and how about the Forster.. the rings fit the same with the height or is this Lee specific? thanks
can you do a video on the differences between the Lyman Gen6 and the Franklin Arsenal Inteladropper electric Powder measuring devices? kind of a side by side comparison ?
I bought a pack of the breech lock spline and they feel as if made of paper, Super light and just don't give a good feeling of long term stability. Really unhappy with first impression. I immediately shelved them and found the older style breech lock rings
I have always liked these "lock ring eliminators" style of die change. However, my presses include the Dillon RL550B as my main battle press with an RCBS Rock Chucker for use as a single-stage press for a variety of operations such as swage, sizing or other one stage activity while I have a 3rd press (do not recall the name) used exclusively for either decap or bullet pulling. On the Dillion Toolhead, we are limited to only the standard 7/8 - 14 tread configuration. Now, it would be great for someone to come with a tool head for Dillon presses that would accommodate the Lock Ring Eliminator from Lee or the comparable system available from Hornady. If on were a proficient machinist one might be so inclined to create just such a tool head. If this idea works out, I wish to copyright the idea.......JK
Lee needs to make die boxes that will hold dies that have the Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings installed. Once you put those on your boxes won't close.
Robert Brandywine sorry for the late reply. It is about 5.400’ x 4.400’. Size looks about the same but this one has extra deep grooves for bushings as well. I hope I’m not missing anything so sharing the photos: share.icloud.com/photos/0wRrEBi5Jfz5nRpEYESeCsdmQ
are you going to do the lee APP press? will i understand you do not cast bullets, "a hobby you should get into" it dose a very good job of bulk reszie / decapingg brass.
Gavin, very interesting as usual but could you please clarify which of these is available for a Dillon press? I am interested in something quicker, but I use a 650 to reload. Thank you
I'm confused... you have a 650 but need something quicker to change dies? Why not just change out the whole tool head with all the dies at once? What am I missing?
Not a fan of the new versions. The tiny Philips screws are weak compared to the original hex screws and there's no specific notch on the spline rings which engages the quick release button on the press.
It would be nice if manufacturers (reloading tools or tools in general, tool boxes especially) would stop using gay ass colors for everything. Would black, gray, FDE, OD green, khaki, dark green, etc be that hard? My shelf full of red and green Lee die boxes looks like a Christmas pride parade lol.
I was shopping for Milwaukee packouts in Mexico where they come in black instead of the obnoxious red. Don't get me started on the reloading world. I like the Dillon blue, RCBS green, MEC black and that's about it. The rest look like a child went on a crack fueled binge with a box of fluorescent spray paint. WTF??
They look awesome, but I think they cut a few corners.
First, the screws should use either an Allen wrench, or a Torx. Those small Phillips heads can strip easily, especially when you try to really tighten them down.
Second, they should have milled a relief slot into the same location as they did on the original breech lock adapter so that the plunger could come back up and lock it in place.
With just a couple minor tweaks, they could have made these really great.
Before purchasing a new progressive press I called all the manufactures out there and requested a manual on their presses. This included dillons, hornady, lee and a couple of others. The purpose of this was to study them befor buying. I chose the lee loadmaster for very specific reasons. One of the main one was the ability to reconfigure it to do more than the others without changing it to the point of taking it out of a warranty state.
1st I never deprime or prime on press so this allowed me to move the powder station to the second station on the head, this allows me to put a powder check die in the original powder station for added safety. 2nd I can also set it up to process brass without going thru all the stations, (size cleaned deprimed rifle and pistol brass) and collect it in a seperate bin on the left side of the press. It can be drimed at the same time but as I stated I do this of press ((by hand to feel primerpocket tension) and inspect cases at this time). Also I just don't run dirty brass thru my dies. 3rd I changed out the shell locator hands on the 3rd and 4th stations with ones made with thumb flipper lips so my arthritic fingers could move them or open the up easly to remove a case easly. 4th I designed an on off clutch for their bullet feeder so I did not have to remove parts to disable it while using, this allows me to turn on and off at will, by a simple turn of a knob and allows quiker change out of heads for other calibers. Also it allows me to use ther bullet feed and seat on the same station and not loose the final station thats used for crimp and carbide check die.
Easly put back to origanal configuration with no warranty infractions.
If you reas this Gavintobe and are interested in this let me know. You will like the mods and find them extreamly usefull and added production and safety.
You've become one of my favorite youtubers. I just ordered the Pro 4000 and this is something I was wondering about.
