Forster Dies - Opinions Wanted

[K22]

Looking into buy a new Full Length Resizing Die for my 223 and 308 to replace my very old current RCBS dies. My application is varmint hunting. I do not neck size or wish to get into bushing dies and neck turning.

Considering the Forster Benchrest Full Length Sizer Die (the one without bushings). Would like your opinions of these dies. Thanks.

 

[1holeaddict]

I have quite a collection of the Forster die sets and have no complaints with them. I also use some of the bushing bump dies from Forster with fine results. I recommend starting out with the full length set and if your gun dont shoot then you can try the bushing bump dies and adjust neck tension. The ultra seater is a superb die.

 

[DMC]

I use a Forster full length sizer with a Forster "Ultra Micrometer Seater" with my 223, no complaints at all, previously used the Hornady "New Dimension" set. which also worked well, but i have other Forster Ultra seaters in other cal's, so wanted to upgrade and keep everything the same. I think the Ultra seater is IMO the best seater out there , The Forster full legnth die had a VERY slight bur on it when new, that scratched the cases, however the customer service at Forster was really first class, and repolished the die for me, and had back to me in Australia in days - you cant beat that for service !

Good luck
DMC

 

[CaptainMal]

Good.

Even have some custom-made ones. Only issue is the expense.

Think if you have no "special" needs it's more economical elsewhere.

 

[MrMajestic]

Forster makes A+ products and one can't ignore the cost savings over Redding.

 

[paperpuncher]

I have about six sets I have had very good results with them. Ive been hooked on the bushing dies lately I may convert some of my sets to use bushings

 

[CADDIE5]

I have the forster ultraseatting die sets in 223rem and 308win. The 223rem is full length die set. The 308 full length size die set did not work with my Barnard action with a 2011 full bore reamer. I talked to Forster and ordered the small base die set in 308 with ultraseatting which was not available when I originally purchased my dies 2 years ago. I hope that Forster decides to make a small base die set for 30-06 as well. Bullet runout is excellent with the forster coax press and forster dies. I reload for FTR shooting. Loading 75gr and 80 gr. bullets in 223rem and 175Sierra's in 308.

 

[SS427]

I replaced my "old" RCBS .223 dies with Redding competition dies. Turns out my old RCBS dies were not broke, and the competition dies didn't produce any straighter or more accurate ammo. The Redding dies are a great product, and so are the Forster dies. Now that I know what I know, I would take the Forsters and the money savings over the Redding dies.

In retrospect though, I should have just kept the RCBS dies and saved the money.

 

[dennisinaz]

based on the measured runnout of the loaded round, I prefer the Forster dies to any others that I have tried including the over-priced Redding micrometer dies.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

They are my favorite for full length sizing. Actually I cant stand that expander redding uses in their full length dies, adds a ton of friction and bends necks.

 

[mgx1138]

Forster dies are every bit as good as Redding dies, and I prefer their micrometer seater die.

 

[82boy]

Forster makes GREAT dies, and are usually my first choice do to cost, and workmanship. Even thought they are great dies, and I would say they are far better than Redding dies. I will say that RCBS makes great dies as well.

Here is my question for you; What do you plan on achieving by switching to Forster dies?

I see that you are only talking about the sizing die, and honestly there is hardly any difference between a RCBS and a Forster die. I think your going to be disappointed, and are just spending money. The only difference with a Forster die is you have the ability to change or remove the sizing button.

 

[MNFinn]

I have a Forster FL sizing die, and the benchrest seater die. My only complaint is at myself, wish I would have gotten the micrometer seater die. The one I have works very well, just wish I would have spent the money for easier use on the micrometer seater die.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I have a couple of sets of Forster dies. I also have RCBS and Redding.. I prefer the Redding dies, and these days they are my first choice.
I too like the Micro-seater dies.. Whether Redding or Forster..

I wouldn't hesitate to buy either, if one or the other wasn't available

 

[XTR]

I use Forster micrometer seaters for my 308s and 7-08s. Very happy with both

 

[K22]

Forster makes GREAT dies, and are usually my first choice do to cost, and workmanship. Even thought they are great dies, and I would say they are far better than Redding dies. I will say that RCBS makes great dies as well.

Here is my question for you; What do you plan on achieving by switching to Forster dies?

I see that you are only talking about the sizing die, and honestly there is hardly any difference between a RCBS and a Forster die. I think your going to be disappointed, and are just spending money. The only difference with a Forster die is you have the ability to change or remove the sizing button.

There was nothing inherently wrong with my RCBS dies - I used them successfully for over 20+ years and was completely satisfied with them. Recently the dies began galling the necks of my cases rather severely. RCBS's Rep explained the reason this happened (see my post on sizing lube recommendations) and instructed me to send the dies to them for repair or replacement.

My purpose is to purchase another full length resizer as a back up. I also understand that the Forester full sizer die has the expander mounted higher and they claim it cause less neck distortion while sizing. I shoot a lot and hate to be without the ability to reload. My game is long range precision varmint hunting.