Lock rings / Hornady LNL bushings

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canoetrpr

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Could anyone explain to me what lock rings are? I'm guessing reloading kits do not come with them and they need to be ordered separately.

Also, if one plans to use Hornady LNL bushings to convert their single stage press to that system to swap dies, are lock rings still required?

Apologize if these questions are somewhat basic; trying to get all the information I need before I place my order.
 
A lock ring is a nut that screws on to your die and once you've set the die up in the press, you can lock it in place with the lock ring. Some lock nuts have a set screw to lock it in place. Others use a rubber O ring. They normally ship with the dies.

Do you already have a Hornady LNL press that uses the Hornady bushings? Their bushings only work in their presses. Same idea with Lee Breech Lock bushings.

If you're using bushings, turrets, or whatever kind of die plate in the case of a progressive press, then once the die is set up the way you want it, you lock it down with the lock ring and you shouldn't ever need to mess around with setup again. Unless you need to change things up a little for different brass, bullet etc.
 
Lock rings do come with the dies but the bushings don't. My progressive hornady press came with 4 bushings to start because with the press that I have you need them. If you do lots of caliber switches on your press I suggest you order more right away. As they are way faster, leave them on every die and one twist and the die pops out.
 
I don't have a Hornady press. Planning to get another single stage press but was thinking about using the Hornady conversion kit. A friend suggested this vs. a turret press if quick change out of dies is important to me. Not sure if it is worth it or not. For some reason I was under the impression that the lock rings were to be purchased separately. I read somewhere that the Hornady lock rings were best but if they come with dies, I will likely be getting RCBS or Redding dies and I guess I will just use the lock rings that come with those.
 
here is a google search for locking rings.

i don't know of any hornady conversion kit for their quick change bushings. lee also sells a quick change setup, called breech lock, which is also only for their presses.

if you are looking for a cheaper turret press, go with the lee turret setup, you can buy spare turrets for each calibre. that way you change all 3-4 dies in 1 shot.
 
Hmm. seems like I need some sort of wrench then to tighten the lock rings? Dies don't seem to come with a wrench. Or can a crescent wrench be used for this? I will likely be getting Redding dies if that makes a difference.
 
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