THANK YOU!
I just ordered a challenger breech lock press 4 dies and these,thanks for all the information you've provided !
Im gonna stick to my hornady steel Sure-LOC lock rings. Theyre the best hands down.
Do they work on a Dillon press?
@@lucab9593 absolutely. All they do is lock the dies in place. The benefit it's they don't crush the threads of the die line the rcbs and better quality than the lees
@@lucab9593 NO! Not without machining an entirely new tool head, which could be done.
@@MarkBrown5150 I have them on my Dillon's right now. What are you talking about?
Yeap. Hornady Lock n Load system looks to way better. I argee with you Commander Osis
Smitty SF-3751
Been learning a lot from you, even at 80 years old. Did not know you had to buy the new press to work with the new lock rings. Keep up the Great Work.
Thank you Gavin. Your videos are educational and inspiring.
Thank you very much for the information, I have just bought my first Lee Presision reloading press. It Is really helpful
these are badass. super simple but i like it alot. adds little bit of coolness with the coloring. hope they have more colors available.
The lock ring eliminator bushings are different from the older ones, which used to come with a hexagonal screw and accompanying hexagonal wrench. I purchased some of the new ones from Midway and they are just as good. The hexagonal screw has been replaced with a slotted screw, which concerned me at first but I after attaching them to my dies and tightening them, the screw is set and no further adjustments are needed. In short I love theses lock ring eliminators because they allow someone on a single-stage press to quickly change dies without having to constantly readjust them. Well worth the investment!
My LEE press of choice is the Breach Lock hand press. I mostly reload handgun ammo. Thanks for the video.
When will a video on the new Lee APP be released? I'm curious about how it works! Thanks!
Lee always said that their original lock ring only needed to be finger tight but we all know that they still loosened up. Now they finally give you a wrench which they always needed anyhow.
I got a set of those LEE lock rings over a month ago. Wanted a lower profile locking nut than the old 1 1/8" Dillon lock nuts. Short story >> After a month I'm done with them. They don't save that much room on the 550 head plus they have a standard slot screw to lock it in place. Solution>> I'm in the process of switching ALL die nuts to the newer 1" Dillon lock nuts.
I vote for switching to Torx. 4 rifles - same caliber - 4 differing head-space requirements - A pile of labelled cases, for case length - and 4 sets of finished bullet with crimps.-- of all the bullets I every stuffed in a case. A pail of ammo - once or lightly fired brass. It fits all the guns. It's the pray and pass the ammo box. The rest gets divided into 40 to 100 cases - all from what rifle and chamber - and stays from that point to destruction. I think my best case was 27 reloads with 95% loads. As of today - I have hot day confirmation. Dec Next - will give cold weather data - Even tried some guaranteed Were-Wolf projectiles. They are a third less heavy that Current - and the smack stuff real good.
The sizing die I just bought came with the new ring. It also came in a new style case. Seems Lee has come out with a lot of new goodies.
I recommend putting the rubber O-ring on top. Then you get more precision because you are not compressing the rubber different amounts each time you install the die. Very hard to fully compress the rubber with the little cheesy plastic tool resulting in ⅛-¼ turn variance.
Gavin..... you always have up to date great content. Thanks!
Thanks Ken!
After setting up the die’s with the breech lock bushings i wish i could fit them back into the original case for safe storage. Maybe one day LEE could mold them for this.
atleast they fit in standard cases ie RCBS/Hornady.
I just got my first set of Lee Dies in 35 Rem. Have always used RCBS dies with out any problems. I have no problem with the old style lock rings that came with my new Lee Dies, but they haven't stood the test of time yet.
About time lee comes out with stuff hornady has had for years
Yes but lee is a far less expensive brand. You either cut features or quality. Can't have it all for less. Lee is becoming more modular. Able to start basic then add features. I likely never would have started reloading 100 dollar dies but 30. Ok. But now I have 4 presses, (two table mounted, 1 shotgun, one portable) and several hundred in dies. It became another hobby. 🙂 I just dont shoot enough to justify the cost of the other guys and make hunting ammo only. For myself target shooting is only to sight in and practice to hunt. For that basic features are just fine.
Now in 22 under the global oligarchy I'm going to have to make a primer press it seems. 😭
Thanks did not know these existed.
I need to check them out. With the notches cut in the lock rings, you can make a die float in the head of the press with a roll pin . I need to experiment with that and floating shell holder.
