Forster reloading press

[Paul1262]

Has anyone used the Forster press for loading primers?

 

[nn8734]

I do but I initially seat the primers using a Lyman hand priming tool then fully seat them on the Forster co-Ax. I’m debating buying a dedicated bench mounted priming tool but this two-step process has worked well and is fairly efficient.

 

[bpshooter13]

I use it exclusively for all rifle calibers. One thing to keep an eye out for, if you use full pressure on the press arm so it comes in contact and stops as it touches the press on some calibers I find that it puts an indentation in the rim. This can vary by case manufacturer within the same caliber. I've gotten in the habit of seating firmly and getting a feel for a full depth seat by touch and feel then run my finger over the primer to make sure it's just below flush. This hasn't been a problem even with the distortion but you hate to see those virgin Lapua cases getting marred at the first loading...

 

[Paul1262]

I do but I initially seat the primers using a Lyman hand priming tool then fully seat them on the Forster co-Ax. I’m debating buying a dedicated bench mounted priming tool but this two-step process has worked well and is fairly efficient.

Just curious as to why you don't fully rely on the Forster co-Ax rather than a two step process? Thanks.

 

[nn8734]

Just curious as to why you don't fully rely on the Forster co-Ax rather than a two step process? Thanks.

It’s a pain in the ass to put the primer in the little receiving cup on the press itself. Plus I like to watch tv while I prime cases in large batches with the Lyman tool.

 

[Paul1262]

I use it exclusively for all rifle calibers. One thing to keep an eye out for, if you use full pressure on the press arm so it comes in contact and stops as it touches the press on some calibers I find that it puts an indentation in the rim. This can vary by case manufacturer within the same caliber. I've gotten in the habit of seating firmly and getting a feel for a full depth seat by touch and feel then run my finger over the primer to make sure it's just below flush. This hasn't been a problem even with the distortion but you hate to see those virgin Lapua cases getting marred at the first loading...

Do you think it might be better to have a dedicated priming tool rather than use the Forster setup?

 

[Paul1262]

It’s a pain in the ass to put the primer in the little receiving cup on the press itself. Plus I like to watch tv while I prime cases in large batches with the Lyman tool.

Thanks.

 

[salks]

I use mine for priming all my rifle brass. and as already mentioned get a good feel for it, do not cam over . There are quicker ways but once you get in a rhythm it goes pretty quick.

 

[Paul1262]

I use mine for priming all my rifle brass. and as already mentioned get a good feel for it, do not cam over . There are quicker ways but once you get in a rhythm it goes pretty quick.

Thanks.

 

[bpshooter13]

Do you think it might be better to have a dedicated priming tool rather than use the Forster setup?

Perhaps, an F-class mentor of mine recommends the RCBS Bench Mounted Automatic Priming Tool. It uses primer pick up tubes and might speed things up. It also allows you to use the "feel the seating pressure leverage" method when seating the primers. I have used several hand held grip squeeze type over the years and can't recommend them for precision type rifle case loading. My method is to get primers on a primer flip tray, shake to make them all upend correctly then load them one at a time in the Forster press top. Not the fastest but it's working for me and I likely won't be replacing. And really, what's one more laborious step towards a happy X count

Automatic Priming Tool | RCBS

Buy Automatic Priming Tool at RCBS, the leading producer of high-quality reloading equipment supplies for over 60 years.

www.rcbs.com

 

[spife7980]

Do you think it might be better to have a dedicated priming tool rather than use the Forster setup?

Yes.
Unless you are on a progressive press you will almost always be better off using any other priming tool other than whats on the press. Putting the little things in there one at a time. Having to put it into the little cup then raising it slightly so you can put the case in and then seating and pulling it out and then again. Its a chore. Get a hand primer or a bench primer of some sort, the 50-100 bucks will be obviously worth it after 10 primers of the on press system.

 

[6MT]

Has anyone used the Forster press for loading primers?

