Die rings

[bnewt3]

2 parts:

Do all 7/8 dies use the same threads?

And are the Forster micrometer rings worth it? Do they actually make adjustments easier/more repeatable/less guessing?

I still havent pulled the trigger on any reloading equipment yet, except a Lyman manual, so these are the types of things that get cooked up in my head. The reason I am asking is because I have never much cared for set screws like with rbcs and im guessing others. The forster style ring seems more robust. Possibly a bit more fiddly as well.

 

[mlevimadden]

Yes, any standard 7/8 die will be 7/8-14 threaded to be compatible with any press.

Yes, the split lock rings are way easier to adjust than the set screw style from RCBS and Redding. On those branded dies, I switch mine over to the hornady lock rings rings that are the same split-style as the Forster you mentioned minus the markings. I don't have any experience with the micrometer markings on the Forster, but it could be handy for small adjustments.

 

[TaperPin]

2 parts:

Do all 7/8 dies use the same threads?

And are the Forster micrometer rings worth it? Do they actually make adjustments easier/more repeatable/less guessing?

I still havent pulled the trigger on any reloading equipment yet, except a Lyman manual, so these are the types of things that get cooked up in my head. The reason I am asking is because I have never much cared for set screws like with rbcs and im guessing others. The forster style ring seems more robust. Possibly a bit more fiddly as well.

Dies use a 7/8” X 14 threads per inch. What the vast majority of new reloaders don’t realize is the dies with a knurled ring often have a specific number of ridges in the knurling to help with die adjustment. Every full turn of the die moves it up or down .071”, and many knurling patterns have roughly 70 ridges, so each ridge on the lock ring is about .001”. Hold the die stationary, loosen the set screw and carefully count the ridges that are added or subtracted and tighten the set screw again.

 

[Lawnboi]

You can get even more fancy and get Whidden adjustable die rings. They click adjust by the thou. I don’t use these on my dies, but do on my trimmer.

Personally when setting headspace, I prefer an adjustable shell holder set to trying to mess with loc rings.