Forster Coax / Whidden dies crushing brass HELP

[Gil P.]

I have been crushing cases while using the Whidden 6.5x47 FL sizing bushing die in my Forster Coax for a while now. I don't know if it's a problem with the press or the die.

I used to think it was because I didn't have the decapping assembly screwed down far enough, but even after exposing the decapping rod about .29" it continues to happen.

It will usually crush the necks of the first one or two cases and then size normally. Sometimes the decapping assembly was damaged / bent and I had to order new ones.

I don't recall having this issue when I was using my Redding T7 press .

Pictures are attached. I ran the handle all the way down on the brass on the left and only part of the way down on the other.

 

[Toddy]

Check to ensure that your die is centered over the shell holder. Being a floating die it can move in the die holder slot. If its doing this for the first two cases only, I would think that the die is self centering itself. Push the die All the way home and bring your press handle down slowly to make sure it's not contacting the shell with the decapping rod first.

 

[gman47564]

is the detent ball putting too much pressure on the lock ring of the die keeping it from self lining with the case when lowering the handle... something is out of line to cause that for sure.. another thing to check is the bushing free to move inside the die?

 

[L.Sherm]

Are the cases got a good chamfer on the inside and out, and like stated above is the bushing floating and is the bushing upside down Whiddens have an arrow and Redding says stamping down.

 

[DngBat7]

Can you shake the bushing around? If it is locked down, That can happen

 

[thejamesd]

I've done it while hurrying cause the shell is wobbling while I'm sizing it.

 

[Uncle Ed]

I have been crushing cases while using the Whidden 6.5x47 FL sizing bushing die in my Forster Coax for a while now. I don't know if it's a problem with the press or the die.

I used to think it was because I didn't have the decapping assembly screwed down far enough, but even after exposing the decapping rod about .29" it continues to happen.

It will usually crush the necks of the first one or two cases and then size normally. Sometimes the decapping assembly was damaged / bent and I had to order new ones.

The die floats in the Co-Ax press and the case floats in the Co-Ax jaws. It sounds like after crushing one or two cases the die is being centered. What lock rings are you using with your Whidden dies, could they be binding in the slot in the Co-Ax press?

The Whidden dies lock ring looks thicker than the Forster lock rings.

 

[kcjim]

I had a similar problem with a brand new MEC reloading press that has a floating shell holder, except mine was randomly crushing my brass. I was using a Forster die with a floating neck bushing. I finally decided the problem was being caused by the press. I quit using that press and the problem went away. It was surprising to me that a floating shell holder would cause that problem, but it did.

 

[PopCharlie]

I've had this issue too. I also was using Whidden F/L non-bushing sizer. Here is what I found.
1. On the co-ax press, I had the retaining set screw on top of the press too tight. It did not allow for enough float. The way I set this now is to tighten it down until the die cant move (checked by trying to wiggle the die), then back it off one full turn. This applies enough tension to keep the die from moving forward and allows for lots of float.
2. Decapping pin and expander ball adjusted up in the die too high. ( you mentioned this was not the problem.)
3. I chucked expander ball and polished it with JB bore paste on a patch. This helped a lot. Maybe a rough spot or burr on the ball that was removed.
As a side note, I have switched to using Forster dies in the co-ax press. They just work better. I get straighter cases when sizing and straighter bullets when seating.

PopCharlie

 

[natdscott]

The die floats in the Co-Ax press and the case floats in the Co-Ax jaws. It sounds like after crushing one or two cases the die is being centered. What lock rings are you using with your Whidden dies, could they be binding in the slot in the Co-Ax press?

The Whidden dies lock ring looks thicker than the Forster lock rings.

It’s not binding. It isn’t.

 

[Rich Lee]

I have a forester co-axel ppress that I have used for 15 years or so and like the one gentleman said if the detent ball is a little to tight and die dosent float enough that will. happen. Try backing the screw on top the die off push your die all the way home and you should end the problem. Personaly I think the forester co axel press is the best single stage press on the market and I have used most all of them.

 

[Uncle Ed]

Question, could the "lockring detent ball" be getting hung up in the Whidden notches on the outside edge of the lock ring. If the ball bearing drops into a notch it could be pushing the die off center. Rotate the die in the slot and see if you hear or feel the ball bearing clicking and going into the notch.



