Forster Co-Ax

You don't hear much from the Forster guys because the typical question is about RCBS vs. Redding. But I get the impression that they like them a lot (I don't own one).

The one niggle that I have heard is because of its design, access to the throat is "less fluent".
 
Forster Co-Ax

I,ve used one for years, and find them to be an excellent press, very user friendly (no shell holders required & dies slip in and out quickly). If I had to replace it now, would buy another Co-Ax. Bill
 
I've had one for years as well, and its an excellent press.

Only 2 caveats - some micrometer dies are too high to clear the handle.
- and there are two sets of shell holder plates, they didn't use to include the second set when buying the press, make sure to get both to cover all cartridges.
 
It's a fantastic press that is effortless to use. I've had mine for a few years now with no complaints. I think that the current model has a taller yoke, so as to allow for longer dies. The universal shell holder is very useful, especially if you are loading for multiple calibers. They are most certainly worth a look.
 
Mine is old enough to still bear the "Bonanza" moniker. It is, without a doubt, the best press I have ever worked with [I have two others on my bench] The only qualification is that some of the tall micrometer seating dies do not clear the yoke on the handle. [As others have stated, I believe the latest version has addressed this issue however.] I think I have had mine for about 25 years, and not one part broken, worn out or otherwise defective. I wouldn't even hazard a guess as to how many rounds have been loaded on it, but definitely in the many tens of thousands. Regards, Eagleye.
 
My friend bought one of them and the Forster Big Boss at the same time to replace his Rock Chucker problems.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336915

When my friend was looking at presses to replace the RC, one of the benchrest guys at our range told us this:

People who have never used a Co-Ax and don't measure things like runout always recommend a Rockchucker or simular press.

People who use a Co-Ax and actually measure critical things on the case will never use or recommend anything else.
Click to expand...

He evaluated the Big Boss and the Co-Ax side-by-side and found that the Co-Ax did give lower runout and less variation in all sizing and seating operations. He measured everything. It would be my choice after trying them both side-by-side next to my old Rock Chucker last night.
 
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Dmay said:
I've had one for years as well, and its an excellent press.

Only 2 caveats - some micrometer dies are too high to clear the handle.
- and there are two sets of shell holder plates, they didn't use to include the second set when buying the press, make sure to get both to cover all cartridges.
Click to expand...

The mic thing is no longer an issue with the newer ones. He uses Forster and Redding mic seaters and sizers in his.

Both shell holders are included and there is an adapter to use regular shell holders.
 
I own one, and it is a dream to size and seat on.

This press has beaucoup mechanical leverage power over all other single stage presses.

The spent primer set-up is just fantastic - no crud on the press and neatly stored to dump when full. I haven't used the primer mech yet, because I use a RCBS hand primer - just like the tactial feel on the seating pressure.

This press is like the Ferrari of reloading presses - it's red to boot as well!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this press to anyone wanting a new press. It will decrease your runout very well, because everything floats. Die changouts are so easy - snap in and out.

Like the saying goes - buy once, buy forever.

Cheers, Carl
 
I have had and do have alot of reloading equipment, the good stuff stays forever and the crappy stuff goes quickly, the Co-ax is the best press I have ever used, even with the shell holder change over, for accurate reloads it is my #1 pick.
 
Would not trade mine for anything. Dies snap in and out no shell holders, spent primers are routed below operation with no mess. Top of the line.

Andy
 
Forster

I like mine so much that I bought another at Wholesale, the new one has the newer primer shell holder on top, not sure if I'll get around to using that feature. FS
 
I have both an RCBS and a Forster.

I have gone back an forth with both for making F-class ammo. The Forster is the hands down winner, the floating jaw shell holder and snap in dies, give me the best rounds. I should also mention that both are 2nd hand, and both are great, but I think the Forster is easier to use and I seem to get better ammo from this unit.

ReloadingPicSM0022.jpg
 
I have the older Bonanza Co-Ax and really like using it for sizing and seating.
I use a Lee hand primer, so haven't tried the unit's primer seater. KD
 
The Forster Co-ax, at least for the last 10 years or so, seem to have been made with slightly bigger castings than my old Bonanza Co-Ax. Perhaps the original patterns have been replaced due to wear.
 
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