forster co-ax press

[newfie bullet]

in the market for a new single stag press and it looks like its going to be the forster co-ax. is there any advantage with the b4 model vs the b3. i load , 45 colt , 30-06 338 win mag 45-70 and 22-250. do i need the extra shell holder sl jaws or do the s jaws that come with the press be all i need? and what about the shorter handle ? is it more convient?
regards
alan

 

[dero338]

You need SL jaw for 45-70

 

[the_tracker]

Good luck with the Forster. It is a nice press. I have been loading for over 45 years and have used many different single stage, turret, progressive and simple Lee loaders. I opted for the RCBS summit recently and I love it. I also bought the Hornady LNL insert for it and several bushings. I love the quick change system.
Happy Loading

 

[silverfoxdj]

Can't go wrong with the Forster..

 

[Eagleye]

The CO-AX is undoubtedly one of the finest single-stage presses you can buy/use.
One of mine is 30 years old, and is still marked "Bonanza" Never had one issue in those years.
A bit pricey, but very reliable, and convenient to use. I have 2 of them set up on my bench.
One has the short handle attached, the other the longer one.
Only time you will need the long handle is when FL sizing bigger cases, or forming one case
to a different size/shape.
I absolutely admire the quick die change ability, and the primer catchment system.
Enjoy! Dave

 

[Chargerguy]

Just ordered the co-ax from a site sponsor. Looking forward to trying it out. Been using my Lee Challenger press for 15-16 years now and it's all I know.

 

[6MT]

I love my Co-Ax.

 

[Bluedevil25]

I have a Bonanza Co-Ax and ended up buying a Forster Co-Ax because the shorter yoke wouldn't clear the taller die of my 6.5x55 but like the feel of the Bonanza better so I use that unless I'm loading 6.5x55 lol.

 

[slug]

It's very good, but one issue I had was with .303 British in their adjustable shell holder. Sometimes, the jaws wouldn't close fully and the case rim was in contact with only the thin edge of the jaws, which ultimately broke off. When I ordered a set of replacement jaws, I also ordered a single jaw that took standard shell holders, and that is all I use now. Since the handle is in the front of the press, and the cases enter from the front as well, you have to use different motions to operate it. A small point, but should be mentioned, especially if you're a stumblefzk like y'r obd'nt serv'nt. The handle goes through a long swing which is overkill for a pistol cartridge. I use a Lee or Dillon SDB for handgun rounds.
Realistically, it's probably not worth the extra cost, but I like mine and have no desire to part with it.

 

[Shooter ----/]

Looking at a Co-ax myself but with MEC now soon to release their press, I'm waiting to see how they compare.

 

[jankovig]

Co-ax press owner here too. I have the B2 version...this is the only press I've ever used and I've got nothing to compare it to. It's simple to use and operate. Dies are simple to insert and remove. Make sure you get extra forster die rings. Do not use the ones that come with dies, as they are too thin to fit properly inside the press. I load everything from 9mm to 338LM and never any issues.
I needed to get the LS shell plate for the 338LM, but anything up to 300 magnums, you're ok with the one that's provided. Happy reloading

 

[Spawn-Inc]

Looking at a Co-ax myself but with MEC now soon to release their press, I'm waiting to see how they compare.

I'm really curious to see how their self aligning works, based on the pictures it just looks like a normal shell holder holder unless they cut it bigger so the shell holder can slide around.

 

[Fassteel]

Good luck with the Forster. It is a nice press. I have been loading for over 45 years and have used many different single stage, turret, progressive and simple Lee loaders. I opted for the RCBS summit recently and I love it. I also bought the Hornady LNL insert for it and several bushings. I love the quick change system.
Happy Loading

nothing quicker in die changing than a Forster press

 

[Dmay]

I'm really curious to see how their self aligning works, based on the pictures it just looks like a normal shell holder holder unless they cut it bigger so the shell holder can slide around.

Nope. The die self-aligns, due to the way they slide loosely in. Wouldn't trade mine for anything.

 

[silverfoxdj]

nothing quicker in die changing than a Forster press

+1 Fast and efficient I would not wait for something better..

 

[Spawn-Inc]

Nope. The die self-aligns, due to the way they slide loosely in. Wouldn't trade mine for anything.

I was talking about the new MEC press which claims to self align, I'm aware of the co-ax self alignment.

 

[Dmay]

I was talking about the new MEC press which claims to self align, I'm aware of the co-ax self alignment.

Sorry, I get it.....duuhhhh
Pictures I've seen, I don't understand that either....

 

[209jones]

From what I see in the MEC vid, they are using a loose fit slot for the shell holder, that is why they have the spring wire retainer there, so you don't pull the shellholder out of the press, when removing brass from the press. Not sure if it floats in a 360deg area in there or not. The Forster does allow that between the jaws and the die holder. One thing to check on the MEC press, is whether or not it has to use captive MEC shellholders. Didn't mention that in the vid, they do appear to be normal, but, I'd make sure first. If you have to buy shellholders, savings are likely gone. And when you look at the linkage setup, there is the other area where the difference is, in the price from the Forster. It may make a difference, if you need to form cases or want to use it to swage bullets. Otherwise it is a perfectly functional press, but just not likely to have the leverage you get on a Coax.