Forster bushing FL die

[NZ_Fclass]

Just purchased the Forster FL bushing die for 6.5 Creed. I would normally go for Redding or Whidden, but, as it was in stock and came with 3 bushings, I gave it a go.

However - I expected that the expander ball would be similar to the "benchrest" die, but instead it seems to be swaged to the de-capping shaft, just above the collet for the de-capping pin. Now - I don't need/want an expander ball. I guess that I can grind or turn it off it off - but before I attack it with large tools, does anyone have experience with these dies?

 

[KMart]

Maybe sending Forster an email asking if the expander ball is removable, would get an answer. I have a bunch of Forster dies but not the new F/L bushing dies. I am considering a new die now and it will be interesting to see what you find out.

 

[6BRA]

If it's on a threaded shaft..it's just tight!

 

[243winxb]

I read the unline instructions for your die. If the info is current, the bushing can be removed.

Or replaced with a different size expander. (Custom order)

I use Redding, so dont really know?

 

[Kracken McGraw]

If it's on a threaded shaft..it's just tight!

Heat may be its friend.

 

[pilediver]

I just checked my new Forster 6 BR FL bushing die and yes the expander is threaded.
I removed it before using it, let the bushing set the neck sizing.

 

[Retired shooter]

I removed the expander ball, full length resize the case, then use mandrel to neck size.

Excellent customer service from Forster.

 

[Homerange]

Just purchased the Forster FL bushing die for 6.5 Creed. I would normally go for Redding or Whidden, but, as it was in stock and came with 3 bushings, I gave it a go.

However - I expected that the expander ball would be similar to the "benchrest" die, but instead it seems to be swaged to the de-capping shaft, just above the collet for the de-capping pin. Now - I don't need/want an expander ball. I guess that I can grind or turn it off it off - but before I attack it with large tools, does anyone have experience with these dies?

When you next visit we may need to visit my lathe......

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Thanks for all the info - "problem" solved. With the assistance of some polygrips and a small vice - yes, it's threaded onto the stem. Yes - it was jammed at the end on the thread! and I mean jammed. All sorted, and I didn't even bend anything.

Just sized a fired case with the .290 bushing - perfect! Over the mandrel - and 1 thou tension.

 

[Straightshooter1]

Just purchased the Forster FL bushing die for 6.5 Creed. I would normally go for Redding or Whidden, but, as it was in stock and came with 3 bushings, I gave it a go.

However - I expected that the expander ball would be similar to the "benchrest" die, but instead it seems to be swaged to the de-capping shaft, just above the collet for the de-capping pin. Now - I don't need/want an expander ball. I guess that I can grind or turn it off it off - but before I attack it with large tools, does anyone have experience with these dies?

I have a Forster FL bushing sizing die that came with 3 and one that's a non-bushing FL sizing die. For both of them, I removed the spindle with it's expander ball. For both, I use an expander mandrel after sizing to get the neck tension I'm after. I no longer use the bushing dies I have (including a Whidden bushing die) as I get way better concentricity with the non-bushing die that's been reamed to minimize the amount of work being done on the necks.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I have a Forster FL bushing sizing die that came with 3 and one that's a non-bushing FL sizing die. For both of them, I removed the spindle with it's expander ball. For both, I use an expander mandrel after sizing to get the neck tension I'm after. I no longer use the bushing dies I have (including a Whidden bushing die) as I get way better concentricity with the non-bushing die that's been reamed to minimize the amount of work being done on the necks.

I wholeheartedly agree. I gave up on expander balls a while ago - and scores went up. No verticals. I use bushing dies currently, but, once I have established the sizes that give me the best results - It will be honed dies. Do you use Whidden dies?

 

[Straightshooter1]

I wholeheartedly agree. I gave up on expander balls a while ago - and scores went up. No verticals. I use bushing dies currently, but, once I have established the sizes that give me the best results - It will be honed dies. Do you use Whidden dies?

I have only one Whidden bushing die that I got to give it a try. It's made very well and worked a little better than my Forster bushing dies, IMHO. I just find my honed Forster FL sizing dies work the best and because the honing reduces the amount of movement when sizing, running the mandrel afterwards disturbs the concentricity very very little, if at all.

 

[Rocketvapor]

I think a LCD can be used as a mandrel, normal or undersized, after using a FL or bushing die, by not running the collet closed.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I think a LCD can be used as a mandrel, normal or undersized, after using a FL or bushing die, by not running the collet closed.

How do you set the die up to do this?

 

[Rocketvapor]

Like normal.
Measure mandrel diameter, normal or undersized or polished to desired diameter.
Don't use cam over method with LCD.
Put case in shell holder.
Run press up until shell holder hits collect.
Don't apply pressure.
Case is captured inside collet, but not squeezed.
LCD mandrel is inside case.
Now, if you wanted to apply a little pressure, that's fine
Remove case.

With as-fired brass you can usually FEEL the case being sized down to mandrel diameter.
With FL or Bushing sized brass you won't FEEL the collet sizing brass, mostly because it's already sized

 

[Dgd6mm]

Thanks for the reply. I got thinking about it and pretty much answered my own question. I had a duh moment.

 

[Murray Brook]

I use the LCD also. Great die once the learning curve is complete. The thing to keep in mind that the spring back on the LCD is opposite than that of an expander mandrel.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Good point Murray.
When the neck is pushed down by the collet it will spring back and be larger than the mandrel.
I use a Redding body die that does not squeeze the neck and a polished down LCD mandrel.

If using the LCD as a mandrel after a bushing or FL die, it works as a mandrel, expanding the neck.
Spring back will be tighter than mandrel dimension.

 

[Rathmatik]

Does the new Forster FL bushing die support other brand bushings, or only Forster?

 

[Retired shooter]

Don't believe they do. Great customer support send them an email.