Regardless of the rings you use, this will help.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=227261It took me several hours of lapping my Ruger stainless rings but what a difference it made. I think I only had maybe 10% clamping power before judging by the initial wear points. Now its close to 100%. Nothing ever changes or works it way loose any more.
As far as the Leupold breaking, thats a rare occurrence. Send it back and they will fix. Then lap the rings to get close to 100% contact for maximum holding power.
