Reloading press advice

[savageshooter86]

Forster CoAx or Rock Chucker Supreme reloading press for match-grade ammo?

Or will they both produce about the same quality loaded rounds?

**I currently have a Lee press and it seems to have a lot of play in it.**

 

[LHSmith]

It's all in the proper sizing die...one that closely matches your chamber and does minimal resizing......slop in the press/shellholder interface is actually a good thing. Some successful SHORT RANGE BR shooters actually machine the ram smaller on the lowly Partner press.
For large magnum cases, press rigidity might become an issue...but with the right die, sizing effort should be minimal.

 

[M-61]

I am a huge RCBS fan. Products are good and there is no company in my experience with better customer service. This is based on over 45 years of experience. There is not a product of theirs on my bench I am not 100% satisfied with. However I use an RCBS A-4 press (no longer made) but I would not hesitate in buying their new SUMMIT model. Additionally I am never in a hurry and shoot strictly for my own enjoyment so consistency of hand loads far exceeds volume. (e.g. speed in changing dies is of no concern whatsoever to me.)

 

[ridgeway]

Both presses are fully capable of producing precision ammo. I've used green for over 20 years and just picked up a CO-AX press a couple months ago. I do all my sizing on the co-ax and won't give it up. I ask myself each time I use it, why I didn't get one years ago. The co-ax is hard to get and Natchez has them in stock. Order asap and you will NOT be disappointed.

 

[Barlow]

I am not a big Redding die fan, but I have a T7 press and it's a good one. Barlow

 

[Lazydays]

Natchez has Co-Ax presses in stock right now. Been using one since 1978, and it's as tight and square as it was in 1978. Would I look at another press? Nope! Do I own some others? Yes, but at the bench I only load and size with the Co-Ax.
gary

 

[Shynloco]

IMHO, these are two very different style presses, hence it may boil down to which style you like using the best. The Forster is raved about by many accomplished shooters, while many others prefer the Rockchucker style better. Now there is a cost difference for sure, but both are very capable of producing Match Grade results so perhaps it boils down to style and wallet size. Depending on your preference, I believe either will make you a happy camper in what you seek.

 

[Duster_360]

I've used a Rock Chucker for many, many years dating back to the early 80's. After shooting High Power for a few years, I bought a Forester Coax press mainly because by that time all my dies had been replaced with Forester dies. I've shot a lot of long range and either press loads ammo capable of clean scores. I haven't been that impressed with the Coax frankly given how much more it cost than my Rock Chucker. Any improvement over the RCBS is slight if its there at all, but I'm still using both and will continue.


I do find that given the choice, I find myself using the Rock Chucker more often. I find it a little more friendly to use, especially for the less than usual chores.

 

[DennisH]

I know many who swear by the Co-Ax.

I have always questions how the die just slides in the slot.

Let me explain.

I use die shims with my RCBS to insure I get the correct headspace I desire.

How do you achieve this with the Co-Ax? It seems to me it would be a pain adjusting the die lock collar to change the headspace (bump headspace) just .0001

After I get an answer, I might just get a Co-Ax. Spent primers recovery is the best with the Co-Ax!

 

[BigDMT]

I have both.

The RCBS is nice to have for tough work when forming brass for wildcats. Makes good ammo too. But I only use mine for what I call "brass grunt work"

The Forster is definitely built better for making precision ammo and doing it much faster too. Less runout on sizing/bullet seating and the primer seater is a lot nicer with much more control on primer seating depth than the RCBS. The S jaws are awesome for grabbing the case too. Just put the case on the table and they center the case automatically as you run the ram up. The S jaws can also grab many different size brass bases for different calibers without the need to have 20 different shell holders like the RCBS. But probably my favorite advantage of the Forster is how quickly I can change dies out. Slide one out and slide in the next one in a matter of seconds.

I'd have to recommend the Forster because it it light years ahead of the RCBS in technology. Always has been. Quality is outstanding as well. Just read the set up instructions carefully and enjoy

 

[ridgeway]

I know many who swear by the Co-Ax.

I have always questions how the die just slides in the slot.

Let me explain.

I use die shims with my RCBS to insure I get the correct headspace I desire.

