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February 6, 2010
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Hey guys i just found out that Hornady changed the thickness of the rim on thier 218 bee brass. I called them and was told that they did it 2023. They made it 1 thousandth on an inch thicker. I ran into problems with my press and the new brass. I use an old Bonanza/Forster co-ax press with the jaws that open to hold the shell. The new brass has a hit and miss time going under the jaws to hold it in place. I called Forster and reported the issue. I seriously doubt they will change anything as it is not a very popular caliber. I just have to pay close attention and make sure the jaws hold the brass because if they were ever to fail I would have a stuck case.
Steve
March 31, 2009
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slk said
Hey guys i just found out that Hornady changed the thickness of the rim on thier 218 bee brass. I called them and was told that they did it 2023. They made it 1 thousandth on an inch thicker. I ran into problems with my press and the new brass. I use an old Bonanza/Forster co-ax press with the jaws that open to hold the shell. The new brass has a hit and miss time going under the jaws to hold it in place. I called Forster and reported the issue. I seriously doubt they will change anything as it is not a very popular caliber. I just have to pay close attention and make sure the jaws hold the brass because if they were ever to fail I would have a stuck case.
Steve
I have 2 Forester Co Ax presses and each came with 2 jaw sizes, small and large. Have you taken the assembly apart and cleaned out the ring area where the rim would go into? Rim thickness for the .218 Bee should be about .065″. If you have not taken these apart before be aware that there are 2 small springs underneath the plates. If you do get a stuck case just loosen the jaws a bit so the rim can be captured. You can sort your brass and remove the extra thickness on the ones that need it or shim the sliding assemblies.
February 6, 2010
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Yes I have had the jaws apart many times. I have all 3 sets of them. The S jaws. The LS, and the #50. The number 50 was what Bonanza put it the first presses they made.
They are a fine press for sure. Not quite sure how the jaws could be shimmed. You would have to make 4 shims to go under the 4 corners. I suppose a beer can aluminum would be enough. I bet some duct tape under each corner would work as well
Steve
March 31, 2009
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Can’t you use a rectangular piece under each jaw?
February 6, 2010
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Chuck said
Can’t you use a rectangular piece under each jaw?
Well possibly if the jaws would still slide, but I am thinking the top plate is a tad taller than the silver jaws making enough clearance for them to slide back and forth. Any thing under them might make up the clearance difference and make them bind and not open and close.
So far I have not had an issue with them not holding the casing. That being said I am paying very close attention to them closing around the brass. They just do not function as well as other brass. Meaning I do not trust them entirely yet. Perhaps after these first couple of hundred I might. So far they are going over the brass enough to function but I bet if a case was to get stuck they may not hold.
March 31, 2009
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slk said
Chuck said
Can’t you use a rectangular piece under each jaw?
Well possibly if the jaws would still slide, but I am thinking the top plate is a tad taller than the silver jaws making enough clearance for them to slide back and forth. Any thing under them might make up the clearance difference and make them bind and not open and close.
So far I have not had an issue with them not holding the casing. That being said I am paying very close attention to them closing around the brass. They just do not function as well as other brass. Meaning I do not trust them entirely yet. Perhaps after these first couple of hundred I might. So far they are going over the brass enough to function but I bet if a case was to get stuck they may not hold.
You are right. Maybe a shim under the top plate edges? I have no idea if our rimmed cartridges were ever considered when this press was designed? Most of my older Winchester calibers were loaded with the RCBS Rockchucker before I bought the Co Ax. So I mostly use the RC since the dies are already set up. Here is a picture of most of my dies and the log books.
February 6, 2010
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This 218 bee has given me more issues than any other caliber I have ever loaded. I load 22 hornet, 25-20, 32-20. All small rounds and never had an issue with them.
Without sounding like I am knocking Hornady, they are the only thing new in this equation. First time I have used their brass. I generally use Starline or Winchester. If Hornady hadn’t increased the rim thickness I think all would be good.
Actually the small end of the LS jaws works ok. I may just use that one and call it good. Even though Forster say the small side of the S jaws is the one designed for 218 bee.
I have brought my concerns to Forster and Hornady.
February 6, 2010
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Chuck,
Just out of curiosity when you put your jaws in place do you have the spring side in the front or in the back?? Meaning does the sharp pin open them with springs in the back or front
Steve
March 31, 2009
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slk said
Chuck,
Just out of curiosity when you put your jaws in place do you have the spring side in the front or in the back?? Meaning does the sharp pin open them with springs in the back or front
Steve
Without taking one apart I’d just be guessing. I have 3 different style top plates. Take a look at this diagram. It appears the springs go in the front.
February 6, 2010
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Update:
A member here sent me some Winchester brass and it fits just fine under the jaws of the Forster co ax press. So the issue lies with the new Hornady brass in my situation. It probabaly works fine in other presses using a shell holder.
Guess I will have to limit my search for brass to Winchester.
My thanks to Darrin for being so kind to send me the winchester brass he had.
Steve
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