Forster Co-Ax Setup

[Grey Eaglr]

I am having a problem with my press getting the jaws to grasp the case. It doesn't seem like the case is ever properly grasped by the jaws. I am using 44 magnum and 445 super mag cases and the large side of the "S" jaws with the bevel up. It almost seems like I need a spacer under the "S" jaws to let the case go down further. I have tried to size some cases and the case sticks in the die when I raise the handle to the top position. I have experimented with adjusting the screw height that spreads the jaws. I have never successfully used the "S" jaws.

I have previously used the fixed shell plate for a 405 Winchester case that is thicker and had no problem and I tried to use that with the other dies, but it does not allow for case mouth flaring and seating and still be able to use the full stroke of the handle.

Thanks,

Jerry

 

[OldDoug]

I have used my Co/Ax with belted mags and 7.62x54R. Wider the rim jaws spread the more difficult the complete closure. I would go on the Forster web site and ask them about the problem with the larger cases.

BTW, I love my Co/Ax and use it for all my rifle case prep. Load mass ammo on the 550B Dillon with Redding Comp Seaters and works great for Prairie Dog accuracy.

Olddoug

 

[Grey Eaglr]

Thanks for the reply OD!

For the sake of others, who may encounter what I did. My situation is probably a rare one, but here is what happened. I load for a couple wildcats based on the 405 Winchester case. The Winchester 405 will not work with the "S" jaws, but requires a special adapter plate that replaces the "S" jaws. I got ready to load for my wife's 41 GNR based on the 44 Magnum case and decided to use the "S" jaws. I had two problems, one, I had never used the "S" jaws which probably came properly assembled on the press.

Apparently I had to back the tapered screw that spreads the "S" jaws out of the way in order to use the special adapter plate and did not remember to adjust it back up. After some probing on the internet, I figured out the problem with the tapered screw not being adjusted properly.

I found I could not get the tapered screw to spread the jaws properly and just before I went insane, I took everything apart one more time. That is when I noticed that one hole in the wear plate was larger than the other. I had the wear plate positioned 180° off and the tapered screw did not have enough room to protude at the correct height through the smaller hole.

I will not forget that again! It is working like a fine oiled machine now.

 

[Milo 2.0]

I know it defeats the principle of the coax, but it can be made to except ordinary shellholders????

 

[waltk]

I know it defeats the principle of the coax, but it can be made to except ordinary shellholders????

Yes. In fact I prefer to use regular shellholders in mine.

 

[Grey Eaglr]

I know it defeats the principle of the coax, but it can be made to except ordinary shellholders????




Yes, that is what the adapter plate allows you to do. If you are working with pistol cases you will not be able to flare and seat bullets without stopping the handle before it reaches the full stroke. (Not a good idea)

 

[savageshooter86]

yes they sell the adapter to use regular shell holders.

What are you referring to with wear plate?

I have mine set up so the beveled part of the jaw is facing the bottom. The smooth side should be on the top when looking down at the press with the jaws assembled

 

[Milo 2.0]

yes they sell the adapter to use regular shell holders.

What are you referring to with wear plate?

I have mine set up so the beveled part of the jaw is facing the bottom. The smooth side should be on the top when looking down at the press with the jaws assembled

I think the beveled side goes up?

 

[savageshooter86]

Page 6 of the manual. This is how I have mine set

 

[Milo 2.0]

Page 6 of the manual. This is how I have mine set

I thought there was a slip of paper stating engraved "S" goes up.
In your pic, you can clearly see the bevel is the part that should go around the case head, the large bevel on the other side fits in the groove of the case!

The pic shows the jaws upside down, you turn it over to set it, and the big bevel is up!

 

[Grey Eaglr]

yes they sell the adapter to use regular shell holders.

What are you referring to with wear plate?

I have mine set up so the beveled part of the jaw is facing the bottom. The smooth side should be on the top when looking down at the press with the jaws assembled

What I call the wear plate, looks like a thin metal shim that is placed directly on the press. As it was explained to me by one of their techs, it is to protect the rather soft cast iron.

I have the tapered side up on mine. I may very well be wrong, but other pictures show the scribed "S" facing up. I am promised a call from the techs when they get back from the "Shot Show", so I will make it a point to ask them at that time.

 

[savageshooter86]

with the photo I posted above, the S is on the top of the jaws when the press is set up and running. The picture is exactly how I have mine set up per the instructions and photo they put in the instructions

 

[Milo 2.0]

Savage,
Just to clarify things, we use diff terminology. In the pic, I see a recess, the bevel is on the other side. The recess, for the case head, the bevel for the groove in the case.
Sorry if I caused some confusion.

 

[gdbleb]

Forster does make a second jaw set for extra-small and extra-large cases. I use it for 45-70. It is marked "LS". Perhaps you need the extra-large.