LOCK RINGS Reviews & Ratings

These steel die lock rings from Hornady clamp around the entire circumference of the die body. The lock screw squeezes the lock ring around the die with constant pressure across the threads - no jam screws. These rings have a flat on each side for wrench use. Sure-Lock Rings fit all standard 7/8''-14 reloading dies.

View Product

Write a review

5 Stars

71%

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

29%

Reviews Summary

Hornady lock rings are praised for their effective design that allows easy adjustment and secure clamping on reloading dies. However, some users have experienced thread stripping and issues with specific presses, which may require modifications. Overall, they are considered superior to older designs and a recommended choice among reloaders.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Product Quality

70%

Many reviewers highlight the quality and design of the Hornady lock rings, emphasizing their effectiveness in securely clamping reloading dies without damaging the threads. Despite a few reports of thread stripping, the general consensus is that their performance is reliable with proper care.

Compatibility

40%

A notable number of users mentioned compatibility issues, particularly with certain presses, such as the Forster Co-Ax press. Some found the fit to be sloppy, leading to misalignment problems that affected their reloading process.

Ease of Use

60%

Reviewers appreciate the ease of use of the Hornady lock rings, which allow quick adjustments and setup. The included hex wrench makes tightening straightforward, improving the overall efficiency for reloaders.

Modification Needs

30%

A few customers noted that modifications might be necessary for optimal performance, such as adjusting the design of the rings for specific dies. This has implications for users who may not have the tools or skills to make such adjustments.

Comparison to Other Brands

50%

Many users explicitly compare Hornady lock rings favorably against other brands, highlighting their advantages in design and usability. This positive comparison underscores the perceived superiority of Hornady in this product category.

Sort by Filter by rating

Needlessly Stiff

I purchased 5 of these rings about 10 months ago, and am just getting around to comment on them. On the first one I used, the provided #5-40 hex socket head cap screw stripped the threads out of the hole without getting the ring clamped on the die threads. My measurements on the 7/8-14 threads on this die showed a pitch diameter of 0.8186" which is right at the lower limit for a UNF Class 1A (loosest) fit. I re-tapped the #5-40 hole through and obtained 1/2" long cap screws (which you have to buy by the box from a fastener distributor since #5 screws are not a common hardware store item.) This was an improvement; but it was still a little iffy on clamping. These rings are needlessly stiff; so I weakened them by making a flat on the side opposite the cap screw. This flat was about the same dimensions as the wrench flats. This seemed to work OK on this die with the minimum 7/8-14 thread dimensions. I did this to the other four whether they would have needed it or not. It was some fun shaper work; and I already had the box of screws. On the pro side, it was easier fixing these rings than it would have been to start from scratch and make the whole ring out of bar stock. I wouldn't recommend these to a friend unless this friend was able and willing to make modifications to accommodate a die with minimum thread dimensions.

Works with Co-Ax press?

As stated in many places "works with Forster Co-ax press" NOT! Might be to a design change, but very sloppy fit in this press. Constant misalignment on smaller cases. Case mouth hits decapping pin assembly 90% of the time. Bought 10 of these with the press, my mistake.