Upgraded my reloading gear

[wburke2010]

Well I decided it was time to upgrade my press, so I picked up the Foster co-ax press, and rcbs priming tool, as well as a few of the satern powder funnels, and finally got some time to use them tonight. I only loaded twenty rounds for some hunting this weekend, but with the new gear it was a lot easier than my old way. The hand primer is way easier than priming on the press, and I also think it is faster. Using the foster press my rounds were more consistent in with +- .003 difference between the loaded round but that was measure the overall length. It is a joy what nicer reloading equipment makes it to load ammo.

Here is a picture of my setup.

Thanks

Walter

 

[afrancke]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

Nice setup! I have a Co-Ax and Satern funnels, too, and they are excellent and a pleasure to use. I see you also have a Chargemaster and Giraud - very nice as well!

Now, a challenge for all Co-Ax owners with Redding dies - a nice stand of some kind to hold the dies in their lock rings since the boxes don't work (too short for the position of the rings).

 

[wburke2010]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

I haven't had a problem with the dies not fitting in the box with the rings. Thanks I love the Giraud it makes it a pleasure to trim brass, and the charge master is nice as well looking to pick up another one. One thing I like about the co-ax is when you get to the top of the stroke it has a solid stopping point which makes it easy to stay consistent and takes no effort at all to load or size.

Walter

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

Walter I'm sure you already figured this out but the spent primer retention on the Co-Ax is best out there, also Hornady lock rings work just fine, I load 9 40 45 223 260 308 and 30-06 on mine.

 

[wburke2010]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

Yeah I really like the spent primer system. This press is leaps and bounds above the lee classic I was using. Still getting used to pulling the cases out of the jaws after seating or sizing but I just don't have enough rounds through it yet to be completely used to it. What kind of bullet puller do y'all use, I have the rcbs universal but it does not work because the handle on top of the puller.

Walter

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: afrancke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now, a challenge for all Co-Ax owners with Redding dies - a nice stand of some kind to hold the dies in their lock rings since the boxes don't work (too short for the position of the rings). </div></div>

Go to Wal mart, buy a Sterilite storage box with pull out drawers, they come 3 drawer or 5 drawer, a drawer for each caliber.
I use them for priming tools also.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wburke2010</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What kind of bullet puller do y'all use, I have the rcbs universal but it does not work because the handle on top of the puller.

Walter </div></div>
Get the Hornady cam over puller.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

I use a kinetic, but I hear the Hornady works on the Co-Ax.

 

[wburke2010]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

Thanks, I also have one of the hammer types, but I like the puller in the press better after using each. I'll take a look at the hornady.

Walter

 

[afrancke]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a kinetic, but I hear the Hornady works on the Co-Ax. </div></div>

The Hornady does work, but it is awkward, since the puller die's collet-closing handle doesn't clear the Co-Ax press arm. It's a bit hard to explain, but you have to lower the puller's handle a bit, pull the press arm down to get past that, then raise the puller handle again before lowering the press arm all the way down. I haven't found how to use it well, however; I always leave marks on the bullet and don't feel wild about reusing them once pulled. Thinking strongly of going to the kinetic approach, but maybe I just need some key tips on adjusting the collet or what have you.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: afrancke</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a kinetic, but I hear the Hornady works on the Co-Ax. </div></div>

The Hornady does work, but it is awkward, since the puller die's collet-closing handle doesn't clear the Co-Ax press arm. It's a bit hard to explain, but you have to lower the puller's handle a bit, pull the press arm down to get past that, then raise the puller handle again before lowering the press arm all the way down. I haven't found how to use it well, however; I always leave marks on the bullet and don't feel wild about reusing them once pulled. Thinking strongly of going to the kinetic approach, but maybe I just need some key tips on adjusting the collet or what have you. </div></div>

Just another reason a guy needs two presses!!

 

[wburke2010]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

Thanks for the tips looks like I'll put the rcbs puller to the side for now and keep using the kinetic.

Walter

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

"This press is leaps and bounds above the lee classic I was using. "

I wonder --- do you really mean a Lee Classic Cast iron press or are you comparing that costly new press to the older alum alloy frame Lee Challenger?

 

[wburke2010]

Re: Upgraded my reloading gear

It was not the older one but it is what they call they challenger press, which is aluminum.

Walter