Forster Micro-seater getting bullets stuck in die, need fix.

[sasquatch98226]

So maybe I am total idiot, but I am pretty sure this is not supposed to happen.

I have installed and set the die per the instructions.

1) With the ram in the full upward position, insert die, and screw down until the inner sleave is completely compressed against the shell plate. Then back the die of at least 1 full turn. (I have adjusted back about 1.5 turns to see the measurements on the front of the die.

2) Using the locking die, lock the die in place,

3) Using a dummy round on known length, insert into shell plate, and bring to top most position. While in top position, adjust the stem down until it touches the dummy round, and then tighten the lock nut. This will give the "rough" OAL of the round.

4) Load a round, and adjust to desired length.

Now that is where the problem lies. When I put in the loose bullet to be seated, I pull the handle raise the ram, and when the rams comes back down, the bullet is "stuck" in the die. I then need to unscrew the seating stem, at which point the inner sleave "pops" down into place, and after several more turns of the stem screw, the bullet falls out.

I have taken the die out, inspected, installed again, adjusted again, and have used different bullets, and different cases thinking it could have been a compnent that cause the problems. Several attempts later the seater is still eating bullets. Any ideas.

 

[Nodakplowboy]

Dis-assemble die, thoroughly degrease with solvent. Pay special attention to the interior of the die body (sliding sleeve). Remove seating stem repeat cleaning. Place a bullet in the stem and spin, rock back and forth, try and determine if or where it's sticking. If there is a ring on the bullet ogive when it's spun, you may have a small machine burr on the inside of the stem which can be carefully removed with a Cratex or similar abrasive bit. Another way is to use a oil pick and gently test the stem interior for burrs. Examine a stuck bullet for signs of damage. Drop a bullet down the sleeve to see if it hangs up, it shouldn't. Spin or roll the stem to check if it's straight, I've bent one once. When die is re-assembled lightly lube the all the threads and sleeve.

Several of my seating dies will leave a faint ring on the bullet, which is of no consequence. Never had this issue with a Forester. If all else fails, send it back.

 

[sasquatch98226]

Tried all that, and it still sticks. If I stick an unsized (new) piece of brass in the ram, and just bring it up until I feel some pressure, and the lower, the stuck bullet will then pull free from the die. Put the sized and charged case back in, and the bullet will stick again.

 

[padom]

You say the bullet and die. The bullet gets stuck in the seating stem you mean? Or the sliding sleeve gets stuck in the die body?

I had one Forster die get the bullet stuck in the seating stem. Sent it to Forster with 3 bullets each of the 3 different bullets I planned to use. They polished the seating stem to work with all the bullets I sent them.

 

[Nodakplowboy]

You have a dummy case, correct? Or some factory ammo? How do these react when run through the die. How do they fit in the sleeve when it's dis-assembled.

"at which point the inner sleave "pops" down into place". This happens with my .308 die on occasion. Needs a dab of oil.

Try this; set the die so the sleeve just starts to make contact with the shellholder, then turn down one or two turns rather than bottoming it out and turning up. I'm not sure if this will solve the problem, but may narrow it down.

Double check assembly, using the instructions, and make sure the die is assembled correctly. I'm not questioning your ability, just dotting the i's and crossing the t's. And scratching my head.

https://www.forsterproducts.com/pdf/instructions/ultra_micrometer_seater_die.pdf

 

[jb1023]

You say the bullet and die. The bullet gets stuck in the seating stem you mean? Or the sliding sleeve gets stuck in the die body?

I had one Forster die get the bullet stuck in the seating stem. Sent it to Forster with 3 bullets each of the 3 different bullets I planned to use. They polished the seating stem to work with all the bullets I sent them.

I too had this issue when I tried 140 RDF's in my 6.5, or was it 175 RDF's in my 308. The guy at Forster said they make their stems "universal" but with the new RDF the ogive might be shaped just "right" to not work with that bullet as is. I chose to send them 5 bullets and a check to just buy a new modified stem so I could keep loading other bullets in the mean time. They sent me a new polished/shaped stem and my 5 bullets and I have not had the issue again.

 

[charlesleon]

I had the same problem. They asked the die, bullets and brasses again. Forster seating die has never got the problem fixed.

 

[smoothy8500]

Fine lapping compound and a sacrificial projectile took care of my seating stem issue.

 

[charlesleon]

The problem from Forster is not new. I don't know why they don't make stronger and thicker stem.

 

[Steel head]

Lapping seating stems is a commonly needed task
I’ve lapped Redding, Forster and whidden seaters.

 

[charlesleon]

Then, Lapping seating stem should be in instruction