User Instructions for the Bench Rest® Seater Die - Forster Products

User Instructions for the Bench Rest® Seater Die1.0 GENERAL INFORMATIONThe Bench Rest® Seater Die holds the bullet and case in perfectalignment while the bullet is press-fit seated.A close-fitting, sliding Die Chamber (P-30) holds the bullet andcase for their entire length, as well as the bullet, case and BulletSeating Stem (J-30) in a common axis, during bullet seating toensure match-grade alignment.The sliding Die Chamber (P-30) has a concentric bullet channelthat is just slightly larger than the bullet diameter. This tight fitensures straight line (co-axial) seating.The Bullet Seating Stem (J-30) contacts the bullet ogive as faraway from the bullet's tip as possible. A custom-fitted BulletSeating Stem (J-30) may be required due to the many types ofbullets on the market. This service is available from Forster on acustom order basis.Note: Complete die nomenclature is given in Fig. 2 on the backpage.2.0 SAFETY INFORMATION• Always wear safety glasses.• Keep complete, chronological records of your reloads. Thisdata is useful for future load development. Label each batchof cartridges with: Date loaded Primer type Case type Powder type and weight Bullet type and weight• Brass from oversize or otherwise out-of-tolerance chambersthat has not been full-length sized may not fit in this die. Acustom Sliding Die Chamber (P-30) may be required. Thisservice is available from Forster on a custom order basis.(Note: If available, Forster can use the reamer that was usedto cut the manufacturer’s rifle to make a customized seaterdie.)• The half-inch yellow square tab is an anti-rust agent. Keepthis tab with the dies.• If the cases need sizing, use a Forster Bench-Rest® FullLength Sizing Die, Bushing Bump Sizing Die or a BenchRest® Neck Sizing Die to properly size the cases.• As cases are repeatedly fired, neck walls can become workhardened (and hence less ductile). When this occurs, brasshas a tendency to spring back more and not hold the shapeof the sizing die. Annealing the case necks can extend theiruseful life and greatly enhance accurate loading. (For moreinformation on case annealing, see Chapter 4 of Designingand Forming Custom Cartridges for Rifles and Handguns byDr. Ken Howell.3.2 Prepare the Die as Follows3.21 Clean the DieClean the inside of P-30 die surfaces using a cloth patchsaturated with gun-cleaning solvent.3.22 Fine Tune the DieNOTICEBecause the die holds the bullet, case and Bullet Seating Stem(J-30 ULTRA) in perfect alignment for straight line seating, evenminor variations (0.005”) in bullet seating depth may causesignificant changes in accuracy.To increase accuracy, position the bullet as close to the rifling aspossible. The overall length measured from the case head to thetip of the bullet is not as critical as the distance from the casehead to the ogive (point at which the bullet contacts the lands ofthe rifling) as shown in Fig 1. Use a C.O.L. gauge to measure thisdimension. Refer to Table 1 for seating depth adjustmentinformation.Figure 1. Critical Cartridge Dimension3.0 PREPARATION3.1 Prepare the casesInconsistent or extremely light bullet tension can be a root causeof bullet seating variation. Ensure your cases are properlyprepared for accurate bullet seating:• If the case neck walls vary in thickness, turn the outsideneck to a consistent thickness using a Forster OutsideNeck Turner (part numbers OT1010 or HOT100).

Table 1. Seating Depth Adjustment InformationBullet SeatingBullet MovementStem (J-30)Adjustment17-243 CaliberSeater Dies257-375 CaliberSeater Dies1/8 turn 0.004” 0.0045”1/4 turn 0.008” 0.009”1/2 turn 0.016” 0.018”4.0 BULLET SEATING PROCEDURE1. Ensure the Die Body (L-30) is securely threaded to theSleeve (O-30).2. With the press ram and shell holder at their highest points,screw the die in the press until the bottom of the sliding DieChamber (P-30) touches the shell holder.3. Continue screwing the die clockwise until you have fullycompressed the sliding Die Chamber (P-30). Next, back itoff at least one full turn since the Die Chamber should neverbe fully compressed when seating bullets.4. Tighten the Cross Bolt Die Lock Ring (G-10) with a #2Phillips screwdriver.5. Screw the Bullet Seating Stem (J-30) almost all the way outof the Die Body (L-30).6. Lower the shell holder.7. Place a sample cartridge (setup round) of the correct lengthin the shell holder of your press.8. Raise the shell holder to its highest position by pulling thepress handle completely.9. Screw the Bullet Seating Stem (J-30) down until it contactsthe bullet of your “setup round”.10. Tighten the Lock Nut (A-10, K-30).11. Remove the setup round from shell holder. The die is nowproperly set in your press for accurate bullet seating.12. Check the cartridge length after seating the first bullet.Adjust the Bullet Seating Stem (J-30) to lengthen or shortenthe cartridge, if needed.5.0 AFTER USEOil the die with a good quality gun oil before storing die until thenext use.6.0 REPLACEMENT PARTSThe following replacement parts are available for a wide varietyof calibers. See our Web site at www.forsterproducts.com forspecific sizes.• Bullet Seating Stem (J-30) (specify size)• Lock Nut (A-10 or K-30)• Die Body (L-30) (specify small or large thread)• Sleeve (O-30-SH, O-30-M1, O-30-M2, O-30-L)• Die Chamber (P-30) (specify caliber)For best prices, contact your Forster dealer. Experienced dealersand wholesale jobbers are an integral part of the shooting sports.Please make frequent use of their knowledge and support them.If your dealer or wholesale jobber cannot supply you, pleasecontact us by email, fax or phone.Figure 2. Die NomenclatureDie with EmptyDie Chamber (P-30)Bullet Seating Stem (J-30)Lock Nut (A-10, K-30)Die Body (L-30)Return Spring (M-30)Retainer Ring (N-30)Die Ready to SeatBulletName Number Size Used WithLockNutA-10K-3010-40 thread¼-40 thread243 andsmaller257 andlargerSleeve 0-30-SH 2.375” length caliberspecific0-30-M1 2.625” length0-30-M2 2.875” length0-30-L 3.125“ lengthSleeve (O-30-SH, O-30M1,O-30-M2, O-30-L)BulletCaseCross Bolt Die Lock Ring (G-10)Die Chamber (P-30)(caliber specific)WARRANTYAll Forster Products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. Parts which, by nature of their function,are subject to normal wear (such as springs, pins, etc.) and parts which have been altered, abused or neglected, are excluded from the warranty. Ifthe product is deemed defective by workmanship or materials, it will be repaired, reconditioned or replaced (at Forster’s option). This warrantysupersedes all other warranties for Forster Products whether written or oral.www.forsterproducts.comDIE-0009 Issue 4, February 2009