Redding Instant Indicator and Forster CoAx, dial indicator issue

[Chris Edmondson]

Picked up a Redding Instant Indicator from a member for my 6mm BR, it came with a 1" Shars indicator which has no chance of working in a CoAx press, the dial housing is way too large. I happened to have on a Mitutoyo indicator on hand that's a bit more svelte than the Shars, it barely works; low enough to duck under the CoAx's wishbone, and slim enough to dodge the two guide rods in the back. The only problem is the viewing angle isn't exactly ideal, not useless, but not where I'd like it to be.

Picture's worth a 1000 words:



The only indicators I've seen online with a smaller dial body are short stroke one's with 1/4" or 1/2" stems both of which are too short for the gage, Wondering is anyone's found a solution to this marriage not made in heaven?

 

[cem]

My own solution is a T7 with a mix of 7/8-14 and the newish Redding one inch holes on the bench next to my CoAx so I can check while making adjustments. At least that was my own rationalization for another press. My only possibly useful comment is that CoAx presses have shipped with 3 increasing lengths of wishbone - mostly as micrometer adjusting dies have grown and grown more popular. From the picture that's probably the latest and longest wishbone; if not the latest that might help. Somewhat facetiously folks have been known to use cell phone cameras on the reloading bench for a better view of scale settings. Just possibly the Redding base for using an Instant Indicator at the range would do for an alternative mode of use:

The addition of the "Range Adapter" makes this instrument more versatile and may now be used at the range or in the field without requiring the use of a reloading press.

 

[Chris Edmondson]

My own solution is a T7 with a mix of 7/8-14 and the newish Redding one inch holes on the bench next to my CoAx so I can check while making adjustments. At least that was my own rationalization for another press. My only possibly useful comment is that CoAx presses have shipped with 3 increasing lengths of wishbone - mostly as micrometer adjusting dies have grown and grown more popular. From the picture that's probably the latest and longest wishbone; if not the latest that might help. Somewhat facetiously folks have been known to use cell phone cameras on the reloading bench for a better view of scale settings. Just possibly the Redding base for using an Instant Indicator at the range would do for an alternative mode of use:

I have the range adapter and confirmed it does work, it's really not suitable for repetitive work IMO, too much screwing and unscrewing.

I figured out a few different ways to get this working:

1) Rotate the DC so it's facing left (or right), pull the handle until it passes the DI, rotate the DI so it faces the chimp, finish the stroke. Lift the handle a bit. rotate the DI sideways, end the stroke. Rinse. lather, repeat.

2) Similar to 1) but, in order to eliminate having to rotate the DI out of the way, have the CoAx "shell holder" release the shell early by adjusting the spike. There's plenty of room to remove cases before the wishbone contacts the DI. Downside is the release point of the shell holder is a PITA, changing it for gaging, then back again may be a chore.

3) Similar to 2) but, swap the CoAx shell holder out for the standard shell holder adapter. That's not a non-chore, but it's work.

4) Similar to 2) but, manually cause the CoAx shell holder to release the case. Easiest way, being right-handed, is to push the shell holder right using left index, grasp case with right hand, ease it right a bit more, then tip and remove the shell.

I'll play with it some to see which, if any of these is workable.

 

[SeabeeKen]

I really dont miss my coax

 

[209jones]

Coax does have its quirks, last handle change was 15yrs ago plus. Then they came out with the big press a couple of yrs ago.

 

[neckturner]

Picked up a Redding Instant Indicator

As great as teh coax is, you are trying to put a square peg in a round hole. This will work with a large enough hammer.
My solution would be to use something other than the
Redding for headspace and seating depth, there are many alternatives.

 

[Chris Edmondson]

I think I have a fix that doesn't involve the CoAx. The Range Adapter (RA) is repeatable and agrees with the gage when it's press-mounted but, as I mentioned earlier, it doesn't lend itself well to repetitive work. It has a small diameter hole in the bottom, most likely to prevent accidental primer ignition when gaging live rounds. I'd bore the hole out to accommodate the case head, lets say to 1/2" diameter, then install the RA as normal onto the gage. Now it's a simple matter to set a case on a flat surface, slip the gage onto it and capture the reading. If live rounds are to be gaged, a standard shell holder would augment the flat surface.

This other thing I found when using the RA is it functions much better without the pressure spring.