Forster Pro-axial Press

I take it you mean the Forster/Bonanza Co-Ax press.:confused:

I bought one (but have yet to use it) on the recommendation of a friend who has used one for many years.

They are a very nice single stage press that makes caliber changes easy, when you replace the regular die rings with the Forster cross bolt die lock rings.

The only complaint I heard out of him was that the micrometer adjustable bench-rest dies don't allow enough clearance for the handle to pass over them.
 
The only complaint I heard out of him was that the micrometer adjustable bench-rest dies don't allow enough clearance for the handle to pass over them.[/QUOTE]

They are an excellent press, mine has served me well for years, but that is my only issue as I have several sets of micrometer dies that cannot be used with it.
I load all of my cast bullet pistol loads on it in spite of some saying they are faulty. :rolleyes:
 
MapleSugar said:
I take it you mean the Forster/Bonanza Co-Ax press.:confused:

I bought one (but have yet to use it) on the recommendation of a friend who has used one for many years.

They are a very nice single stage press that makes caliber changes easy, when you replace the regular die rings with the Forster cross bolt die lock rings.

The only complaint I heard out of him was that the micrometer adjustable bench-rest dies don't allow enough clearance for the handle to pass over them.
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The newer model addresses this problem with a taller yoke.
 
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If you get the Co-Ax press, you might want to consider Hornady Sure-Loc Die Locking Rings for it. I found these two reviews at Midway USA referring to them.

Most handloaders are, by definition, tinkerers. And we are frugal. That being said, the Forster Co-Ax press is the best single stage press made, bar none. I have had the problem with Hornady seating die stems not clearing the yoke. I just cut the stem off. It is too long to begin with. As others have said, you must use the cross bolt style of lock ring with this press. The Forster cross bolt lock ring costs too much, is made of aluminum and uses an archaic slotted screw. Use the Hornady Sure-loc lock ring. It costs less, is made of steel and uses a socket head screw. The ease of operation and the accuracy of this press is phenomenal.
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These are the best lock rings for metallic reloading dies I've ever found. I have replaced my Forster aluminum locking rings with these Hornady rings. Although the Forster's a similar design, they lack wrench flats and use an aluminum screw that can snap easily. The screws on the Hornady rings are steel. I also replaced my RCBS lock rings with these Hornady rings. RCBS rings can be used with an open or closed end wrench but they use a brass set screw that contacts the threads. These Hornady rings use a steel screw that never touches the threads.
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http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=391359#productTabReviews

Or if they'll fit, maybe these Lyman Split-Lock Die Locking Rings.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=402579#productTabReviews
 
Not the fastest for changeover to diff. sized cartridge head size ie: .223 to .308, the jaws have small springs and the jaws must be turned without dropping the springs. The jaws/springs are what give it the ability to not use shellholders as such and also give it the ability to self centre your rounds going into the die. For the gentleman that is going to load pistol only; any of the progressives will be faster to use. The newer ones have much more generous dimensions and I'm sure my new one will do most any case, an older Bonanza marked one will not. However when all is said and done, they are the best single stage press out there and tend to make the most accurate ammo. When you first try the press, it just reeks quality!
 
ben hunchak said:
However when all is said and done, they are the best single stage press out there and tend to make the most accurate ammo. When you first try the press, it just reeks quality!
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I don't have one of these Forster's, but I agree that this is the single stage press to buy if one wants or needs precision, light lever pull, or just wants the "best". If ever I get into precision rifles, this will definitely in the want list. It doesn't have any "cons", IMO. Even the price is reasonable.

For now, my Lee Classic Cast, Classic Turret and Loadmaster will do.
 
While the newer presses have the "taller" yoke to fit micrometer dies, older ones can be sent in and retrofitted. Last I checked, they wouldn't just send ya the new yoke.....:(
 
Been running one for several years - works great.
Never had any issues with micrometer seating dies (mind you - using Forster dies not Redding - might have different dimensions)
 
My Co-Ax Press is old enough to still have "Bonanza" on it. It has loaded thousands upon thousands of rounds of ammo, and is my go-to press. As has been said, hands down the best ever made, period!. Eagleye.
 
MapleSugar said:
I wonder if mine has the taller yoke?:confused:

I bought it about 6 or 7 years ago and it is still sitting in the box.

My friend's Co-Ax press was so old it had Bonanza stamped on it.
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I have one of the few 2010 production Co-Ax and they still stamp Bonanza on the box.

Been using Redding micrometer seater without any problem and they are taller than the redding ones
 
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