RCBS Dies and Brass set screw

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viking499

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What size allen wrench fits the brass set screws on the lock ring of a RCBS die? Thought I had the right one, felt tight and snug, but as I tightened it up, the inside of the set screw stripped out. Maybe I was over tightening, but don't think so. Don't want to do it to anymore of th set screws. But the allen wrench fits snug...........:confused:

Has anyone had this problem? I need to replace that set screw......

Do I replace with another of the same material or a different material?

What size is the set screw? Anybody know?
 
In my experience it's a common occurrence with the brass set screw. I'm in the process of replacing my RCBS rings with Forster rings. Don't know the proper size allen wrench offhand though.
 
These new brass screws are crap.... I don't know why they changed... all my old dies (RCBS) have real steel screws and thay last forever :D.... I feel like calling and asking RCBS if they still have any older rings and screws left.... good luck... I think everyone is with you on this one.....
 
Replace the brass set screw with a steel screw, put a lead shot pellet or other small piece of lead under the steel set screw to protect the threads.
 
+1

That's how they made a lot of them for 50+ years.

First I've heard of brass set-screws.

rc
 
I have at least eight sets of older RCBS dies, and they all have a steel set screw and a lead pellet below the screw so that the lead impacts against the steel die body.

Locks them up just fine.

To unlock the set ring, just back out the screw a turn and then give the ring a sharp tap with a plastic hammer. Frees up the ring immediately.

Like said above, replace with a steel screw and a small piece of lead shot.

Some of my set screws have lasted over 30 years without stripping.
 
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=391359&t=11082005

These are the BEST rings available for any die.

As for the brass set screws, they do that because it's cheaper to simply put one of those in the rings, than putting the nylon pellet AND a steel set screw in the ring,(that's what they used to do). A steel set screw alone WILL mar the threads of the die. As said, a lead pellet or a chunk of plastic under a steel set screw will get you going. Or order some of those Hornady rings, they really ARE that good!
 
I don't know about 50 years or not, but a LONG time ago, RCBS used lock rings almost identical to Forster's, except they had an allen head cross-bolt in stead of a phillips head. I still see them at gun shows in junk bins, and buy them every chance I get, usually only a $1 a piece or so. Between those and Hornady or Forster lock rings, that's all my dies wear anymore, no matter who made the die.

Lyman also has a cross-bolt ring, but for some reason does not include it with their dies, only sells it separately. I have heard they work well, but have not tried them.

Andy
 
I have some RCBS lock rings with brass set screws. I just use a piece of lead shot under them like has already been suggested. If you don't have any shot a wadded up piece of paper works too. Anything to get in between the set screw and the threads.
 
I had an Allen wrench with a rounded end that I noticed started to bugger up the brass set screw. If you'll simply grind off ~1/16" off the end of your wrench it will be nice and sharp. You can use a bench grinder or a belt sander. It'll just take a second.
 
The brass set screw is 3/32".

I also have some RCBS dies that I bought new about 35 years ago. They have the knurled split sleeve that BigJake is talking about. They are round, not hex shaped.

I have some RCBS lock rings with brass set screws. I just use a piece of lead shot under them like has already been suggested.
Click to expand...

If you have brass set screws, you don't need lead shot under it. That is why it is made of brass.. To keep it from flattening the die threads.
 
If you have brass set screws, you don't need lead shot under it. That is why it is made of brass.. To keep it from flattening the die threads.
Click to expand...
I am sure that was the theory, but they still don't work well. The set screw just does not tighten well against the threads. The thread cuts into the soft brass as it turns across the sharp edge. If it was turning on flat steel it would be a different story. Trust me. The brass set screws don't work either.
 
The 3/32 Brass Set Screws

have been replaced on every set of RCBS Dies that I own. I like the dies but the first thing I do with a new set of RCBS Dies is replace the Brass set screw with a Stainless Steel Set Screw. I also put a piece of lead shot beneath the screw to help protect the threads. Hex wrenches aren't what they used to be either. I agree with the above poster the hex wrench will round out over time and can be refreshed as he says by grinding down past the worn section however the act of grinding will heat up the hex wrench enough to soften the steel and it will wear even more quickly.
 
Called RCBS today 5 times. Number busy ever time:confused:

Stopped at harware store today to buy a new set screw, nothing they had would fit. Must be metric or some other odd ball thread. The standard stuff they had were either to big or to small.
 
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