Since I can't find Forster dies...Whidden questions

[iamtheav8r]

I've tried for 2 weeks to find a Forster bump die and Ultra seater. No one has them and Forster says 2 months or more until they have more available. So...I'm looking at Whidden dies. He doesn't make a "bump" die, but I'm reading that he includes a bump gauge so it sounds like the Whidden dies can be used in a similar fashion to a bump die although they are a FL bushing sizing die.

So...is there much difference between the Forster bump and the Whidden FL bushing die? Any reason to wait for the Forster? Will the Whidden really have any appreciable negative effect on case life as compared to the Forster?

Am I over thinking this (yes, I already know the answer)

Thanks in advance.

 

[shoot4fun]

IMHO, there is really nothing better than FL sizing. Measure your fired cases and set the FL die up to bump the shoulder back a thou or so and you get the added benefit of having that little bit of sizing at the case head to ensure easy chambering each and every time. I have one Forster bump die. The only advantage is that is uses bushings but you can get Redding S dies and have that. I also have a set of Whidden dies and they do a great job. They are not made to only bump the shoulder and not resize the body though.

 

[iamtheav8r]

IMHO, there is really nothing better than FL sizing. Measure your fired cases and set the FL die up to bump the shoulder back a thou or so and you get the added benefit of having that little bit of sizing at the case head to ensure easy chambering each and every time. I have one Forster bump die. The only advantage is that is uses bushings but you can get Redding S dies and have that. I also have a set of Whidden dies and they do a great job. They are not made to only bump the shoulder and not resize the body though.

Thanks, Whidden offers bushing FL resizing dies now. I may just order a set as my old RCBS dies have seen better days.

 

[Svendogg]

I used to use Forster dies, no doubt they are fantastic. But, after getting my first set of Whidden dies, I now have a set of Whidden dies for each caliber. Unbelievably consistent, polished to a shine, and with the ultramicrometer seating die, I can just dial in my seating depth and be within .001 first try. I found that the forster micrometer dial gets you in the ballpark. Plus they will custom make dies for you if you send them a few cases or reamer print. I believe Forster no longer offers that service. Just my .02.

Also, cartridge are you looking for in the forsters? I got a .308 bushing bump set I'd been trying to sell.

 

[ZombieMonkey]

Graf & Sons has been having some come through recently. Just picked up a 260 set this week so they are out there.

 

[iamtheav8r]

Graf & Sons has been having some come through recently. Just picked up a 260 set this week so they are out there.

Spoke to them. Nothing for 2 months in .308. What they got in were backorder sales that went out the next day. Found one seater in Nova Scotia, but shipping was $29.

 

[ZombieMonkey]

Ah, wasn't sure what caliber you were looking for. I just was surprised to stumble into a 260 set at Graf's a couple days ago as Forster quoted that same 2 month time.