• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Forster Co-ax Press...............

I'm not sure if there is a do all catch all gee whiz press that meets everyone's expectations, but I know if I had the room and table space, I'd probably set up a second Coax for small head cases. The RCBS would semi retire to bullet pulling duty...

These are my thoughts about using the Co-Ax. The features of the Co-Ax best suit my needs, and there is no one press that is perfect in all situations (including the Co-Ax).

I also would set up a second Co-Ax as you indicate, and my Lee Classic Cast (a great press) has been relegated to bullet pulling, though ultimately, I would probably mount my little Lee C-Frame press permanently for bullet pulling to save space as the Classic Cast is really more press than what you need for just bullet pulling.

Danny

i-6Jv8Bfd-L.jpg

 
Last edited:
These are my thoughts about using the Co-Ax. The features of the Co-Ax best suit my needs, and there is no one press that is perfect in all situations (including the Co-Ax).

I also would set up a second Co-Ax as you indicate, and my Lee Classic Cast (a great press) has been relegated to bullet pulling, though ultimately, I would probably mount my little Lee C-Frame press permanently for bullet pulling to save space as the Classic Cast is really more press than what you need for just bullet pulling.

Danny

i-6Jv8Bfd-L.jpg

s, thex. I have to do slight adjustments with the seater on the RCBS, which slows me down and eats up time.

I'm not sure if there is a do all catch all gee whiz press that meets everyone's expectations, but I know if I had the room and table space, I'd probably set up a second Coax for small head cases. The RCBS would semi retire to bullet pulling duty...

I thought about layout when I set my Coax. It is just far enough back to work for me, and, the spent primers drop into the trash can below.

i-6Jv8Bfd-L.jpg
[/QUOTE]
Get your self some Forster locking rings .
You don't have any how good of a press you have . Larry
 
i-6Jv8Bfd-L.jpg
[/QUOTE]
Get your self some Forster locking rings .
You don't have any how good of a press you have . Larry[/QUOTE]
s, thex. I have to do slight adjustments with the seater on the RCBS, which slows me down and eats up time.

I'm not sure if there is a do all catch all gee whiz press that meets everyone's expectations, but I know if I had the room and table space, I'd probably set up a second Coax for small head cases. The RCBS would semi retire to bullet pulling duty...

I thought about layout when I set my Coax. It is just far enough back to work for me, and, the spent primers drop into the trash can below.

i-6Jv8Bfd-L.jpg
Get your self some Forster locking rings .
You don't have any how good of a press you have . Larry[/QUOTE]

Yes, I do... :p
 
This might sound stupid, but I have a question:

I have shellholders from a previous press. I reload minimal (and dont really care about accuracy as they are just plinking loads) 45-70. Didn't really want to buy the bigger jaws at the moment if not necessary. Would the S jaws hold a shell holder base?
 
No...the S jaws will not. Forster does make an adapter plate which replaces the S jaws and allows you to use conventional shell holders though.
I think you are incorrect. Page 3 in the Coax manual Table 1 shows a "Lower Shell Holder Adapter Plate". So a shell holder can be used but why. Ken Sommerville
 
My old Bonanza proved to be a lifesaver when it came to priming some new Lapua brass. I tried my RCBS universal hand priming tool first, but the pockets were so tight that my hands were hurting after ten cases. Fortunately, the Bonanza still had the small primer stem and the shell holder that came with the press still in place. The extra leverage really helped. Doesn't take too much longer, either. I have had that press over forty years!
 