I use my Co-Ax ever since an RCBS hand held unit failed me the night before a match. Wonderful unit. It really gives you the feel of how tight the pockets are and when the primers are fully seated. Yes, it is probably slower then a hand held unit or some others out there. But I’ve been using it for almost 5 years and wouldn’t use anything else.

 

[Paul1262]

Yes.
Unless you are on a progressive press you will almost always be better off using any other priming tool other than whats on the press. Putting the little things in there one at a time. Having to put it into the little cup then raising it slightly so you can put the case in and then seating and pulling it out and then again. Its a chore. Get a hand primer or a bench primer of some sort, the 50-100 bucks will be obviously worth it after 10 primers of the on press system.

Thanks.

I use my Co-Ax ever since an RCBS hand held unit failed me the night before a match. Wonderful unit. It really gives you the feel of how tight the pockets are and when the primers are fully seated. Yes, it is probably slower then a hand held unit or some others out there. But I’ve been using it for almost 5 years and wouldn’t use anything else.

Thanks.

 

[Paul1262]

Perhaps, an F-class mentor of mine recommends the RCBS Bench Mounted Automatic Priming Tool. It uses primer pick up tubes and might speed things up. It also allows you to use the "feel the seating pressure leverage" method when seating the primers. I have used several hand held grip squeeze type over the years and can't recommend them for precision type rifle case loading. My method is to get primers on a primer flip tray, shake to make them all upend correctly then load them one at a time in the Forster press top. Not the fastest but it's working for me and I likely won't be replacing. And really, what's one more laborious step towards a happy X count

Automatic Priming Tool | RCBS

Buy Automatic Priming Tool at RCBS, the leading producer of high-quality reloading equipment supplies for over 60 years.

www.rcbs.com

I guess it comes down in part to how fast you want to load your primers.

 

[Paul1262]

I use my Co-Ax ever since an RCBS hand held unit failed me the night before a match. Wonderful unit. It really gives you the feel of how tight the pockets are and when the primers are fully seated. Yes, it is probably slower then a hand held unit or some others out there. But I’ve been using it for almost 5 years and wouldn’t use anything else.

Thanks.

 

[opeagle]

I’ve used mine for years now to prime. I’m glad I started with the press as I now hate everything about shell holders, shell plates, and caliber conversions.

But like others said, it takes a little getting used to. I do use the short handle on it for priming and actually choke up on it to use less leverage.

I can prime faster on my CPS but it’s a single use tool where the Forster press has two basic functions.

 

[Oldmauser]

What's the point of your question. Do you have any problems with priming cases using Co-ax?

 

[Paul1262]

I’ve used mine for years now to prime. I’m glad I started with the press as I now hate everything about shell holders, shell plates, and caliber conversions.

But like others said, it takes a little getting used to. I do use the short handle on it for priming and actually choke up on it to use less leverage.

I can prime faster on my CPS but it’s a single use tool where the Forster press has two basic functions.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the priming function.

 

[Paul1262]

What's the point of your question. Do you have any problems with priming cases using Co-ax?

The point of my question was your question " Do you have any problems with priming cases using Co-ax"?

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

Yes.
Unless you are on a progressive press you will almost always be better off using any other priming tool other than whats on the press. Putting the little things in there one at a time. Having to put it into the little cup then raising it slightly so you can put the case in and then seating and pulling it out and then again. Its a chore. Get a hand primer or a bench primer of some sort, the 50-100 bucks will be obviously worth it after 10 primers of the on press system.

The little hand primer works so well, and you can fully seat each one consistently and easily, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. Not to mention being able to watch tv while doing it.

 

[Hesperidins]

Of course there are faster tools to prime with, but I have only ever used my Coax. It works well.

 

[Paul1262]

Of course there are faster tools to prime with, but I have only ever used my Coax. It works well.

Thanks. I don't have a requirement to prime fast and I really like the fact that the Co-ax has two basic functions. Glad to hear that it works well.