I currently load 6 dasher on my Forster COAX press using Whidden dies. I have a pretty good load = 6 SD. Would I benefit by switching to an arbor press to seat the bullets? If yes, which press would you recommend. Thanks
Arbor presses - worth it?
- Thread starter Jerry Snyder
- Start date
MikeMcCasland
Team Texas F-T/R
The real benefit to an arbor style setup is portability; you can reload at the range, or at the very least it makes seating depth testing a lot more convenient. If you want a force measuring press that's an entirely different discussion, but I think the benefits are marginal for anyone who isn't already approaching the "highest levels" of their given discipline.
I seated on Arbors for the last two years, and went back to a A419/threaded die setup and haven't really noticed any meaningful difference (aside from missing that arbor feel).
I seated on Arbors for the last two years, and went back to a A419/threaded die setup and haven't really noticed any meaningful difference (aside from missing that arbor feel).
Being Autistic, I tend to over solve problems. I was an engineer for 40 years. I do not compete, only against myself.
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
I like Arbor presses, I use a RC press sometimes and an Arbor sometimes, I use the Arbor most of the time when I’m loading ammo for long range. I like the concentricity and I really like the feel of an arbor press. It’s easy to feel when a case is different, either tighter or looser than the other cases. Doesn’t happen often but….
I’m currently using a 21st Century hydro press but a basic arbor press is really all you need. They aren’t expensive, easy to sell if you don’t like it for a minimal loss.
I’m currently using a 21st Century hydro press but a basic arbor press is really all you need. They aren’t expensive, easy to sell if you don’t like it for a minimal loss.
They're great/nice to have, as long as you realize, they cannot make seating "better", ie, they don't fix any issues, they are just good at letting you know something is different from the others. If you don't have the confidence to remove that suspect round and fix it, then don't bother. For me the advantage is the seating dies that are custom made for the arbor presses - they are easier and faster - for me - than the "normal" seating dies, and because they align the bullet with the cartridge ( as opposed to having to balance bullets on the neck ) - they arguably have a potential edge in better concentricity?
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
I like my arbor press because of the uniformity of the depth to which it seats bullets, using dies that are designed for use with it. I also like being able to feel differences in seating force, even though is does not put a number on them. I also like its portability, but if you are always going to the range preloaded, consistently get head to ogive numbers that are good, and hit the velocity consistency you mentioned, than a arbor press would give no advantage other than the fun of trying something different. I like being able to tune at the range, and a compact press and arbor press are easier to cart around and do not require that I change dies on the press.
I use a Co-Ax and Whidden dies as well as a 21st Century hydro press with inline Wilson Dies, If I had to choose only one setup I would probably stay with only the Co-Ax and Whidden DIE's except for small stuff like 222 of 22-250 where the inline seating DIEs work better with the small bullets
divingin
Gold $$ Contributor
A friend of mine is getting started on having a benchrest-style rifle built, and is busy putting together the rest of his kit. I tried to give him option for a reloading arbor press, and found only 2 options readily available: the K&M, and the Harrell's (which appears to be what Sinclair was selling.) My friend ordered the K&M. I have, and use, one that I got from Bald Eagle (I think it was $59); it's apparently been discontinued.
Any other arbor presses out there that are suitable for loading?
Any other arbor presses out there that are suitable for loading?
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
The standard 21st century works great, well made.
Arbor Press
Arbor Press Adjustable press height Rugged, lightweight and portable design Easily mounted to loading bench Right and left handed models available Our original arbor press is designed for use with seating and neck sizing hand dies. Carefully machined from stainless steel and aluminum, this...
21stcenturyinnovation.com
divingin
Gold $$ Contributor
The standard 21st century works great, well made.
Arbor Press
Arbor Press Adjustable press height Rugged, lightweight and portable design Easily mounted to loading bench Right and left handed models available Our original arbor press is designed for use with seating and neck sizing hand dies. Carefully machined from stainless steel and aluminum, this...
Forgot about that one. Thanks.
You hit the nail on the head! It is the DIES more than the press, that make a difference. Improvements in accuracy are not due to the press, but going to Wilson dies or other quality inline dies makes the difference.
Hood made a press, not sure if it is still available. Check the benchrest circuit for what is out there. B-Square also made a good one. Duh! - it’s what I use!
I don't use an arbor press, but I found I like the short handle for the coax when seating. It has much better feel. I also found the consistency is best if I barely let it bottom out, basically just the weight of the handle. lower the ram, rotate the case 1\4 turn and then barely let the shell holder touch again. With an SD of 6 I dunno how much there is to gain! Wish I was getting an SD of 6!
I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm dragging my Atlas No 3 arbor press to the range...
The cool thing is that it will bump a 12-ton shoulder!
I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm dragging my Atlas No 3 arbor press to the range...
The cool thing is that it will bump a 12-ton shoulder!
View attachment 1491622
M84A1 should be a breeze with that arbor press !
Maybe it could even load 35 mm x 228 mm Oerlikon KD...
It's just a mid size round according to the military and it only has 210,000 pound feet of energy.
LOL
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