Resizing issue with Forster 6 mm BR Die

[MN50Shooter]

I am at my wits end with this die. It's a Forster 6 mm BR (has Rem Stamped) that should be able to resize 6 mm BR Norma, Lapua Cases.

Set Die backed off 1 1/2 turns after touching shell holder: Result, bulged the end of the neck. Looks like it is trying to make a hydraulic line that holds a B Nut.

Reset die to just touching shell holder: Crushed the neck down into the body of the case.

Switched to Neck Sizing Bump Die, No Issues.

I wanted to FL Resize and bump shoulders back .0015" but the dang die (not a bushing die) is crushing cases. I disassembled the die, cleaned it, but nothing has helped.

Anyone have any ideas?

I bought this die from another from another member, and I assume he had no issues like this? This is the first time I've used this die, and as it looks now, it may be the last.

 

[rocketron]

is the expander set to high? Remove it and try to size a case. it should size to about .261 od with it removed.

 

[PopCharlie]

My guess is that the expander ball is set too high. The bottom of the ball should align with the bottom of the vent hole in the die body.

 

[MN50Shooter]

Tried resizing without the entire decapping/expander rod. Crushed a case. I wish I had a set of gauge pins to check the neck inside the die. It acts as if it's too small.

I ran some brass through my neck/bump die with a ..267" bushing (necks are .013" wall thickness) and it operates just fine.

 

[Fred B.]

You might want to try neck size first, then run through full sizer see what happens.

 

[grovey]

Perhaps it's a tight neck die ? Will a case sized in the neck die then work in the FL die?

 

[molly maybrian]

I have the same Die that does the same thing. It sizes the neck down to .251. That is why you get the bell at top of neck. I just do not use this die it just sizies the entire case to much.

 

[Laurie]

It sizes the neck down to .251. That is why you get the bell at top of neck. I just do not use this die it just sizies the entire case to much.

I found the same thing with my first Forster 6BR die - way too much sizing down of the case-neck. Rather than switch to bushing types, I got Forster to hone the neck section out to suit actual neck thickness values - a service the company still offers I believe.

That die also 'bumped' shoulders way too far back if set anywhere near touching the shellholder creating an excess headspace condition and subsequent severe case stretch on firing.

This die was bought in 2006, but it appears Forster may still be producing similar examples today maybe? After honing and proper adjustment, no issues (although I never use the supplied expander assembly, decapping and expanding done as separate steps from sizing, expansion with a mandrel). I still have the honed sizer and it's still in regular use, the only 6mmBR die I've had with through a couple of barrels.

 

[Laurie]

It sizes the neck down to .251. That is why you get the bell at top of neck. I just do not use this die it just sizies the entire case to much.

I found the same thing with my first Forster 6BR die - way too much sizing down of the case-neck. Rather than switch to bushing types, I got Forster to hone the neck section out to suit actual neck thickness values - a service the company still offers I believe.

That die also 'bumped' shoulders way too far back if set anywhere near touching the shellholder creating an excess headspace condition and subsequent severe case stretch on firing.

This die was bought in 2006, but it appears Forster may still be producing similar examples today maybe? After honing and proper adjustment, no issues (although I never use the supplied expander assembly, decapping and expanding done as separate steps from sizing, expansion with a mandrel). I still have the honed sizer and it's still in regular use, the only 6mmBR die I've had through a couple of barrels.

 

[Richard Coody]

There is a difference between the 6br Norma and 6br remington. Not surprising that 6br Norma lapua brass doesn't fit in a 6br remington die.

 

[Laurie]

There is a difference between the 6br Norma and 6br remington. Not surprising that 6br Norma lapua brass doesn't fit in a 6br remington die.

Not such a difference that it affects dies. Forster calls its dies '6mm BR', Redding calls them '6mm B.R. Rem (Norma BR)'.

When I started shooting 6mm BR Norma, nearly all US dies were called '6mm BR Rem' including my Forster set. This used to raise a frequently seen question on this and other forums - ie on the lines of: "I'm about to start reloading 6mm BR Norma, but all the dies listed are for 6mm BR Rem. Can I use these?" to which the answer was invariably 'Yes."

There is just enough difference at the rear end of the chamber to make sure that a 6BR Norma reamer dimensioned for Lapua brass is used to cut it, not an older 'minimum chamber' Remington version. Chambers cut with the latter will usually see Lapua 6BR brass give marginally tight chambering and harder extraction with their being a fraction of a thou' smaller than the case body diameter just above the extractor groove.

 

[dgeesaman]

After you neck sized a piece with your .267 bushing, what was the neck od?

How much more did the Forster die size it?

I think the neck spec should be known with a phone call to Forster.

 

[Ranger188]

Sorry couldn't get just the 6br
Forster neck size is really tight .260
I always have them "custom hone" it out a little.
https://www.forsterproducts.com/pdf/Custom_neck-honing_full-die_form.pdf
Just pull the page down a little to see what their die dimensions are.

 

[Richard Coody]

One thing I learned years ago about forster dies and they are.most certainly my favorite stock die.

Read the instructions. I know it is hard for us guys but.....

The location of the expander ball in reference to the neck is very important and when done right is one of the best features of the die. I crushed a few neck/shoulders and it had me scratching my head. Followed the instructions setting up the die and was surprised at the results.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

It's the expander ball. Read the instructions. Caught me out too.

 

[Delfuego]

I have the neck on my Forster dies honed out by them for $15. Been happy with mine for years. They are good folks too, might send it in to them if all else fails.

 

[Clark]

My custom 6mmBR reamer has a 0.272" neck

My custom honed out 6mmBR Forster FL die has a 0.265" neck.

I never have trouble with RP or Lapua brass and I never turn necks.

I never used the expander ball or decapping stem.

 

[JFrank]

I’ll take a Harrell’s over a Forster everyday, or better yet get a Wilson