I think you are incorrect. Page 3 in the Coax manual Table 1 shows a "Lower Shell Holder Adapter Plate". So a shell holder can be used but why. Ken Sommerville

Not sure why you think my response was incorrect...if you re-read my post #66 I think you'll see we pretty much said the same thing...an adapter plate is available for using conventional shell holders;)
 
I think you are incorrect. Page 3 in the Coax manual Table 1 shows a "Lower Shell Holder Adapter Plate". So a shell holder can be used but why. Ken Sommerville
Notice the "available separately"

Not sure why you think my response was incorrect...if you re-read my post #66 I think you'll see we pretty much said the same thing...an adapter plate is available for using conventional shell holders;)
Exactly https://www.forsterproducts.com/product/shell-holder-adapter-plate-for-co-ax-press/
 
My old Bonanza proved to be a lifesaver when it came to priming some new Lapua brass. I tried my RCBS universal hand priming tool first, but the pockets were so tight that my hands were hurting after ten cases. Fortunately, the Bonanza still had the small primer stem and the shell holder that came with the press still in place. The extra leverage really helped. Doesn't take too much longer, either. I have had that press over forty years!
i have a set of them in opean by using them you will make the press just another press . The shell holder is only a means of extracting the case from the die . If case is lubed properly and the die is smooth inside that shouldn't ever be a problem .
My Wilson seating die I remove the loaded round with my finger . Larry
 
I own and use a Bonanza Co-Ax and couldn't be happier. I've owned a Rock Chucker Supreme for several years and wouldn't consider one today. I've also owned a Lee Classic Cast and used a Redding T7 along with the little Lee aluminum press. I'm going to pick up another Lee Classic Cast for a second operation press for things like bullet pulling.
Btw , what's with you msinc ? Do you always call people who disagree with you an idiot ?
 
Not sure why you think my response was incorrect...if you re-read my post #66 I think you'll see we pretty much said the same thing...an adapter plate is available for using conventional shell holders;)
Did not mean to piss anyone off. I am just a fan of the Coax Press and maybe my enthusiasm ran away with me. Yes the adapter is special order but I would think the use a shell holder would disrupt the "free floating" feature of the press. So WHY. Ken Sommerville Oh......one more thing. I also run a second press RCBS Junior 3. I got the idea of using 2 presses from this Form. Thanks
 
Yes the adapter is special order but I would think the use a shell holder would disrupt the "free floating" feature of the press. So WHY.

Well if you prefer using Redding competition shell holders like I do, then the adapter plate is a must
 
Well if you prefer using Redding competition shell holders like I do, then the adapter plate is a must
Interesting......Please tell us. I use the Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die With the VLD insert. Any information is a help. Ken Sommerville
 
Interesting......Please tell us. I use the Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die With the VLD insert. Any information is a help. Ken Sommerville

Funny, so do I. Same exact seating die setup.

I didn't like bumping shoulders with the jaw setup. I was already used to using the competition shell holders with my old press, and there is no way around it, you have to use the adapter plate on the CoAx. Its my only criticism of the press. I wish they had a quick change feature instead of having to pull out those two screws every time for changing to either the small or large jaws, or the adapter plate. However, it is dead nuts repeatable when switching them back and forth, so can't complain too much. I did buy the aftermarket jaw upgrade
 
Funny, so do I. Same exact seating die setup.

I didn't like bumping shoulders with the jaw setup. I was already used to using the competition shell holders with my old press, and there is no way around it, you have to use the adapter plate on the CoAx. Its my only criticism of the press. I wish they had a quick change feature instead of having to pull out those two screws every time for changing to either the small or large jaws, or the adapter plate. However, it is dead nuts repeatable when switching them back and forth, so can't complain too much. I did buy the aftermarket jaw upgrade

do you know if these are still available? contact info?

Thanks in advance
 
As already stated, it is very simple to provide the floating feature to any single stage press by utilizing simple o-rings
The cons:
1/ Does not allow the use of die shims or micro-adjusters to tweak sizing on those cases that resisted sizing on the first pass
2/ Not very convertible for transporting and mounting for use at the range
3/ Too many small parts which if lost can shut you down when you need it most
4/ At 3x the cost of a Redding Boss or Rockchucker, money would be better spent on quality dies that fit YOUR chamber(s) because THAT is where accurate reloads with long case life come from.
5/ For sensing uniform bullet seating tension, Wilson In-line seater dies and a QUALITY hand press cannot be surpassed.
If one has to buy optional adapters to use standard shellholders with this press- you have just defeated the only unique feature the Coax offers
 

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Forum statistics

Threads
166,343
Messages
2,216,827
Members
79,554
Latest member
GerSteve
Back
Top