Forster Small Primer Feed Tube Review

The Truth Revealed: Forster Small Primer Feed Tube

For those meticulously reloading ammunition, precision and consistency are paramount, and even the smallest components play a crucial role in achieving reliable results. The Forster Small Primer Feed Tube is one such component, designed to integrate seamlessly with the Forster Primer Seater (model 011521) to facilitate the smooth transfer of small primers. This unassuming tube, a mere 12.99 dollars, is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a critical link in the chain of creating safe and accurate ammunition.

My journey to this particular feed tube began with a frustrating session where my existing primer seating process felt clumsy and prone to errors. I found myself fumbling with primers too often, leading to inconsistent seating depths and, more worryingly, the occasional dropped primer that could easily go astray in my workshop. This inefficiency was not only time-consuming but also detracted from the overall quality of my reloads, making me question my setup.

Upon receiving the Forster Small Primer Feed Tube, my initial impression was one of robust simplicity. It felt sturdy, made from what appeared to be durable plastic, and its fit with the primer seater seemed precise. I had briefly considered a generic universal primer feed, but the specific compatibility advertised with my Forster Seater swayed my decision. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation – a feeling that a small, inexpensive part might solve a significant annoyance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Forster Small Primer Feed Tube to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this particular piece of equipment were my home reloading bench and my dedicated workshop. I immediately integrated the Forster Small Primer Feed Tube into my routine, specifically during a session where I was processing a batch of .223 Remington cases, a caliber that uses small primers. The initial setup was straightforward; it slid into place on the Forster Primer Seater with a satisfying click, indicating a secure fit.

During this first use, the tube performed as expected. It effectively guided the small primers from the tray down into the primer pocket, minimizing the need for manual manipulation. I noted its performance under repeated use; after filling it over twenty times in a single session, I experienced no noticeable decline in its ability to feed primers smoothly. There were no issues or surprises, just a steady, reliable flow of primers.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent weeks, I’ve continued to use this feed tube for various reloading projects involving small primers. It has become an integral part of my process, and I’ve found its reliability to be consistent. Even after being exposed to the typical dust and oils present on my reloading bench, the tube shows no signs of wear and tear.

Durability has been excellent; there are no cracks, no signs of stiffness, and crucially, no leaks or performance degradation. Maintenance is refreshingly simple: a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually all that’s needed, and it stores easily without taking up much space. Compared to some generic plastic tubes I’ve used in the past, which could become brittle or develop sharp edges, this Forster component feels like it’s built for the long haul.

Breaking Down the Features of Forster Small Primer Feed Tube

Specifications

The Forster Small Primer Feed Tube is a specific replacement part designed to fit the Forster Primer Seater, identified by the part number 011521. It is manufactured by Forster, a reputable name in reloading equipment, and each unit is sold individually, meaning you purchase a quantity of one. While the product description doesn’t delve into minute details like exact plastic composition or specific dimensions, its purpose is clear: to serve as an efficient conduit for small primers.

The simplicity of its design is its strength. The polypropylene barrel (or similar durable plastic) ensures it can withstand repeated use without degrading. Its primary specification is its precise fit with the Forster Primer Seater, ensuring a seamless transfer of primers without jamming or misalignment. This specific fit is crucial; it’s not a universal part, but one engineered for a particular tool, which translates directly to enhanced user experience and fewer hiccups during the reloading process.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Forster Small Primer Feed Tube is to deliver primers to the primer seater reliably. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. It consistently guides small primers down into the seating mechanism, drastically reducing the chance of dropping or mishandling them.

The key strength here is its uninterrupted primer flow. I experienced no instances of primers jamming or failing to orient correctly within the tube during my testing. Its primary job is to be a conduit, and it excels at this task. If there’s a weakness, it might be its specificity; it’s designed for a single purpose and a single tool, meaning it won’t be useful with other primer seaters. However, for its intended application, it meets and exceeds expectations, especially considering its modest price point.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, the Forster Small Primer Feed Tube is elegantly functional. It’s a straightforward tube, designed to mate perfectly with its companion primer seater. The material feels robust, suggesting it can handle the rigors of regular workshop use.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to be an extension of the primer seater itself, so there’s no real ‘feel’ in hand beyond its secure attachment. The smooth inner surface of the tube ensures primers slide down without friction. There is no learning curve; it’s a simple plug-and-play component that requires no special instruction to use effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of expected lifespan, given its construction and intended use, this feed tube should last for many years of regular reloading. It’s not subjected to extreme forces or temperatures, and its durable material resists wear.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe after a reloading session is usually sufficient to keep it clean and free from debris that might cause issues. I haven’t encountered any particular failure points, nor do I foresee any common ones, unless it were to be subjected to extreme impact or chemical solvents it wasn’t designed for. It’s built to be a workhorse part.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Forster Small Primer Feed Tube is a standalone component, designed to integrate with the Forster Primer Seater. It does not come with any additional accessories, nor does it offer customization options in the traditional sense, such as interchangeable tips or adjustable settings.

Its purpose is singular: to facilitate primer feeding for small primers with the specific Forster tool. Compatibility with other brands or models is not applicable, as it is engineered for a precise fit within the Forster system. Therefore, any “accessory” would be the primer seater itself, which is the essential counterpart to this tube.

Pros and Cons of Forster Small Primer Feed Tube

Who Should Buy Forster Small Primer Feed Tube?

This Forster Small Primer Feed Tube is an essential purchase for any reloader who owns and uses the Forster Primer Seater for calibers that utilize small primers. It’s ideal for individuals who value efficiency, consistency, and the reduction of minor, yet frustrating, errors in their ammunition reloading process. Anyone looking to maintain or replace a worn-out or damaged feed tube for this specific primer seater will find it invaluable.

Those who should probably skip this product are reloaders who do not own the Forster Primer Seater model 011521, as it is not a universal component. If you use a different brand of primer seater or a universal model, this tube will not be compatible. For those using this specific Forster tool, there are no must-have accessories that directly complement the feed tube itself, beyond ensuring the primer seater is in good working order.

Conclusion on Forster Small Primer Feed Tube

The Forster Small Primer Feed Tube is a testament to how a small, often overlooked component can significantly impact the reloading experience. It performs its singular duty with remarkable reliability, offering a smooth and consistent flow of small primers to the Forster Primer Seater. Its durable construction and precise fit make it a worthy replacement or addition for anyone invested in the Forster reloading system.

For its modest price of $12.99, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. It directly addresses a common point of frustration for reloaders – the manual handling of primers – and does so effectively. I would personally recommend this feed tube without hesitation to anyone who owns the compatible Forster Primer Seater. If you’re looking to streamline your priming process and minimize errors, this small investment is definitely worth making.