User Instructions for ForsterProductsCo-Ax®Reloading Press

Adjust the Sizing/Seating Die in Co-Ax Press
1. Unscrew the die approximately two-thirds out of the Cross Bolt Die Lock Ring, ensuring that its screw i s centered in front.
User Instructions for Universal Sight Mounting FixtureForster Products5 6.32 Optional Lower Shell Holder Adapter Plate Installation1. Remove the Lower Shell Holder Jaws Subassemblyfollowing the instructions in Section 6.31 and set aside.
2. Remove the two Button Screws from the Lower Shell Holder Jaws Subassembly and place them in the corresponding holes in the Lower Shell Holder Adapter Plate.
3. Place the Lower Shell Holder Adapter Plate on Co-Ax Press and tighten the Button Head Screws.
4. Using the 5/64 Allen wrench (provided separately with Adapter Plate) tighten the set screw against the shell holder. 6.4 Adjust the Sizing/Seating Die in Co-Ax Press 1. Unscrew the die approximately two-thirds out of the Cross Bolt Die Lock Ring, ensuring that its screw i s centered in front. Figure 8. Reloading Die Adjustment2. Lower the Handle all the way down against the stop.3. While holding the Lock Ring with one hand, screw the die through the Lock Ring until the die makes contact with the Shell Holder Jaws.4. Using the provided 7/64 Allen wrench, tighten the Lock R ing in place on the die. For specific Forster Products Sizing and Seating Die Instructions,go to forsterproducts.com, then click “Resources | User Instructions.”
5. Do not overtighten the 5/16" Lock Ring Detent Screw (028271-028). This screw should be just tight enough to keep the die lock ring under tension. The die must be allowed to float for Co-Ax alignment. We recommend using Forster Cross Bolt Locking Rings (DIE-G-10).

Below a Forster lock ring without any notches or cutouts on the outside of the lock ring.

 

[Gil P.]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I'll start by loosening the detent ball. I've noticed that the fit feels a little tight.

I am using the Forster lock ring. The Forster press came with spare lock rings for me to use.

If that doesn't work I'll give the bushing more float. How much float does the bushing need? I thought it was best to just barely be able to hear it rattle in the die.

 

[BenPerfected]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I'll start by loosening the detent ball. I've noticed that the fit feels a little tight.

I am using the Forster lock ring. The Forster press came with spare lock rings for me to use.

If that doesn't work I'll give the bushing more float. How much float does the bushing need? I thought it was best to just barely be able to hear it rattle in the die.

 

[BenPerfected]

Yes on the barely hear the rattle

 

[Uncle Ed]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I'll start by loosening the detent ball. I've noticed that the fit feels a little tight.

I am using the Forster lock ring. The Forster press came with spare lock rings for me to use.

If that doesn't work I'll give the bushing more float. How much float does the bushing need? I thought it was best to just barely be able to hear it rattle in the die.

Question: How do I install a Bushing in my Bushing Sizer Die?
Remove decapping assembly by unscrewing top plug on sizer and removing the entire assembly. Drop in the bushing (ensure you’re installing per instructions on the card supplied by manufacturer). Re-install the decapping assembly. NOTE: Do not over tighten top assembly plug. Allow the bushing to float as this floating action is key to prevent runout. Check the adjustment of decapping assembly to ensure decapping pin is protruding at proper length. Whidden Gunworks bushing dies will accept Whidden Gunworks, Redding and Wilson bushings.

Below in the video John Whidden tells you tighten the decapping assembly until it contacts the bushing then back it off 1/8 of a turn to allow the bushing to float.

 

[Richard Coody]

I have been crushing cases while using the Whidden 6.5x47 FL sizing bushing die in my Forster Coax for a while now. I don't know if it's a problem with the press or the die.

I used to think it was because I didn't have the decapping assembly screwed down far enough, but even after exposing the decapping rod about .29" it continues to happen.

It will usually crush the necks of the first one or two cases and then size normally. Sometimes the decapping assembly was damaged / bent and I had to order new ones.

I don't recall having this issue when I was using my Redding T7 pressView attachment 1177314 .

Pictures are attached. I ran the handle all the way down on the brass on the left and only part of the way down on the other.

Take out the expander ball decapping assembly and just use the bushing and see what happens.

Years ago when i first started using a coax and forster dies that happened to me. Had the expander ball too low. Read the directions, us men have a problem with that, on how to set up the expander ball and it has never happened again.

 

[Falfan2017]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I'll start by loosening the detent ball. I've noticed that the fit feels a little tight.

I am using the Forster lock ring. The Forster press came with spare lock rings for me to use.

If that doesn't work I'll give the bushing more float. How much float does the bushing need? I thought it was best to just barely be able to hear it rattle in the die.

I keep the detent ball totally loose and let the die self center and just keep an eye on it. Also I’m not using an expanded ball in the bushing die.

 

[gdbleb]

I've done it while hurrying cause the shell is wobbling while I'm sizing it.

^^^^^
This has happened to me and has caused the same type of damage. Also, check that your jaws are truly centering the case on the center axis. Sometimes the jaws get sticky or you have tightened the jaw retainer block down a bit too tight and they bind sometimes. In all of these scenarios, the off-center case mouth crashes into something.

 

[Gil P.]

I took your suggestions and it looks like the problem is solved.

The detent ball was a little tight on the press and I noticed that the neck bushing had tightened itself and was no longer free floating. I'll keep an eye on that before each loading session.

Also, and it probably doesn't make any difference, I noticed that the Whidden bushing I was using doesn't have much of a chamfer. Compared to another one of their bushings I have.

The one on the left is a .289 bushing and the one on the right is the .288 I've been using.



Some brass left on bushing after crushing cases.