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Forsters Case Trimmer Problems

Posted: Sun May 06, 2018 10:05 pm
by targetshooter
I'm not having a lot of luck trimming my 6.5x55 cases.
After having problems with Lee Quick Trim Dies I now have a problem with Forsters Case Trimmer.
I recently purchased a Forsters Original Case Trimmer and I’m having problems fitting my 6.5x55 Swede case into the collet, I’m using collet no#1 (CT2001) which is the size suggested in the literature.
When trying to fit the 6.5x55 Swede the step in the collet appears to be too small. The diameter of the head of the 6.5x55 Swede (PPU) case measures 0.480” but looking at the specification of the collet step B has a diameter of 0.473”. The case fits the collet ok when not in the collet housing but it cannot be fitted when the collet is in the housing with the collet screw loose.
I suspect the collet housing is restricting the expansion of the collet and I was thinking of lapping the inside of the collet case housing a couple of thou with the collet until the cartridge case fits. I don’t want to wreck it as the collet is needed for other calibres with which it works fine.
I’m waiting a reply from Forsters in America about the problem but they may suggest that I send it to them.
Has anyone got any ideas?
Regards

Re: Forsters Case Trimmer Problems (resolved)

Posted: Fri May 11, 2018 9:17 pm
by targetshooter
Further to my last post, I have had some communication with Forsters in the U.S. about their trimmer collets. They told me that one of the issues with recommendations on collets is the tolerance that is allowed on the head for cases. As my cases were still loose in collet #1 I should try collet #2 in step position C.
So in other words one should measure the head of the cases and refer it to their specification chart and not just refer it to their cartridge case chart.
After receiving #2 collet from the excellent Northern Optics I’m up and running again.