Opening die neck

[UndFrm]

I have a Forster FL sizing die (no bushing) and a Neck size die with bushing.

The FL die is compressing the neck way too much, so I was thinking to open up the neck of the FL die so it doesn't size the neck and then use the neck die with the bushing to size the neck.
Would I need a carbide bit to do so? Not sure what the Forster is made of, hardened steel? Of course, I can use the mandrel after but it'll just over work the brass.

Thank you

 

[Maurygold]

I’m almost certain you can send the die to them to have it opened up. I would not take this on yourself

 

[Rider47]

I'd just buy a neck bushing type FL die before attempting to bore out a hardened die.
You could then sell your existing FL die.
Random thought - I wonder if using a diamond dust dremel toolbit might bore out the FL neck a few thou . . .
Chuck up the die and spin it with the diamond bit in the toolpost? Or is that just crazy?
Again, I'd just buy a proper die.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Send it to Forster.

 

[Mudflap621]

Send it to Forster.

This. I believe it’s around 25$ and I’ve had them do multiple to my preferred dimension.

When still using the honed Forster I prefer running a mandrel as a final step as well.

 

[Oryx]

I highly doubt that you could cut a concentric neck just sticking some sort of bit or Dremel tool in the neck and get the accuracy results you're after. Not saying it's not possible, just not likely.
For $25 I'd just send it back to the folks that specialize in it.

 

[Rider47]

"I highly doubt that you could cut a concentric neck just sticking some sort of bit or Dremel tool in the neck and get the accuracy results you're after. Not saying it's not possible, just not likely."

I meant set-up the diamond bit and die in a lathe, not freehand. And to go oversize, the neck portion simply needs to have no contact, so +/-.0005" concentricity is not required. But hey, for $25 plus shipping, I'd have Forster do it. Or if all else fails, buy the right kind of die.

 

[Shifty6BR]

I have had Forster hone several dies for me as well.

It's the easy button just to send it in.