Forster Co-Ax users inside please

[DanGuy48]

So I've decided I really want one of these presses but I just heard back from Dee at Forster and she said her tech people told her that one of the cartridges I want to reload is too large diameter to fit the LS size shell holder jaws. I can't tell from just the on line information how exactly these jaws work but they look like flat sheets of metal. I have a machinist friend and I was wondering if there is a way he could just open up the size of the jaws a bit to hold this one cartridge? Does it appear that is a possibility to those of you who own one? I'd love to see one in person if anyone knows someplace around Frederick, Md that has one.

 

[birddogsx3]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

The jaws work on a spring assisted slide with an adjustment screw through the bottom that is pointed to fit between the jaws that spreads them apart when you open the press to remove the cartridge. I suppose you could machine the jaws larger however if you went to big there may not be enough holding power to extract the shell from the die. Thus the jaws could slip over the rim of the shell. That would be my only concern.

 

[TwoGun]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

I think it's possible. But you can just get an adapter to use shell plates, too.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/144115/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press-shellholder-adapter-plate

 

[DanGuy48]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

Thanks for the info. I just never seem to get used to the abundance of information that's available on these forums.......amazing. Anyone want a used set of Funk & Wagnalls?

 

[Clark]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

When I make co-ax jaws, I cut round holes and chamfers, and then cut the jaws in half.

Your factory jaws have already been cut.

It can still be done, it is just harder.

 

[Subxero]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

I just got a co ax not long ago specifically for loading .300rum

It has a rebated rim and the jaws that came with the co ax work but i found it hard to get the case back out of the jaws.

So when i reload for the 300rum now, i just keep a small ~3/8" piece of wood on the bench and when i go to take the cases out, i use the case to push the right jaw to the right, and there is a little tab on the jaws and i just stick the piece of wood in the tab to hold the right jaw open. then just pull on the left jaw with my hand and it comes right out no problem what so ever.

It sounds more complicated than it is. But it was a cheap quick fix that really adds next to nothing to the reload time as opposed to buying new jaws which i was not about to do after dumping hundreds into the press and then more into dies.

300rum rim is like .534ish which should be bigger than most anything .30cal and smaller less maybe some short mags??

.338 LM i think has a bigger diameter rim if i am not mistake and would probably cause problems

hope this helped

 

[jayjaytuner]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

just ordered a coax, look forward to getting it!

 

[kingweb50]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

dont know how large of a case your a wanting to reload but they make a different shell holder for the co ax

 

[762frmafr]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

First of all, what caliber are you wanting to reload? Also, in my opinion the item below defeats the purpose of having a co-ax.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TwoGun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think it's possible. But you can just get an adapter to use shell plates, too.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/144115/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press-shellholder-adapter-plate </div></div>

 

[TacBlade]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

Just buy the other set of plates intended for the Larger calibers(.338 Lapua) and you ared set.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

Why didn't Dee at Forster give the OP his options?

 

[rockdoc]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

Danguy, get onto a good distributor, they will set you straight. It should be in the literature that came with the press.

Not sure why Foster didn't set you straight in the first place.

And if it is too big for a Foster, try the Lee Classic Cast for really big ca;ibers

It works for a 600Nitro.

Cheers, Chris

 

[DanGuy48]

Re: Forster Co-Ax users inside please

Hmmm, seem to be having trouble posting, hope this doesn't repeat.
=======================
Sorry, didn't realize the thread was still moving along. I really appreciate good design and the Forster had a lot going for it. One of the tech guys at Forster contacted me himself, and he mentioned one other issue. If the opening in the clamping jaws is too large, the case bottom will make contact with the top of the pin, or pointed rod, that opens the jaws. That was a good observation. I'm also embarrassed to say that I was so focused on the casing that I failed to notice, there are no dies for the cartridge (.375 Cheytac) that will fit the Forster. Duh.

I should have mentioned that to you at the start, probably would have saved me time. It's been a long time (45-50 years) since I've done any reloading and it's taking me a while to get back in the right mental track. Anyway, I started over and have ordered a Hornady .50 BMG press with shell holder adapters for the .375 and 6mm Rem. yeah, I know, a bit of overkill maybe...