I'm selling my old hex wrench for (5) rolls of 2-ply, unscented, toilet paper.
all I've got is scented
Why? (Serious question)
@@MarkBrown5150 Coronajokes.
Is scented TP a real thing? Never heard of it!
@@lpeter5781 oh yes, alI I could find a couple of weeks ago was some annoying lavender scented TP, immediately gave it to the wife
The laterst versions have a hex socket screw (Allen wrench). Much preferred.
This looks fantastic
I don't like them myself considering that all of my older sets have the original ones and that they don't come with the tool to tighten them down. Pipe wrench works decent enough until I can replace them
Ola Gavintoobe, I hope you are very well, I wanted to tell you that I really like this program but I would like you to put subtitles on what you are talking about, there are many who watch the program but do not understand what they are talking about because they speak another language , thank you very much and a cordial greeting from cali norte, thank you very much for such a great contribution.
the second thing i throw out when i get a set of Lee dies is the lock ring. always hated the dang o ring retention system. First thing i throw out is the dipper. The split ring type would be a huge step in the right direction!
I am curios why you would not show how to use these in a RCBS Rock chucker. I guess now on the hunt for information not shown in your video.
What about the older classic press ????
almost the exact same as Hornady Lock n Load system. about time.
I swapped all my Lee lock rings to Lyman rings years ago. Only reason I could see myself changing is if I finally break a press and have to goto a breech-lock or LnL setup.
Gavin, been watching and enjoying all your vids for years. This is the last however. You are NEVER critical in any way of anything you have ever reviewed. Everything you demonstrate is according to you great. Some that ive tried are, and some downright are not. I know, I’ve bought (too many) of those reviewed items you’ve reviewed. These rings are one. Already had some before your vid and there are two others brands that are much, much better.
Anyways, all i see is you giving continuous good reviews in order to get a continuous supply of reloading goodies from the manufacturers.
With all due respect Gavin, goodbye and good shooting
Jay- I'm sorry that you feel that way. Thank you for being a viewer all these years.
I do my best to provide viewers with the information they need to make their own purchasing decisions. In my recent reviews (more in-depth ones) I've started to add "PROS and CONS" (see my recent in-depth press reviews) and I do indeed point out issues and problems when I see them (see the tracking inaccuracy I reported when I reviewed the Monstrum scope for example).
I did not see any issues with these lock rings in the short time that I've been using them. You mentioned you don't like them, but you didn't say what about them you don't like- please share specifics.
That would be amazing! getting in the future!
These are sweet! Might try a set of these. Love the Hornady lock rings and these look good.
Hey Gavi. Would you make a video on the Lee APP press? It is an excellent tool for prepping brass, resize lead bullets, debulge, ext..... Awesome press.
whats the thread on the outer bushing insert 1 1/4 ?
IT dose not intergrade with other presses only for Lees press. Damm the bad luck! I like Lees Ideal what they did. I wish they all get on the same page and it standard with all presses.
Question. I seem to be having an issue indexing the splines to the push down button. I can get the button to pop up but the lock ring eliminator moves 1/8 inch either direction, but still stays in place. Is this normal slop to be expected ?
I don't understand the O-ring Lee likes to use cuz it seems like you get a little variance when you tighten it down I like the Hornady lock rings they go right to the same spot every time
Gavin,, do these work the same in a RCBC rockchucker and how about the Forster.. the rings fit the same with the height or is this Lee specific? thanks
do you use lock rings and the bushings or just the bushings doing the same thing? new reloader here just making sure
can you do a video on the differences between the Lyman Gen6 and the Franklin Arsenal Inteladropper electric Powder measuring devices? kind of a side by side comparison ?
I don't get it. Why do these lock rings require a special wrench to tighten? What is up with that Phillips head screw?
the Forster rings have the split design since....EVER. so what's the point??
An AR15 buffer tube wrench worked with these. Pretty sure it was a cheap freebie that came with one of my stocks.
I bought a pack of the breech lock spline and they feel as if made of paper, Super light and just don't give a good feeling of long term stability. Really unhappy with first impression. I immediately shelved them and found the older style breech lock rings
I love these new breech locks. I just swapped out the Hornady quick change kit with Lee's. Getting fantastic results!
Good deal Kenny!
Here are great but why did lee opt for a Phillips head screw for the locking screw? Hex head would be much better
Do a review on the lee app press
Does this work with Lyman turit press
a phillips head? that really should have been an Allen key or Torx
the ones i have, black alu (lock ring eliminators, the big ones) came with allens.
