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Forster co-ax, which generation?

nakneker

Gold $$ Contributor
I’m just getting the man cave set up after moving into a new place, I’ve wanted a Forster co-ax press for a long time, gonna get one coming. Anybody have an opinion if the lastest generation/version is as desirable as the early generation/versions. Never owned one and I’m gonna start the process of deciding which one to get. Any help/opinions appreciated. If there isn’t much difference and their all pretty much the same go ahead and let that be known too. Thanks in advance.
 
Never heard anybody say that about a co-ax before.. i got a new one a couple years ago and its all i use.. 4 or 5 other presses in my reloading room but the co-ax is the one that does most of the work..
 
I have one of the early ones...no idea about any newer ones? For good or bad, the main principle of the co-ax press is that it offers a "floating die" arrangement, and a neat shell holder function. And, if you plan to use the regular locking rings that come standard on commercial dies...you will be "floating" big time. So, it's common to purchase one or more Forester Cross-Bolt Lock Rings ($5.00 or more each?), for a better "floating" fit. If you purchase any John Whidden dies, they will come with the Cross-Bolt Ring. I used my co-ax extensively when I was reloading for NRA HP, Prone Rifle, and Palma. After I got into F-Class, the co-ax became my sophisticated de-priming tool and neck mandrel sizing rammer (following the FLR operation). My Lyman orange crusher press took over all other sizing functions, to include bullet tip pointing.

Dan
 
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I’m just getting the man cave set up after moving into a new place, I’ve wanted a Forster co-ax press for a long time, gonna get one coming. Anybody have an opinion if the lastest generation/version is as desirable as the early generation/versions. Never owned one and I’m gonna start the process of deciding which one to get. Any help/opinions appreciated. If there isn’t much difference and their all pretty much the same go ahead and let that be known too. Thanks in advance.
good to see you back nakneker--- ive got an original bonanza and a new coax. There was some issues with longer die tops not clearing the handle and the B3 and newer have a little more clearance. Id get the latest version if i could only have 1. there is a company that makes upgrades for them and I think longer side links but cant remember the name. Like Biggs said best to use the forster lock rings. I wouldnt use a steel lock ring on a coax cause you may wear the slot
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=18&ved=2ahUKEwinvqW29ffoAhUZCs0KHat1DtcQFjARegQIBxAB&url=https://www.handloadersbench.com/forum/metallic-cartridge-reloading/the-tools-of-the-trade/797426-b2-vs-b5-co-ax-press&usg=AOvVaw0ZN2O5iiKjEINa2GSVnkRA
 
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I just received a new Co-Ax. I jumped on one when I saw them in stock at Midway. I mounted it and in place of a Redding Boss press that I have had for about 30 years. So far the Co-Ax is great. I have only prep'd about 50 pieces of Lapua 6.5x47. I used a Forster FL sizer. The cases came out very straight. Operating the press was easy. I have also seated 25 bullets using a Forster BR seater on the Co-Ax. The brass was prep'd on the old press. I was pleased with the consistent seating. What really impressed me was that all 25 pcs had runout of less that .001 measured at the ogive. Small sample, but promising results.
BTW: I replaced the Redding press because it was very loose at the top of the stroke. It would shift one way or the other, just before it hit the stop. I will still use it for decapping and handgun brass prep.
 
I wouldnt use a steel lock ring on a coax cause you may wear the slot

Concur as well. However I found that the really sharp edges on the cast iron slot liked to shave the aluminum lock rings a bit. I softened the leading edges of the press with a small, fine file.
 
good to see you back nakneker--- ive got an original bonanza and a new coax. There was some issues with longer die tops not clearing the handle and the B3 and newer have a little more clearance. Id get the latest version if i could only have 1. there is a company that makes upgrades for them and I think longer side links but cant remember the name. Like Biggs said best to use the forster lock rings. I wouldnt use a steel lock ring on a coax cause you may wear the slot
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=18&ved=2ahUKEwinvqW29ffoAhUZCs0KHat1DtcQFjARegQIBxAB&url=https://www.handloadersbench.com/forum/metallic-cartridge-reloading/the-tools-of-the-trade/797426-b2-vs-b5-co-ax-press&usg=AOvVaw0ZN2O5iiKjEINa2GSVnkRA
Hey Hoz, feels good to be back. I missed hang out here.
 
Anybody using steel lock rings? I put a Sinclair lock ring on one of my Forster dies just to try. I know Forster does not recommend this.
 
Anybody using steel lock rings? I put a Sinclair lock ring on one of my Forster dies just to try. I know Forster does not recommend this.

I did for a short period while waiting for some more aluminum rings. I would be concerned over the steel eventually causing wear to the cast iron. Cast iron cuts n drills pretty easy and if you do some searching for used anvils you will see the all cast iron anvils develop a saddle on the face much faster that an anvil with a steel face.
 
Anybody using steel lock rings? I put a Sinclair lock ring on one of my Forster dies just to try. I know Forster does not recommend this.
i used the steel ones by hornady with the flat on them for awhile but like oley,decided they may wear out the slot in the press so use them the other jobs now. the steel ones are thinner and i thought they would help me adjust shoulder bump but its not worth wearing out the press to me for that.
 
I did for a short period while waiting for some more aluminum rings. I would be concerned over the steel eventually causing wear to the cast iron. Cast iron cuts n drills pretty easy and if you do some searching for used anvils you will see the all cast iron anvils develop a saddle on the face much faster that an anvil with a steel face.

Thanks for the input. I plan to switch back to the Forster rings for now.
 
i used the steel ones by hornady with the flat on them for awhile but like oley,decided they may wear out the slot in the press so use them the other jobs now. the steel ones are thinner and i thought they would help me adjust shoulder bump but its not worth wearing out the press to me for that.
Thanks for the input. The Sinclair rings are thicker than the Forster rings. I did not really get a chance to operate the press with the Sinclair ring installed. I did smooth the top and bottom on a honing stone. I'm going to switch back, though. I don't like the idea of wearing the slot out.
 

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