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Advantages
• Eliminates Loose Toolhead-to-Frame Fit
• Reduces OAL Variation*
• Improves Crimp Repeatability
• Improves Bullet Concentricity from Seating Die
• Reduces Jams at Size/Decap Die
♦ It also reduces vibration and stops toolhead rattling when using the Dillon Rapid Trim Case Trimmer!
Works With The Following Presses
• Dillon RL 550, BL 550, AT 500, XL 650, XL 750, and SL 900
• RCBS® Pro 2000® and Piggyback™ -3 & -4
RCBS® Presses?
Yes! The Toolhead Clamp Kit™ works equally well on RCBS® Pro 2000® and Piggyback™ -3 & -4 presses!
What Comes in the Kit
The UniqueTek Toolhead Clamp Kit™ comes complete with all the parts needed for 2 presses and 6 toolheads in a reclosable plastic bag (toolheads not included). Each kit includes*:
— Installation Tool for Threaded Inserts
— 9/64″ HSS Drill Bit
— STI Thread Tap, Carbon Steel †
— 12 Stainless Steel Thread Inserts
— 4 grade-8 Alloy Steel Clamp Screws with Moly Anti-seize Coating
— 4 Stainless Steel Washers
— Hex-key to Tighten the Clamp Screws
— Detailed Step By Step Instructions
* Quantities listed are for small sized kit.
† Intended for use on OEM cast toolheads. Not recommended for use on CNC Machined 6061-T6 aluminum toolheads (e.g. Whidden Gunworks, Dillon, etc.) as tap breakage will occur. For 6061 T6 aluminum a High Speed Steel (HSS) STI tap is recommended and are available in the drop-down menu below when ordering.
How it Works
Installation and use is quite simple. You tap threads into the two locator pin holes in the toolhead then install a stainless steel thread insert into each hole. The press frame is NOT modified. When you install the toolhead in the press frame, insert the clamp screws instead of locator pins to hold the toolhead into the frame. Leave the screws loose until you begin cycling the press and have all dies occupied by a round. Then, with the ram still in the up position, tighten the clamp screws. This procedure aligns the toohead to the shellplate, reducing jams. The clamp screws also create a preload force, clamping the toolhead against the top of the press frame, stopping the toolhead from moving during the press cycle and resulting in reduced OAL variation. Once the screws are tightened, just continue reloading as usual.
Q & A
Q: I only shoot pistol cartridges so OAL variation isn't that critical for me.
A: Let's say you are loading to meet USPSA major power factor. Chamber pressures can rise dramatically if the bullet is seated too deeply (shorter OAL). On the other hand, if your OAL is too long, you can have feed and chambering failures. Either way, it is likely to ruin your day.
Q: I only load cartridges for Cowboy Action shooting. How can this help me?
A: In addition to reduced OAL variation yielding less problems with short action carbines, the light loads commonly used for Cowboy Action shooting require a consistent crimp to achieve uniform muzzle velocities. A light crimp will not build as much chamber pressure, resulting in a velocity reduction.
Q: I'm already using a Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die. How will clamping the toolhead improve on that?
A: The Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die is a GREAT product! But it can't perform to its full potential if the toolhead is moving. With the toolhead clamped, you will achieve the full benefit of the seating die's micrometer adjustment capability.
Read reviews of the Toolhead Clamp Kit™ in the following publications!
Reloading Vault.com; Product Reviews/Aug 2008. Click Here to Read
IHMSA News; Volume 19, Issue 5, June 2008, Page 8. Click Here to Read
Handloader; February-March 2006, Page 90. Click Here to Read
Customer Feedback
"Anyone who owns a Dillon 550/650 NEEDS this kit. The OAL variance for my XL650's cartridges is now 0.002″ or less - looks like factory ammo should. The ammo shoots more consistently over the chrono (better standard variation). For a competitive shooter, the more accurate the ammo, the better the results. I can't imagine using a XL 650 without the kit. Thanks again!"
— Cindy B. - Stewartstown, PA
"After switching over to the toolhead clamp I'm finding I went from .004″-.008″ of variance to .001″-.002″. I measure my variance using a ogive comparator tool to the base of the case."
— Steven S. – Boise, ID
"I would say I reduced the OAL variations and the station one jams by half (conservative estimate). Congratulations on another product that needed developing."
— James O. – Reno, NV
Options & Accessories
Large Size Kit: $49.95The large kit contains 26 inserts, 10 screws and 10 washers ... enough for 13 toolheads and 5 presses ... plus the thread tap, insertion tool and hex key.
Refill Kit: $14.95
The Refill Kit contains 16 inserts … enough inserts for 8 more toolheads/dieplates ... plus 6 spare screws and 6 spare washers.
Tap Handle: $5.95This nifty "tap handle" is actually a key for winding a clock, but it is the perfect size to fit the small thread tap in our kits.
It is smaller and less cumbersome to use than a standard tap handle, making it easier to align the tap squarely with the hole and making tap breakage less likely.
We offer these as an option with both the small kit and large kit. If you already have a Toolhead Clamp Kit™, you can buy just the tap handle. Just select it from the drop-down menu.
NOTE: New Tap Handles have arrived that fit the new HSS (High Speed Steel) taps temporarily being included in all Toolhead Clamp Kits™. If you already have an old tap handle (with #5 stamped on it), it is too large to fit the HSS STI Taps.
High Speed Steel STI Tap: $22.95If you are installing the Toolhead Clamp Kit™ on CNC Machined 6061-T6 aluminum toolheads (e.g. Whidden Gunworks, Dillon Precision, etc.), you must use a High Speed Steel (HSS) tap. The Carbon Steel tap that is included in the Toolhead Clamp Kits™ is intended for the OEM cast pot metal toolheads and is not strong enough for 6061-T6 aluminum.
If you need a HSS STI tap, just select it from the drop-down menu when ordering.
NOTE: HSS (High Speed Steel) taps are temporarily being included in all Toolhead Clamp Kits™ … at no extra cost! But if you currently have a carbon Steel tap and need to upgrade it, they are available individually here.
If you already have an old tap handle (with #5 stamped on it), it is too large to fit the new HSS STI Taps. The Tap Handle above is of the correct size (#4 stamped on it).
Toolheads with Clamp Kit Preinstalled:
We carry CNC Machined Toolheads from Whidden Gunworks. They are available for 550, 650 and 750 presses with the Toolhead Clamp Kit parts pre-installed. Click Here for more information!
 Installation Instructions |
* Reduction in OAL variation can be highly dependent on cartridge, bullet and other factors. Toolhead Clamp Kit is a trademark of UniqueTek, Inc. Pro 2000 is a registered trademark of RCBS. Piggyback is a trademark of RCBS. |
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See Also
| Features | Benefits |
| Grade 8 Alloy Steel Clamp Bolts with Dry-Film Moly Anti-Seize Coating | High Strength Hardware |
| Stainless Steel Thread Inserts | Stronger than Aluminum and Prevent Wear from Repeated Use |
| Fits Dillon 550 and 650 Toolheads | |
| Can be Installed on Toolheads Already Set Up with Dies | No Need to Upset Die Adjustment |
| Press Frame is NOT Modified | Dillon Warranty will NOT be Affected |
| Unmodified Toolheads Can Still Be Used with Original Toolhead Pins | Transparent Interchangability |
Customer Reviews
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Average rating from 3 reviews: 5.0 |
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