The originals did. These are a step back.
@@everythingphil9376 weird, why would anyone go back to phillips?
@@RobActiveShooterEngh Im guessing Lee is cost cutting with these aluminum versions and they're trying to make them look "cool".
@@everythingphil9376 so phillips head is cool now? Guess I need a new tattoo or haircut?
I have always liked these "lock ring eliminators" style of die change. However, my presses include the Dillon RL550B as my main battle press with an RCBS Rock Chucker for use as a single-stage press for a variety of operations such as swage, sizing or other one stage activity while I have a 3rd press (do not recall the name) used exclusively for either decap or bullet pulling. On the Dillion Toolhead, we are limited to only the standard 7/8 - 14 tread configuration. Now, it would be great for someone to come with a tool head for Dillon presses that would accommodate the Lock Ring Eliminator from Lee or the comparable system available from Hornady. If on were a proficient machinist one might be so inclined to create just such a tool head. If this idea works out, I wish to copyright the idea.......JK
Awesome!!! Lee Rocks!!!!
The earlier ultimate lock rings would work on a lee turret press .
ok I'm gonna say that very well colorful red white and blue thanks 👏👍😎
Phillips? Should have been hex head. I would want to replace that immediately.
Lee needs to make die boxes that will hold dies that have the Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings installed. Once you put those on your boxes won't close.
Robert Brandywine I bough new 6.5 creedmoor ultimate die set couple of weeks back and box closes properly with bushings installed.
@@avinanrey Would you mind listing the dimensions of the box?
Robert Brandywine sorry for the late reply. It is about 5.400’ x 4.400’. Size looks about the same but this one has extra deep grooves for bushings as well. I hope I’m not missing anything so sharing the photos: share.icloud.com/photos/0wRrEBi5Jfz5nRpEYESeCsdmQ
are you going to do the lee APP press? will i understand you do not cast bullets, "a hobby you should get into" it dose a very good job of bulk reszie / decapingg brass.
I'm looking into it! :)
Do they fit in the co ax press?
I like the new lock ring but I would like to see Lee stop using a Phillips Head screw and go with something like a Torx.
Just get a press for each dokie
Gavin, very interesting as usual but could you please clarify which of these is available for a Dillon press? I am interested in something quicker, but I use a 650 to reload. Thank you
I'm confused... you have a 650 but need something quicker to change dies? Why not just change out the whole tool head with all the dies at once? What am I missing?
For the $ , Can't be beat.
Not a fan of the new versions. The tiny Philips screws are weak compared to the original hex screws and there's no specific notch on the spline rings which engages the quick release button on the press.
The Phillips screw is a disappointment. Why not go with an Allen screw? I guess I can change them out. lol. Just sayin'..
Me am backwards neanderthal... Not need fancy new lock rings when old ones have always worked fine.
Knurl. Spline. Two different things.
To anyone is wp 405 smokeless rifle powder any good for 223 556 my first powder buy
I hate the new lock ring design, the new 4 dye sets comes with these lock rings but no wrench.
WHY?
Fuck everything about those splined lock rings. They suck very badly with that crappy wrench. The splined bushings are pretty decent though.
I like the lock rings but that wrench is a joke.
ugh, now you need a specialized wrench...
So we aren't talking about how worthless the crappy wrench is?
The ultimate and eliminators are nice but the screw stinks they need a hex head
I hate Lee’s old lock rings.
Love the channel but whoever wrote your intro/title song needs to get fired.
Look up: “at hells gate - e1m1” from doom 1993 ost
Philips? Fail
Why is 40 cal such a bulge case need bulge buster small base dies real pain in the 14th
It would be nice if manufacturers (reloading tools or tools in general, tool boxes especially) would stop using gay ass colors for everything. Would black, gray, FDE, OD green, khaki, dark green, etc be that hard? My shelf full of red and green Lee die boxes looks like a Christmas pride parade lol.
I was shopping for Milwaukee packouts in Mexico where they come in black instead of the obnoxious red. Don't get me started on the reloading world. I like the Dillon blue, RCBS green, MEC black and that's about it. The rest look like a child went on a crack fueled binge with a box of fluorescent spray paint. WTF??
These are the shittiest rings i ever saw.
Have you tried them?
gavintoobe yes. I find them useless without the special wrench. The one with the set screw is a upgrade, but they are not included with the dies.