Forster Co-ax

[velvetant]

The Forster Co-ax press came up in another thread and got me thinking.
I've been looking for a new press for a few years but never pulled the trigger on one.
I have an old RCBS RS-5 that has served me well but I've always hated the way primers don't land in the drop tray.
I've been looking at the co-ax and Big Boss II but could never make up my mind.
I load a lot of rifle but usually small quantities of 10-25 rounds.
Mostly 223, 243, 243AI, 25-284, 270WSM, 300Win Mag and 358 Norma mag.
handgun stuff I do on a progressive.
Is the Co-ax really that much better?

Randy

 

[SJB358]

Randy, I won't tell you the CoAx is better than any other press, but what you just wrote about loading in small quantity and I load for about the same ones as well, 223, 22-250, 243, 25-06, 264WM, 270WSM, 7RM, 300's, 35 Whelen, 338WM, 35 Rem, 30-30, 45-70 and 44RM. I don't load over 50 at a sitting. Most times it is less than thirty. I love the press! Die change outs are AWESOME. I replaced all of my RCBS die lock rings with Hornady version (better than the actual Forster ones). Redding dies come with a lock ring that works great in the Forster. Once you set your dies for your rifle, you don't have to mess with them. Also, I have both jaw sets. In all actuality, I got by just fine with the set that comes with the press, but the 45-70 required the newer jaw set. Once I swapped over to that jaw set, I haven't switched back! It works for every cartridge I have. I also prime off the press and love the fool proof way of seating primers. It sets up FAST and seats with absolute assurance I am hitting the bottom of the primer pocket.

Depriming is excellent. Spent primers and crud fall into the cup. Simple! Sometimes a primer will lodge itself in the tube, but usually a little tap on the tube will free it. Again, it is a non issue for me.

Another great benefit to me is the press does not stress the bench top in the same way a regular press does. I have three sheet rock screws holding the press to the bench top and it works slick. Hard for me to explain, but I believe since it is working vertically along coaxially rods, it requires very little strength from the bench. It is also really easy to size anything! I mean it is just about as effortless as it gets.

Sorry for the long rant, but I like the press alot and once you get used to the front loading, I think your other press will sit by itself. Mine serves duty as a bullet puller press. The Forster isn't really set up to be a good puller. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Buy the Co-Ax, Randy. You'll never regret the purchase. I have (or have had) an RCBS Rock Chucker Press, an RCBS Partner Press and a Redding T-7. I preferentially use the Co-Ax unless providentially prohibited.

 

[GF1]

I have two Co-Ax presses on my bench, the oldest I've had for over 30 years. Needless to say I really like them. There are lots of good ones, but I've not seen better. No shell holder swapping, no screwing dies in and out, perfect priming w/ no chance of too much pressure, spent primer catching is superb. And best of all, IMO, is the the feature that coined the name - the coaxial principle around which it is designed. These go hand in glove with Bonanza (no Forster) Bench Rest dies.

 

[JD338]

One of these days, I am going to upgrade my RCBS to a Forester Co-Ax.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Jim I Know you would like it. Just a great piece of gear. I have never met anyone that was disappointed in the CoAx but I have talked to alot who wished they would have bought the Coax when they had the chance.

 

[JD338]

Jim I Know you would like it. Just a great piece of gear. I have never met anyone that was disappointed in the CoAx but I have talked to alot who wished they would have bought the Coax when they had the chance.

Yup, I am one of those fellas.

JD338

 

[velvetant]

Scotty
Don't apologize for the rant that's exactly what I was looking for, Thanks buddy.
Really does sound like a great press.
Thank you very much Scotty, Mike and GF1 for the info.
I got a little bonus from work and can't decide, The press or getting my powder stock up.

