My new Hood vs my Forster

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.

 

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.

 

Yup. And I was sizing 6.5 no problem

 

Are ya running the PMA micro adjust lock ring?

 

Whidden click die

 

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

 

At one time I tested every press I had for shoulder bump consistency. The Hood was the winner.

 

Now you see what quality is

 

I use a Hood at the matches, a Rock Chucker at home, and remember Jackie Schmidt has 3-4 Partner presses mount on his loading table at the matches.

 

The reason I want one!

 

How much difference is there between the Hood and Harrell’s? They look alike.

 

Im sure that harrels press works fine but is not the precise instrument the hood is. Probably better than most since its solid instead of an O or C shape

 

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

 

What kind of pricing are these?

 

I got mine used, So I don’t know if they are still made.

http://www.benchrest.com/hoodpress/hood_press.html

I know a machinist on the forum said he is about to start making them.

 

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.

 

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.