forster co ax press

#3
Why are you asking?
Thinking about buying one but too lazy to go read about why they are the, IMHO, best single stage on the market?
Sorry, just had to put that there because I know it will come up. EDIT.......HAHA it was there by the time I hit the "go button"!!!!!
My other single stage presses include a RCBS Rock Chucker and a Hornady LNL. Both good stuff. The RCBS is strong and a proven design. The LNL uses bushings so dies can be left set and still removed from the press, saving much time later.
I wasn't as impressed by the CoAx until I used one. I took that leap of faith and spent the money. Actually, I used my Cabela's points and a few bucks more. I can say now that I have become a big fan boy. It is smooth and powerful (like me ladies). I like how the dies go into a slot and line up. Also, as in the case of the LNL, they can be set once and left alone. The Forster doesn't require the user to purchase those bushings like the LNL (saving money). The universal shell holder is a nice feature (and saves money and time). The FL sizing operation is made easier so, especially large cases, require a lot less work. I don't wear me out (old fart).
I don't necessarily like the priming system but I always use either my RCBS hand primer or RCBS bench mounted priming tools. So far, the only thing I have seen that it didn't do was utilize my Innovative Technologies die that resizes the bulge at the belt on magnum cases. My CoAx isn't going anywhere.
 
#5
The universal she'll holders are great. It adjust in seconds. And the priming system is fine tuned. It gets everything square with the universal shell holder as opposed having a swing arm "float" to the right spot. My Hornady lnl classic was a pain and sometimes you had to push part of the arm down to get the primers to float in.

The leverage on it is incredible. My Hornady lnl classic would sometimes flex my bench a little. My bench is built like a tank.

The third thing I love is the way the case floats to the right spot in the die. The universal shell holder let's it move left to right and the die goes in front to back. So between that "play," it finds the center and gets sized perfectly.

Also the dies have a lock bushing that save the depth of the die but that seems like it's becoming more standard.
 
#6
shoot4fun said:
Why are you asking?
Thinking about buying one but too lazy to go read about why they are the, IMHO, best single stage on the market?
Sorry, just had to put that there because I know it will come up. EDIT.......HAHA it was there by the time I hit the "go button"!!!!!
My other single stage presses include a RCBS Rock Chucker and a Hornady LNL. Both good stuff. The RCBS is strong and a proven design. The LNL uses bushings so dies can be left set and still removed from the press, saving much time later.
I wasn't as impressed by the CoAx until I used one. I took that leap of faith and spent the money. Actually, I used my Cabela's points and a few bucks more. I can say now that I have become a big fan boy. It is smooth and powerful (like me ladies). I like how the dies go into a slot and line up. Also, as in the case of the LNL, they can be set once and left alone. The Forster doesn't require the user to purchase those bushings like the LNL (saving money). The universal shell holder is a nice feature (and saves money and time). The FL sizing operation is made easier so, especially large cases, require a lot less work. I don't wear me out (old fart).
I don't necessarily like the priming system but I always use either my RCBS hand primer or RCBS bench mounted priming tools. So far, the only thing I have seen that it didn't do was utilize my Innovative Technologies die that resizes the bulge at the belt on magnum cases. My CoAx isn't going anywhere.
Click to expand...


This pretty much sums it up, I love mine and I wouldn't buy anything else unless it was for very specific uses that the co-ax doesn't do,
 
#7
I just recieved my Co-ax about a week ago. So far I have loaded 100 rounds of .308 Win with it. Cant really add anymore that hasnt already been said. I love the smooth operation of it. Some people dont like the priming setup, but I love it. Took me 30 mins to prime 100 cases with a good consistent rhythm, all seated to .003 -.004 below case head.
 
#8
I actually did google it -but I still didn't see any obvious advantages over my rock-chucker with quick change LNL bushings
so far it has done EVERYTHING I NEEDED- but I like to use the best if I can verify its actually offers a better design and end product -I may buy one
 
#9
http://www.freepatentsonline.<wbr>com/3345903.pdf
Clarence E Purdie in 1965 patented the co ax press.
Gopher shooting supply sold it.
Then Bonanza sold it.
Then Forster sold it.

I have a couple of then and have modified them and love them.
I was given a Dillon 550B, never used it, and gave it away after a few years.

Depending on the top of reloading you do, you might like the Dillon better.
The co-ax is fast to change cartridges. The Dillon is fast per cartridge.
 
#10
The mechanical advantage is much greater than other presses. I spoke with Mr. Purdie back in the '70s...he said to remember that it is a machine and needs to be lubed...I took his advice and I can detect no wear after 40+ years.
 
#11
I picked one up at the SHOT Show last year. After 40+ years of loading and using many different presses, this thing is just sweet. Really easy to use, fast caliber change and priming. Get one (if you can right now) you won't be sorry.

Cheers,

George
 
#14
I, too, have a Rock Chucker. The thing that sold me on the Co Ax was the fact that there is NO play in the handle or ram. I tested two RC's that I have access to and they both have play in the down stroke of the handle. This play transfers to the shell plate, thus transferring to the brass. Test your RC. Extend the ram up and rock the handle side to side. Take a peek at what this is doing to the ram. Best money I have spent for reloading. Hope this helps.
 
#15
Just got one of the Co-axes...what a world of difference between that and the Lee Classic Turret press being used as single stage. FL sizing machine gun LC 308 brass is 200% easier.
 
