Forster dies?

F

fw707

New member
Does anybody use the Forster Ultra 2-Die Set? It's the one with the full-length sizing die and the micrometer adjustable bullet seater die.
I've read a lot of good comments on them, and I was wondering if anybody on here has any first-hand experience.
I've been using Redding FL dies adjusted to neck size and barely bump the shoulders back and they work fine. The Forster die supposedly has a better expander ball system.
The Redding seater die seems to do a good job too, but I don't have any way to check run-out and be sure. They do take a lot of trial and error to get adjusted, and when I change bullets I have to adjust them all over again. I'm thinking the Forster would be easier because you could record the micrometer setting for each bullet type.

Thanks!
 
I use the standard Forster Benchrest dies and will agree that they produce great neck tension and alignment with no runout that I have been able to detect...

I've considered the micrometer seating die, but they issue instructions with the Benchrest seating die that gives me the amount of change with the turn of the seating die stem, i.e., 1/2 turn = 'X' thousandths inch...

While not as easy to reset, most of my loads are constant in measurements once I get a repeatable load developed and I use a cartridge comparator to double check the length to the ogive anyway...
 
Thanks OT.
I use the comparator measurement too. I figured the Micrometer would make it easier to change settings for several different bullets in 3 different rifles of the same caliber.
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Originally Posted By: OldTurtleI use the standard Forster Benchrest dies and will agree that they produce great neck tension and alignment with no runout that I have been able to detect...

I've considered the micrometer seating die, but they issue instructions with the Benchrest seating die that gives me the amount of change with the turn of the seating die stem, i.e., 1/2 turn = 'X' thousandths inch...

While not as easy to reset, most of my loads are constant in measurements once I get a repeatable load developed and I use a cartridge comparator to double check the length to the ogive anyway...

+1

Not to mention that the neck sizer can be used to bump shoulders and eliminate 60%+ of the full length sizing that you do which also adds to case trimming and shorter case life.
 
Originally Posted By: fw707I've been using Redding FL dies adjusted to neck size and barely bump the shoulders back and they work fine.
Thanks!

Yep, my 3 rifles are so close in chamber length that I can bump .003 and the cases will fit in all 3 guns. Some of the neck sizer dies I've looked at size the neck ONLY, and don't have a shoulder in them at all.
 
I started buying them about 12 years ago and don't even want to try
any others now. I know Reddings are a little better by all accounts but they
are also a lot more money and sized just a tad larger than Forsters. The
micrometers work just like your.re thinking they do.
 
The Forster seater die will serve you well. I have both the Redding and Forster seaters and find the only difference worth mentioning is the markings on the micrometer is easier to read on the Redding.
 
Originally Posted By: Quarter RoundThe Forster seater die will serve you well. I have both the Redding and Forster seaters and find the only difference worth mentioning is the markings on the micrometer is easier to read on the Redding.

And $27 at Midway.
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I have the Forster dies with the micrometer. It is working very well for me and would buy Forster again. I do not know if the micrometer is that useful for me for the extra money.
 
Thanks Fat Al!

I spent a little time setting up the dies yesterday. They sure look like top quality stuff.

Does anybody use the optional shell holder plate instead of the universal case holder that's stock on the Co-ax press? I was wondering if the dies have to be re-adjusted?
 
Yes, I have used it for a few odd-ball things that just didn't fit very will in the standard plates. And yes I did have to adjust the dies up a bit. I now use the extra small/large plate for the odd-ball stuff.
John
 
Thanks John.
I'm thinking about just getting another Co-ax press and setting it up for .223's so I don't have to change the priming set up or reverse the shell holder jaws.
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Last edited:
Originally Posted By: fw707Thanks John.
I'm thinking about just getting another Co-ax press and setting it up for .223's so I don't have to change the priming set up reverse the shell holder jaws.
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At one time we had 36.

Now I have two for my own personal use, for that very reason. Normally I do not prime with the Co-Ax. I use the Forster prime tool for most things. I have also had several dies made by Forster (most using my reamers) and they are all top notch.
John
 


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