How do you achieve this with the Co-Ax? It seems to me it would be a pain adjusting the die lock collar to change the headspace (bump headspace) just .0001

After I get an answer, I might just get a Co-Ax. Spent primers recovery is the best with the Co-Ax!

Unfortunately, you can't use die shims. I used to use shims alot and got away from them. I have no need to change my bump. Once set, it stays there. If I run into hard bolt closure, which is rare, simple check and adjust is needed.

 

[DennisH]

But probably my favorite advantage of the Forster is how quickly I can change dies out. Slide one out and slide in the next one in a matter of seconds.

I agree, but as my previous post above, how do you bump your shoulders with the Co-Ax? I try to stay around .001, one thousandths.

I will buy it in a minute once someone shows me how to do this, and how easy it is.

Dennis

 

[DennisH]

Unfortunately, you can't use die shims. I used to use shims alot and got away from them. I have no need to change my bump. Once set, it stays there. If I run into hard bolt closure, which is rare, simple check and adjust is needed.

Thanks Chuck,

So you loosen the lock nut, maybe move it 1/16 or 1/8th to correctly bump to your desired headspace?

 

[FroggyOne2]

I use a very old from the dark ages Hornady press, I have gotten so used to it, I am afraid to use anything else!

 

[Phil3]

The Co-Ax is my first and only press, so can't compare it to anything else, but would mention these things I do like.

1) No Shell Holders (are optional): Set the case on the "table", raise, operate the handle and spring loaded jaws close around the base of the case. Fast and easy.
2) Floating Case Head Jaws: The jaws mentioned above can float in a horizontal plane, allowing the case to center itself in the die as necessary.
3) Die Slot: No threading in and out of dies. They die lock ring (w/die) slides in and out of a slot. I can switch dies in two - three seconds.
4) Die Slot Float: The die can float in the die slot in a horizontal plane. This allows the die to center itself as needed with respect to the case.
5) Spent Primer Disposal: I hear other presses can collect spent primer dust. I don't see how on this press. Spent primer goes right down a tube into a little bottle.
6) Priming: While I don't use it much, the priming capability is excellent. Always seats to .004" (if I recall correctly) below case head. Very reliable and consistent.
7) Short Handle Option: Don't need the leverage the long handle provides. Opt for the short handle available from Forster.

Disadvantages:

1) Forked Arm: The forked arm prohibits the use of the Redding Instant Indicator and perhaps some other very tall dies. It also is a little clumsy with the Hornady bullet puller, but I use it without much trouble, and is fine. I have had no trouble using micrometer type seating dies.

I have seen other presses in use, in person and on videos, and no question, the Forster is the one for me and would easily pay its higher cost again if the need arose.

Phil

 

[ridgeway]

Unfortunately, you can't use die shims. I used to use shims alot and got away from them. I have no need to change my bump. Once set, it stays there. If I run into hard bolt closure, which is rare, simple check and adjust is needed.

Thanks Chuck,

So you loosen the lock nut, maybe move it 1/16 or 1/8th to correctly bump to your desired headspace?

Yep, you got it. One thing I do with my Forster locking rings is replace the Phillips head with a hex cap screw. Way easier to loosen then. When I'm close to my bump, I use a fine tipped Sharpie and put a small mark on the lock ring and die for a fine reference. It doesn't take much movement for. 001" bump.

 

[hotrodlouie]

As for setting your dies use vernier calipers that measures depth readings. You can turn the lock nut to the measured amount that is need.

 

[ridgeway]

I use a very old from the dark ages Hornady press, I have gotten so used to it, I am afraid to use anything else!

Nothing wrong with that...lots of presses out there are fully capable of producing precision ammo. The press thing vs "match grade" ammo is highly over rated.

I have like 4 single stage presses and one of them is a Lee Classic Cast. I use it strictly to deprime with. I've tried using it to bump at one time , but don't like how it cams (or lack of) over. There is something about the feel of the ram at TDC that prevents a precise bump.

 

[ridgeway]

As for setting your dies use vernier calipers that measures depth readings. You can turn the lock nut to the measured amount that is need.

That's a good idea.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Chuck,

If someone else were to use my oress and I didn't tell the lil things to do to make good ammo on it. They would have some serious runout. I let the shell holder float (took the retaining ring out) and I have to point the mouth of the shell holder to my right as I am facing the press.