#16
I never waste my time with the primer on top of the co-ax.
I did come up with a way to adjust it fast. I made Aluminum jigs that have the plunger bore and the extractor groove diameter. RCBS primer tray with relief cut for Forster Bonanza primer tube sliding in primers 9-21-2012.jpgForster Bonanza priming tool with tube full of primers and priming a 257RAIR case 9-21-2012.jpgshowing fixture for Adjusting primer on co-ax.jpgAdjusting primer on co-ax.jpg

The Bonanza/Forster type table top primer is a good tool. I came up with a way of loading the tubes fast. I milled out a slot in an RCBS primer tray, and ciip the tube to the tray with a clothes pin.
 
#17
Have a had co-ax sitting new in its box for about a month now. Dying to use it, but waiting on a new work bench I'm having made to be finished up. This is an upgrade from a Lee Anniversary kit that I've used to load about 10,000 rounds of various calibers. You guys are just making it worse for me.
 
#21
I have no trouble with priming on my CO-AX, I just do it as a seperate step in the brass prep, without a die in place.

As a matter of fact I really like the solid, positive feel of the CO-AX's priming system, it's quite easy to feel the primer seat, and very smooth.
 
#23
I've been really happy with my forster. Initially the cost was a little higher but after I figured out how many and how much the shell holders would cost to load all the different calibers I do. The cost evened out. Plus I like the fact the the dies slide in and out and it free floats the dies... Pretty much I am not saying anything different then the others have said. But honestly there are a lot of quality presses out there and most companies have outstanding warranties so you really can't go wrong.
 
#24
The Forster press is the greatest commercial press out there, I own them all and the Forster is far and above the best press out there bar none


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#27
The only drawback I see, and the reason I haven't tried one, is that I use the Redding competition shellholders while sizing. For those not familiar, they are thicker than standard in .002" increments to fine-tune shoulder bump while still running the shellholder completely into the die until it touches. My presses always had enough slop at the top of the stroke that setting the sizing die to leave a gap and only bump the shoulder .001-.002" never yielded consistent results, but setting the die low and pushing the comp shellholder against it did.

So my question to all the Co-Ax owners here: Is the Co-Ax stiff enough, especially with the floating die setup, to bump shoulders precisely?
 
#28
Charlie Papa said:
The only drawback I see, and the reason I haven't tried one, is that I use the Redding competition shellholders while sizing. For those not familiar, they are thicker than standard in .002" increments to fine-tune shoulder bump while still running the shellholder completely into the die until it touches. My presses always had enough slop at the top of the stroke that setting the sizing die to leave a gap and only bump the shoulder .001-.002" never yielded consistent results, but setting the die low and pushing the comp shellholder against it did.

So my question to all the Co-Ax owners here: Is the Co-Ax stiff enough, especially with the floating die setup, to bump shoulders precisely?
Click to expand...

The co-ax is definitely rigid, moreso than any other press I've tried. If you want to use the redding shellholders with a co-ax press you certainly can, you just have to buy this little thing

Forster Co-Ax Single Stage Press Shellholder Adapter Plate

I have the co-ax as well as this adapter. I only use the adapter because the co-ax is my only single stage press and i use it ( a little more combersome-ly because of the wishbone handle) with the Lee push through die to fix some glocked .40 cal brass. I also plan to get the CH4D press top de-crimp die which would require a normal shellholder.
 
#29
jcwallace84 said:
The co-ax is definitely rigid, moreso than any other press I've tried. If you want to use the redding shellholders with a co-ax press you certainly can, you just have to buy this little thing

Forster Co-Ax Single Stage Press Shellholder Adapter Plate

I have the co-ax as well as this adapter. I only use the adapter because the co-ax is my only single stage press and i use it ( a little more combersome-ly because of the wishbone handle) with the Lee push through die to fix some glocked .40 cal brass. I also plan to get the CH4D press top de-crimp die which would require a normal shellholder.
Click to expand...

Very interesting, had no idea that would be available. Is it necessary though? Can you set the die to only bump shoulders consistently without the special shellholders?
 
#30
Yes, this press is very solid. I have noticed around +/- 0.001 when measuring in Wilson shoulder-to-base gauges. The base of the press that the case sits on is perfectly flat machined steel, and the die is allowed to float but ultimately the lock-ring rests flush against more machined steel. With this press you must use thick lock rings made for this press though.

Forster Cross Bolt Die Locking Ring 7/8-14 Thread

or Sinclair's steel version (not made when I first got my press)

SINCLAIR LOCK RINGS (3PK) | Sinclair Intl
 
#31
The redding shellholders would be nice though if say you had 2 rifles of the same caliber and you wanted to use the same die to size both types of rounds, for instance a 308 bolt gun and a 308 semiauto, you could set the die and simply swap out shellholders!
 
#32
acts238 said:
what's the big deal with a forster co ax press
they seem to be highly regarded what does it do different - better ?
Click to expand...

Each press has it's own strength. My Dillon for pistol rounds and lots of 5.56, My big RCBS for 50 BMG, MEC for 12 ga....and I just got a Forster Co Ax...it's adjustable, no separate shell holder, the torque is great and there is a real feeling of quality and how smoothly the press operates. I've loaded 30-06, 338 Lapua and 416 Rigby in this Co Ax...worked beautifully, especially with the big cases.
 
#33
jcwallace84 said:
The co-ax is definitely rigid, moreso than any other press I've tried. If you want to use the redding shellholders with a co-ax press you certainly can, you just have to buy this little thing

Forster Co-Ax Single Stage Press Shellholder Adapter Plate

I have the co-ax as well as this adapter. I only use the adapter because the co-ax is my only single stage press and i use it ( a little more combersome-ly because of the wishbone handle) with the Lee push through die to fix some glocked .40 cal brass. I also plan to get the CH4D press top de-crimp die which would require a normal shellholder.
Click to expand...

Mucho be careful with that CH4D de-crimp setup, you will find yourself bending rims and wondering wtf is happening with the shoulder bump...
 
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