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My new Hood vs my Forster

DngBat7

Silver $$ Contributor
So not long ago I posted questions on my Forster coax not giving me consistent head space. I tried everything and it would vary .0005-.002 cartridge to cartridge. My only guess is the floating die?? Tried to figure everything, lube build up, bad annealing, etc....

Anyway, I picked up a used Hood on eBay about a month back. Finally got to try it. Holy crap. Sized 100 cases last night. I could not believe the consistency. Every case measured exactly 1.5195, with exception of two that measured 1.5020. Same die, same brass as with the coax. Coax is a decent press, but definitely learned precision reloading really relies on precision equipment.
 
I have a co-ax that I've used a lot, it now resides on its side on the bench, I have found the ol' RCBS Rockchucker supreme to be a very good/consistent press, I have 3 harrells that are for sale. Haven't tried the Hood but would like to.
 
Anyway, I picked up a used Hood on eBay about a month back
Since I see only 1 sold in the "completed auctions" assume this is the one you bought.

Do you think it will have enough leverage to size the tougher cartridges? Looks like a unique design. I only use my Forster for seating bullets, never for sizing.
 
So not long ago I posted questions on my Forster coax not giving me consistent head space. I tried everything and it would vary .0005-.002 cartridge to cartridge. My only guess is the floating die?? Tried to figure everything, lube build up, bad annealing, etc....

Anyway, I picked up a used Hood on eBay about a month back. Finally got to try it. Holy crap. Sized 100 cases last night. I could not believe the consistency. Every case measured exactly 1.5195, with exception of two that measured 1.5020. Same die, same brass as with the coax. Coax is a decent press, but definitely learned precision reloading really relies on precision equipment.
Are ya running the PMA micro adjust lock ring?
 

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I have a co-ax that I've used a lot, it now resides on its side on the bench, I have found the ol' RCBS Rockchucker supreme to be a very good/consistent press, I have 3 harrells that are for sale. Haven't tried the Hood but would like to.
I have never tried a rcbs. For all I know, this is what any consistent press does. I just wonder if this is a result of the whole floating die setup.
 
I have a Harrell’s and an old RCBS one thing is for sure, the portable aspect of the Harrell’s is nice but the RCBS is way smoother
 
A6FD25E8-D9B4-4DFF-A56A-1182D279636C.jpeg A fiend of mine has made a short run of Hood type presses. Not wanting to infringe on any patents he changed a few things and used materials he had on hand.
The ram is 1” instead of 13/16”. It ejects the primers out a vent in front instead of through the ram. This allows the ram to be a little stronger. The size is exactly the same as the Hood and will accommodate up to and including.308. They are made of 7075 and hard anodized. He made a longer handle with a big green ball for the lever. That could be changed. He made a smaller shelf on the seating port. The back shelf is 2” instead of 3” and is not pinned. It screws directly on the back.
 
View attachment 1122890 A fiend of mine has made a short run of Hood type presses. Not wanting to infringe on any patents he changed a few things and used materials he had on hand.
The ram is 1” instead of 13/16”. It ejects the primers out a vent in front instead of through the ram. This allows the ram to be a little stronger. The size is exactly the same as the Hood and will accommodate up to and including.308. They are made of 7075 and hard anodized. He made a longer handle with a big green ball for the lever. That could be changed. He made a smaller shelf on the seating port. The back shelf is 2” instead of 3” and is not pinned. It screws directly on the back.
That’s a pretty good replica
 
Thanks they work well. He’s sold a few perhaps one of the guys that bought one will reply. I use one for loading at the range but I don’t compete. It works great for me.

here's another picture of the press.
 

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I think he's selling them for $300 and that includes shipping and insurance.

Anyone wanting to get in touch with the maker you can call Mitch Butler at 817-572-3306 and leave a message. He'll get back to you. Tell him Joe Henderson sent you.
 

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