Forster or whidden seater

[Marksman LLC]

I really like my forster micrometer seating dies and think its a great design. I've never owned a whidden but I see that the design is very similar. Is the Whidden worth the extra $50? Looking for some knowledge from guys that have used both.

I can get the forster 7prc seater for $100 or the whidden 7prc seater for $155

 

[cjl2010]

Have 2 sets of whidden dies and 2 of Forster. Both make great ammo. I would take the extra $55 and put it towards another box of bullets.

 

[Marksman LLC]

Have 2 sets of whidden dies and 2 of Forster. Both make great ammo. I would take the extra $55 and put it towards another box of bullets.

Thanks
Is there any difference whatsoever?

 

[cjl2010]

Thanks
Is there any difference whatsoever?

The whidden is prettier and easier to read. I mostly use an arbor press nowadays but I personally wouldn't pay the extra for whidden.

 

[nwmnbowhunter]

I have found forster seating stems soft and they bell out over time making the die stick and seating depth not consistent. Whidden has been good for me.

 

[Marksman LLC]

Okay I'm gunna throw another option into the mix...I can get a RCBS matchmaster for about $85. Are they comparable to the other two options listed?

 

[FEENIX]

Okay I'm gunna throw another option into the mix...I can get a RCBS matchmaster for about $85. Are they comparable to the other two options listed?

I have custom-made Whidden, and Forster dies for my wildcats. Do not overcomplicate it; get what you need/want.

 

[Beluebow]

Neither...split the price difference and get a Wilson inline with micrometer. I know it isn't what you asked just throwing a different option out there.

https://lewilson.com/stainless-steel-bullet-seater-with-micrometer-adjustment

 

[TRG65]

I have found forster seating stems soft and they bell out over time making the die stick and seating depth not consistent. Whidden has been good for me.

I've had this problem as well. When I called Forster they blamed me and said don't use compressed loads. Never had the same issue with Whidden, Redding, RCBS, or Lee.

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

The main this is to have very good FL or NS Dies. You have to have a good concentric piece of brass to load with a primer, powder, and a bullet.
The Seating dies are especially important as to load the Bullet "Straight". RCBS, Foster, Widden, Lee. Using the correct seating stem is also important to match with the bullet shape. Personally I like to index the bullet 33 1/3 degrees as i am seating into the case with any one of our seating dies. Concentricity is the main thing we look for.

 

[Barrelnut]

I've had this problem as well. When I called Forster they blamed me and said don't use compressed loads. Never had the same issue with Whidden, Redding, RCBS, or Lee.

On older Forster dies, the seating stems were very thin where the stem fits over the bullet. This could cause them to get a hairline crack, that was hard to see but could be felt with a fingernail. Forester replaced my stem with one of the newer ones that is much more robust. Have had no issues since. New Forester dies should have the new stem.

 

[AVT00]

I have just recently purchased two sets of Forster micrometer dies and am quite pleased with them.