What's your opinion - Forster Ultra Seater, vs. Redding Competition seater

[CatShooter]

I have used both and like things (and dislike things) about them both.

What are your experiences with them, vs run out, accuracy, etc?

For this application, arbor press dies are not usable.

 

[JRS]

I had the same questions during my 6.5x55 BJ build. Al Warner, (WTC) recommended the Redding seater modified for my cartridge. His recommendation is good enough for me

 

[bozo699]

CatShooter,
I have many many Redding dies but only one set of Forster dies so I can't make a reliable decision based on that, however the Forster die set I have is the bushing neck die w/shoulder bump and the ultra seating die in 6br, I also have a custom Newlon bushing die and a set of Redding competition dies in 6brx, I have consistently got the straightest ammo out of the Forster die set for my 6brx, I know that isn't absolute, just what I experienced in one particular
cartridge with three different dies.

Likes about Forster over Redding
#1 the lock rings are much better
#2 I like the way the expander works if you use a expander.
#3 I like the fact that the bushing will size most of the neck if you want it to and it seems to be closer to stamped size.
#4 the big nob on the seater is easy to use and smooth
(sometimes to smooth) for a threaded die it produces concentric ammo.
#5 I never have had a bullet stick so to speak in the seater stem

Likes about Redding over Forster
#1 the bushing can be used either way and sometimes there up to .0005 or so different on one end or the other if your trying to fine tune.
#2 the graduations are easier to read
#3 the nob is smaller and more stiff not as easy to move on the seater which can be a good thing as it does not get bumped off.

I can not say on accuracy as there is always weather conditions ie,.. wind, heat, ect. and of course yourself and all my experience with this cartridge has been at 1000 yards.

As far as runout, for me the Forster set has produced the least, not by a large amount but less.
Wayne.

 

[BoydAllen]

My friend, who has both, tells me that he thinks that he gets a more consistent ogive to head measurement with the Forster, and for that reason, he prefers it to the Redding.

 

[fdshuster]

I've had and used both, but do prefer the Forster. As mentioned the split cross-screw lock ring works better for me, it is very smooth in operation almost like it's on roller bearings, the adjusting head is a larger, heftier diameter, and I've never had an issue with runout that I can trace to the seater. The numbers are more difficult to read, not being the bright white of the Redding, but I have them positioned so the light shines on the adjustment settings, so not an issue. On top of all that, they are cheaper by approx. $26, ( Sinclair 2011-A catalog), $95 vs. $69. Not a big deal for 1 or 2, but adds up when you need 7 or 8!

 

[CatShooter]

Thnk you guys.

It's funny - I have been using both for a long time - the Forsters since long before they were Forster's, when they were bonanza dies (with REAL shell holders )... and when the Ultra came out, you goundld get a conversion kit for the regular BR dies.

I bought Redding cuz a lot of guys talked about them, used them and touted them... and they had bushing dies.
My Forster dies were like a secret that I didn't talk about, like the drunken cousin that sleeps in the basement.

But I like them better too.

Thank all of you.

 

[KMart]

Catshooter
You can still get the complete conversion from the standard seater to the Micrometer. I bought one recently and had to go through Forster directly.

 

[flatlander]

I have only one Redding Competition seater (223); went with Forster Ultra Mics for all the other target cartridges I shoot. The only real problem I've had with the Redding was the seater plug split after I'd used it to seat a bunch of S69 & 77gr MKs on compressed charges for mag length 223 HP ammo. Of course Redding replaced the split plug, but they also advised that it wasn't designed for seating on compressed charges.

Never had a problem like this with the Forsters, and since the price was a bit more reasonable than the Reddings, I stuck with the Forsters.

Forster recently switched the adjustable top of their Ultra Mic seaters from steel to aluminum because it's easier to machine. Since that's the case, they can easily engrave the numbers on the micro top deeper and fill with white paint, which makes them much easier to read as they're adjusted.

 

[CatShooter]

Thanks guys.

 

[boltman13]

Have never used the Redding Seater, but I have used other Redding dies with great results but my Foresters in 223 Rem and 308 Win have held up well and produced great amo for years.

 

[CatShooter]

Thank you....