how to align case in Forster Original Trimmer?

[mattri]

Bought a Forster original case trimmer and their #1 to trim .223 cases.

http://www.forsterproducts.com/catalog.asp?prodid=700217

The issue is that when seated down to the appropriate step, with the shell holder tightened down, the cases are not straight.

With a little fiddling they can be improved upon but they do not repeatedly sit square in the collet.

I've taken to tightening the shell holder a little bit, then running the ram up to the pilot to hold the case square and then tightening the shell holder.

Anything I'm missing?

 

[fdshuster]

I've been using the original Forster trimmer for close to 50 years now, am on my third cutter. I also use the pilot to guide the case into the straight condition before fully tightening the collet. No complaints on the results. Cases with a wider head diameter, like the 6BR/ 308, etc. seem to line up straight with less effort compared to the 222, 223, etc.

 

[mattri]

Thanks for the reply. I'm actually using it to trim 223 cases necked down to .204, a 20 Practical. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to bugger anything up.

 

[Forum Boss]

I have found this technique to work.

1. slip cartridge in collet, tighten collet until there is firm hold (but not supertight). Good chance the case is slightly crooked.

2. Loosen collet and reposition case, squaring case head on collet. Slide in case neck pilot. Tighten collet firmly.

Now I almost automatically do this procedure ... medium tight, release, reposition case, full tight.

 

[Recko555]

I have the exact same trimmer and use it for my 20Practical too. I put the case mouth on the pilot and slide it back into the collet and tighten. Works great and don't have an alignment issue.

 

[artbosco]

This might be of some help too: http://www.forsterproducts.com/client_images/catalog19938/pages/files/Original_Classic_Case_Trimmer_Instructions.pdf