Forster Benchrest Die

[Desert Fox]

I like this die. I now own 3 of them and in my experienced they're better than any other brand. Forster rimmed their die as close to the dimension of the cartridge as possible. Such was the case with my latest chambering. As usual, I made some measurement of the fired and resized case and compared it to the dimension of the virgin brass. The cartridge is 6.5-47 Lapua. I'll be buying nothing but Forster from hereon.

Here's the measurement

Virgin Brass Fired Case Resize case

Case length - 1.842" 1.837 1.840

Neck Diameter - .287" .290 .288 (.002 neck tension)

Shoulder - .451" .456 .456

Web - .469" .469 .469

Head - .470 .470 .470

Loaded round neck diameter measured .290"

 

[bullet]

Hey, now that is impressive indeed. Thanks for the post, very informative and interesting.

 

[hardpan]

I have similar results, and use forster on all my high powered rifles. IE everything but the 30-06. I use their micrometer seater dies as well.

 

[DrMike]

I use Forster whenever available for my own rifles.

 

[BK]

Lately, I've been leaning towards Forster as well. I like the Ultra Micrometer seater dies a lot. Unfortunately, for things like a .300 Savage, you're SOL with Forster.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I have been transitioning and slowly converting my FL sizing dies over to Forster for some time. I have converted all calibers that I am able to get FL sizing dies for because they set my case datum and control my headspace the datum to within .001. I can not buy Forster FL Benchrest sizing die for the .338 Federal, so I use a Redding die which is run with a Forster carbide sizing pin. This arrangement works fine and I do not have to lube the case necks.

Not all of my seating dies are Forster yet but I am converting them as well after having some TIR issues with RCBS.

 

[bullet]

Well, I have been shooting just fine with my Lee Dies and in most cases extremely well with my loads in all the rifles I use them in, BUT NOW, because I like to turn over ever rock just to see what is under it, I will this spring try the Foster sizing die and the seating die, starting with my 7mm-08 and will have a good comparison to run the Foster dies against to see if they make any difference. I love experimenting :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

Mike,

You can make good ammunition with any brand of dies. I've certainly used Lee, Lyman, Hornady, RCBS and Redding, and have examples of most of these available to me. However, for day-in/day-out use on my own cartridges, it is difficult to produce anything better than that produced with the Forster dies. I primarily use the micrometer ultra-seating die for most cartridges, and I enjoy the shoulder bump die whenever it is available.

 

[bullet]

Mike,

You can make good ammunition with any brand of dies. I've certainly used Lee, Lyman, Hornady, RCBS and Redding, and have examples of most of these available to me. However, for day-in/day-out use on my own cartridges, it is difficult to produce anything better than that produced with the Forster dies. I primarily use the micrometer ultra-seating die for most cartridges, and I enjoy the shoulder bump die whenever it is available.

Well you and Desert Fox will cost me some money because the Foster dies are the only ones I have not used, so here goes and I expect good things when I use it.

 

[DrMike]

Dollars well spent! I do believe you'll enjoy them, Mike. They are not magical and they will not correct deficits that are the result of lack of care. In your case, they should marginally improve your loads, but you will be aware that they make set-up easier and production more precise.

 

[SJB358]

I have really enjoyed my time with the Forster dies alot. I like their resizing die and the seating die alot. They just seem to be a little more consistent for my use. I am not saying they are better for everyone, but work excellent for me.

I do like how their expander ball works. Very nice feature. I only use them for 308, 7x57, 300, and 25-06 but I like them. I have thought about selling all the others and replacing with Forster, but I do okay with them as well..

 

[Oldtrader3]

If I like the other, non-Forster seaters, I have just relplaced the seating die in several of my non-magnum cases. I am so happy to get rid of the neck lube operation and the carbide ball is so easy to use. I believe although I am not going to bore everybody here proving it, but I think that my groups are more consistant with the Forster dies. The cases certainly have improved TIR. Anyway, I am going with it.

 

[pre6422hornet]

I can't wait to get those expander buttons installed in my dies Charlie. I have been itching to get them in.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Pat, I hope that you like them as much as I do. Let us know about it after trying them