Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Expansion ball pulling shoulder back out on Forster FLS Die?

Anyone had this happen using the Forster FLS Dies? I set die to just touch the shell plate. Unless I set it for some cam over it pulls the shoulder out .004-.005" I'm about ready to get a different brand die. I'm thinking the ball pulls it out some everytime its used. Thanks for all input!

Or you're not touching the shoulder so when the body is squeezed the shoulder gets pushed forward.

It's pretty hard on the up stroke which made me think the expander ball.

Size without the expander in and see if it gives you anything different.

I'll have to try that. Instead of a bumping die I guess I bought a pulling die lol!

This is exactly why I HATE non bushing dies.
You have zero control over how much to size the necks down. Brand of brass changes, lot# etc.

I know what you mean. I'll probably get a bushing type die. Any recommendations? It's for .308

A Redding will work fine. I suggest if your neck thickness is consistent on your brass skip the expander and just size down the necks with bushing only to desired size.
If you go that route take a loaded round minus .002 and .003 from that and that's were I would start with bushings

I think that's what I'll do I'm tired of messing with this die. Thanks for the recommendation.

I've had better luck with Whidden bushings being the size that there suppose to be over Redding, I measure all mine also with guage pins I had a Redding bushing that was .003 undersized from what it was stamped so keep that in mind on bushings

It sounds like your die is sizing the necks down too small if it's pulling that hard. Also do you lube the inside of the necks? I had a FL die that sized the necks down so much that they split on the second or third reload if they weren't annealed. Sent it back to RCBS with a couple of fired cases and they honed it out.
You also may want to take the stem out and gently chuck it in a drill and polish the expander ball.

Pulling a bull's prick back thru a case neck is never a good thing - I try to avoid as much as possible.

I cleaned die again and also readjusted the expander ball. I set the ball a touch higher in relation to the vent hole on side of die body. Replaced aluminum die nut with steel Hornady nut. I also used nylon brush inside of necks. So far there are no bumped or pulled shoulders. I'm thinking the ball was a little low not allowing the vent hole to function as intended. I appreciate the help everyone!

So you're thinking vacuum sucked the shoulders forward by 4-5 thousandths? Or what?

Best suggestion here. Along with setting up the expander for the proper depth. Guys saying you need special bushings and chidt are clueless. Unless you are shooting benchrest, our of a benchrest rifle, and demand some kind of extreme precision. I'm assuming not, since this is a "big game rifle" reloading forum. A regular ol RCBS die will suffice. That is all that is even required for most precision longrange shooting as well. I watch guys like the OP struggle, because they think they need unnecessary chidt. Keep it simple and you'll have less problems..

It seems I remember reading somewhere maybe Forster, about how important the ball and hole position are oh my LOL! I think it said it reduces likelihood of dents also.

Forster recommends the location of the ball relative to the vent hole so you don't end up with the ball in the neck of the die. Also so it performs as intended, which is to start expanding as soon as possible on the downward travel of the case.

I've found it for sure makes a difference!

Are you familiar with the Lee collet die?

I guess I'm one of the CLUELESS ONES. last time I looked dropping the proper bushing in a die and sizing your brass was about as simple as it gets. Hell with making the expander in 'just' the right spot. Anytime BSA you wanna see how me and my CLUELESS rifles shoot come on by Havre way well go to the 900 yard range you bring yours I'll bring my CLUELESS ones.