New press suggestions. Redding or Forster

[Nellej12]

I'm look at getting a new press. Looking at Redding big boss 2 or Forster Co-ax. Any thoughts that would make me lean one direction over the other.


Thanks,
Jeff

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I'm look at getting a new press. Looking at Redding big boss 2 or Forster Co-ax. Any thoughts that would make me lean one direction over the other.


Thanks,
Jeff

The Forster system to change dies is pretty nice. I would consider the Redding T7 as the other option instead of the BB2. Its really nice to be able to just turn the turret instead of swapping out dies. When I bought mine I could not see any reason to get the BB2 when I could get the T7 except the small price increase.

 

[wkdickinson]

I'm look at getting a new press. Looking at Redding big boss 2 or Forster Co-ax. Any thoughts that would make me lean one direction over the other.


Thanks,
Jeff

Spend the money, buy a COAX and never look back. They actually make reloading almost fun LOL. But seriously:

Pros:
No shell holders
Set the dies up once and swap them with no adjustment
Very low effort to resize
Very rigid when bumping the shoulder
Great spent primer catching system

Cons:
Having to change shell holder jaws between case sizes (308 to 223)
Long handle throw - hence the low effort
Can't think of any others

 

[Capt45]

Really like my T-7

 

[charlesasmith]

Hard resizing or forming can bend the base plate and jaws. I know because it has happened to me. I now ensure that the case is adequately lubed prior to sizing. Might want to use another heavier duty press for major reforming of brass.

Chuck

 

[Ranger007]

Forster

 

[skeeljc]

Don't overlook the MEC Marksman or RCBS Summit. Both new. Both good. I have both. Been using the MEC Marksman with the stand a lot lately. Good control on shoulder bump.

 

[rockable]

I made myself a short handle for my Forster. I only use the long handle for sizing. I love not having to "screw and unscrew" my dies. Buy a bunch of split rings and set your dies up once, then switch 'em & swap 'em. Also, the brass and the bullet seater can float in different planes to assure you load your bullets concentrically. Great design. The case holder is a sweet bonus and makes work extremely quick when depriming. Also, get the curved side links from Inline Fabrication and you have a perfect press, IMO.

 

[hikfromstik]

I've never used the Redding big boss 2 , but I can tell you coming from a Hornady Iron press it was night and day difference. The feel the coax gives is like butter compared to the Hornady i have. Get a new set of lock rings if you get one , old rings can have edge dings from wrenches and won't float concentric.

 

[Shinbone]

I've got a Coax and a Mec Marksman. Love them both. Changing dies on the Coax is super easy, but both are excellent presses.

 

[Cecil S.]

Another Coax vote here.

 

[INTJ]

I have had my CoAx for 20+ years. Works well. However, if you REALLY want a top of the top press look at a Prazipress. The level of smoothness and consistency in sizing is significantly better than the CoAx or Rockchucker Supreme.




Here it is next to a CoAx and a Rockchucker Supreme for comparison:

 

[338 dude]

I’ve been using a Redding ultra mag for years it handles anything up to my 338 Lapua and larger but I’ve also been looking at a T7 turret press by Redding

 

[Gabe22BR]

I like my Redding.. match results speak for themselves...

I have since got a hood press from arkcomachine.com

Records have been set w/ a press like this..

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I may be wrong but the co-ax doesn’t look as arm and shoulder friendly as the other types. I like my presses at table height so I can set on a stool to load, is why I’m thinking this.

 

[lotech]

I've used a Co-Ax for decades. There are a few things you can't do well with it, but for 98% of handloading chores, it's a good one. I always keep a single stage alongside, mine is a Redding Ultra Mag; had that one a long time, too.

 

[noylj]

Had a Co-Ax since the '70s. Love it. Never had any wish for any other single-stage press.
For the few little things that it doesn't do, the little Lee Reloading press will handle quite well.
Seem to remember the RCBS primer pocket press-mounted swaging tool not fitting on the Co-Ax unless I purchased a unit that allowed normal shell holders (and equipment that used the shell holder slot) to be used. Never had any reason to invest in one as I could do the same thing with a pocket knife, chamfering tool, screwdriver, etc.

 

[338 dude]

I've used a Co-Ax for decades. There are a few things you can't do well with it, but for 98% of handloading chores, it's a good one. I always keep a single stage alongside, mine is a Redding Ultra Mag; had that one a long time, too.

+1 for the ultramag

 

[Rope2horns]

SELLING - New Hood Presses!

I have all styles of the presses in stock now. Here is the newest style. Works with wilson style inline seaters. This one has a seater opening of 5.345" so it will work with short action length cartridges. .284 win, .308 win., even short mags. Choose from red or blue anodized. Mount...

forum.accurateshooter.com

Great press right here.

 

[JSH]

No experience with the Redding press other than friends a time or two.
I started of with a RC and still use it. I ran across a Coax for an excellent price. I find myself using it more and more.
Yes the Coax design to me, does not lend itself to extra heavy duty use. But then again who splits wood with a tack hammer. Once again right tool for the job.
The big heavy cast presses may do double duty. The Coax for average sizing is excellent.