Forster Co-Ax
- Thread starter vitriol
- Start date
I was also looking at getting one of these presses. It is apparently one of the most "accurate" presses available, providing the least bullet runout for loaded cartridges and it is a press that requires the least amount of force to use because of its linkage.
For reviews, try midwayusa.com, find the press and check out the customer reviews. They won't ship to Canada, but at least you can get an idea of what people think if it.
For reviews, try midwayusa.com, find the press and check out the customer reviews. They won't ship to Canada, but at least you can get an idea of what people think if it.
Excellent press for loading rifle cartridges, most dies work, some need to be refitted with forester bonanza lock rings. Redding matchgrade dies with micrometers over .308 winchester length appaently don't work, but all other makes of dies work.
I concur, excrllent press, use it almost exclusively. Dies and shellholder both kinda "float", allowing better alignment.
Shellholder uses jaws. One set comes with, other set must be purchased separate, you need both to cover all cartridges. Also can be converted to use ordinary shellholders.
Dies have to have Forster-type lock-rings (knurled type with one screw locking them on) Available separately if your dies have the cheapo locks that lock with a little allen screw.
If you prime brass in your press, this one has about the best set-up I've seen.
As above, some micrometer dies are too long to use - handle cannot clear them. Other than this disadvantage, I highly reccomend the C0-Ax for accuracy reloading.
Shellholder uses jaws. One set comes with, other set must be purchased separate, you need both to cover all cartridges. Also can be converted to use ordinary shellholders.
Dies have to have Forster-type lock-rings (knurled type with one screw locking them on) Available separately if your dies have the cheapo locks that lock with a little allen screw.
If you prime brass in your press, this one has about the best set-up I've seen.
As above, some micrometer dies are too long to use - handle cannot clear them. Other than this disadvantage, I highly reccomend the C0-Ax for accuracy reloading.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
I agree, the quality of co-axe press is top notch, but there is a glitch. If you load cartridges which require a longer than normal die, the yoke style handle will not clear the die.
I have owned a Co-Ax [an original, built by Bonanza] for a long time. I consider it the best press ever designed,period!! Aside from the caveat mentioned [longer than normal seating dies], there is nothing any other single-stage press can do that a Co-Ax will not do better. Dies are quick change and self-aligning. Shellholder jaws only need changing for some very obscure cases. Powerful leverage system, excellent spent primer control, strong, etc,etc.
Can be used left or right handed, too. I have three presses mounted on my reloading bench, but the Co-Ax gets the lion's share of the work, and has never need anything besides a periodic cleanup of powder/primer residue. How many loads it has produced is anybody's guess! Highly recommend this press. REgards, Eagleye.
Can be used left or right handed, too. I have three presses mounted on my reloading bench, but the Co-Ax gets the lion's share of the work, and has never need anything besides a periodic cleanup of powder/primer residue. How many loads it has produced is anybody's guess! Highly recommend this press. REgards, Eagleye.
Last edited:
Ishootguns
Regular
- Location
- Acton Ontario
Excellent press highly recommend it. Mine was used by my uncle for years and it is still perfect. Hurry up and get one.
Dave
Dave
I too have the Forster. I think everyone had already pretty much covered off all of the pros. Great design. Primer catcher does a great job of keeping things clean. I've loaded 308, 270, 7mm. No problems. I even use a Forster Micrometer seater with no problems. Definately an heirloom-quality purchase. Think of it as buying a loading press for your grandkids!