Randy

 

[SJB358]

That is a tough call. They both go up in price, so I would toss a coin! When I bought mine a few years ago, it was 207.00 on sale at Midway, I think they are pushing 230.00 or so now from most places. Scotty

 

[velvetant]

They are out of stock at a lot of place but I found one with a shipped price of $268.00.
I keep putting off the powder until I get some of my load development done and then I will place an order with Powder Valley.
Trying to consolidate to keep price down a bit and my inventory simple.
My three main powders are H4350, H4831SC and Re25. But I seem to have a little bit of everything.
I'm hoping the first two will work in my new 243 Featherweight I just got back from the gunsmith.
Going out next weekend to try the 90gr E-Tip and 95gr NBT.

Randy

 

[SJB358]

I could consolidate myself, and just stock up on RL15, RL19 and RL22. Those tend to get used the most for my shooting. I would like to stock up on some 5-8lb jugs of them. Probably save a little money in the end.

I would keep an eye out for anything on sale, or use some Cabelas points or something to purchase one? Don't know. I am an impulsive reloader, so I tend to buy when my eyes hit it.

Looking forward to your 243 shoot. I have to get at my son's 243 loads for this year. Have a bunch of PT's. Might give RL19 a try with them. Seems like it should work well. Any reason for shooting the ET, or just cause you want to? Scotty

 

[velvetant]

I could consolidate myself, and just stock up on RL15, RL19 and RL22. Those tend to get used the most for my shooting. I would like to stock up on some 5-8lb jugs of them. Probably save a little money in the end.

I would keep an eye out for anything on sale, or use some Cabelas points or something to purchase one? Don't know. I am an impulsive reloader, so I tend to buy when my eyes hit it.

Looking forward to your 243 shoot. I have to get at my son's 243 loads for this year. Have a bunch of PT's. Might give RL19 a try with them. Seems like it should work well. Any reason for shooting the ET, or just cause you want to? Scotty

I just ordered one, If I keep thinking nothing will get done. Only took me a few years to make up my mind.
The E-tip was on sale and I said "what the heck", Also going to try a 95-100gr Partition for hunting loads.
A good stout bullet for a little caliber should help silence that little voice in the back of my mind. We have some good sized Mule deer here.
Got tired of waiting for the AccuBond to come out, but will probably try it when it does.
The 95gr NBT will be for practice

 

[SJB358]

Awesome! Can't wait to hear how you like it.

Yeah, I have shot that 95gr BT on the bigger Northern deer without any issues. The 95-100gr PT would be awesome. I imagine if you get to shoot a deer with them, you won't see much reason to mess with the AB. Plus, they give a little extra margin for error if bone is smashed. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Good for you, Randy. You'll enjoy the CoAx.

 

[rick smith]

I switced to the Co-Ax over 20yrs ago. Can't use the collet bullet puller on it still have a Rock Chucker for that. Besides the other features of the press previously mentioned, I feel it loads more concentric rounds. All my single stage loading is done on the Co-Ax.Rick.

 

[nodak7mm]

There are lots of good ones, but I've not seen better. No shell holder swapping, no screwing dies in and out, perfect priming w/ no chance of too much pressure, spent primer catching is superb.

Lol... As you read the posts on the Co-Ax, there are those that have one and there are those that wish they did... And I have not read of a single disapoinment yet in any posts on any board. Something to think about. The Co-Ax was the press I learned on and the first I owned. My only sqwauk with it is you cant use Redding Comp Seater dies with it as they are too tall and the handle wont go over it..

I could have bought 3 for the the price of one today when I got mine.... Look at it as an investment!!

Rod

 

[rick smith]

I use the competition dies from Forster and Redding in my Co-Ax, no problems. Did have to shorten the screw coming out of the top of a couple Forsters. Might check on your die set-up all mine work.Rick.

 

[velvetant]

I've read they redesigned the handle with a larger opening to accommodate the competition dies.

 

[nodak7mm]

Good catch Rick, mine is 1979/1980 vintage ... Always meant to buy a new handle, but bought a partner press for less and dedicated to just seating bullets.......

Rod

 

[SJB358]

I have the little Partner Press for pulling bullets. It served a good life in the beginning! The CoAx does all of the heavy lifting now. I wonder if mine is a newer one. I bought it about 2 years ago? Scotty