Standard Co-Ax case holder vs using standard shell holders with the Co-Ax adapter plate.

[marchboom]

Has anyone done any testing for consistency using the standard Co-Ax case holder vs using standard shell holders with the Co-Ax shell holder adapter? I was considering using the Redding competition shell holders with my Co-Ax press but was wondering if I would be giving up any accuracy. Thanks.

 

[TTE]

Has anyone done any testing for consistency using the standard Co-Ax case holder vs using standard shell holders with the Co-Ax shell holder adapter? I was considering using the Redding competition shell holders with my Co-Ax press but was wondering if I would be giving up any accuracy. Thanks.

I have not tested what you are speaking of.
However, I think the Co Ax press would load accurate ammunition with whatever case holder you use.

IMO ... accurate ammo is due more to the dies you use more than the press you use.

 

[M-61]

IMO ... accurate ammo is due more to the dies you use more than the press you use.

Yes.
The press has nothing to do with the accuracy obtained or lack there of.

 

[centershot]

But this press allows the die to float.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

It comes down to if you want to use Redding comp shell holders or not.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

I use the shell holder adapter on my co-ax, loads all match with .001 (that's what my tools measure to). With the case holder adapter it did the same.

 

[marchboom]

The "floating" aspect of the standard Co-Ax shell holder is what I was wondering about, if it did contribute to any accuracy or consistency of the final load.

 

[bks22345]

I found that the only drawback to using the standard co ax claw shell holder is if you have a die/cartrisge that requires cam over. If so, in time you will start to put an impression of the case head on the thin metal plate that goes under the shell holder. That’s what drove me to using a shell holder adapter; however, I still seat bullets with the claw. I try to process in bulk so I’m not constantly changing between the two. But it only takes about 30 seconds to do it.

 

[Chris Edmondson]

One useful feature of the stock coax shell holder is it can be manually expanded to release the case, and the die. Not saying I've ever jammed up a die real good, something a friend did

 

[centershot]

I find that if you use the small side of the shell holder, for ,222, I sometimes get stuck case even though I lube the heck out of them. RCBS case lube in case you wanted to ask.

 

[danny]

Has anyone done any testing for consistency using the standard Co-Ax case holder vs using standard shell holders with the Co-Ax shell holder adapter? I was considering using the Redding competition shell holders with my Co-Ax press but was wondering if I would be giving up any accuracy. Thanks.

Would you give up accuracy? Who knows, but if you want to use regular shell holders, you might as well use a regular press such as a Lee Classic Cast or RCBS Rockchucker. When you do that, you don't have to make any concessions for using a Co-Ax, such as using different bullet pullers, etc. Just remember, if you do that on a Co-Ax, you have to use an "adapter". What is an adapter? It is something that you use to make another thing do what it is not supposed to do, or to make something work in a way that it is not intended to work. Why not just use the press that is designed to be used with standard shell holders and at the same time not have to live within the small constraints imposed by a Co-Ax? Disclaimer: My main fulltime press is a Co-Ax with a little Lee press for decapping or bullet pulling.

Danny

 

[marchboom]

Thanks to all who contributed. I like using a Co-Ax press because it makes die changes easy and repeatable. I have other presses to use but I think the Co-Ax will still be more accurate. I will probably get the adapter plate and Redding comp shell holders and see how accurate it is.

 

[Msfinlayson]

Thanks to all who contributed. I like using a Co-Ax press because it makes die changes easy and repeatable. I have other presses to use but I think the Co-Ax will still be more accurate. I will probably get the adapter plate and Redding comp shell holders and see how accurate it is.

What’s did you find ? With using the shell holders ?

 

[Fire Dog]

But this press allows the die to float.

No, the case has float as it is not locked into a shell holder. Rather it is held in spring loaded jaws and that allows the case to self align into the die.
The dies are locked into the top of the press by a detent ball that secures the die ring {use Foster Co-Ax ones as they fit better} and once the die is set they are easy to exchange in and out of the press without loosing setup.

 

[Hoser]

I have checked ammo on my Accuracy One Concentricity gauge on various presses.

While the gauge can sometimes see a difference, the target doesent show it.

 

[Allen Corneau]

... The dies are locked into the top of the press by a detent ball that secures the die ring...

I wouldn't characterize it as "locked" but it is in there in a semi-firm manner. The die can still wiggle a little bit, even with the Forster aluminum die rings (which I use on all my dies).

I could be wrong, but I think the concept of the Forster/Bonanza press is that the tolerances in both the brass-holding and the die allow them to find the best alignment for good concentricity.

 

[jelenko]

tolerances in both the brass-holding and the die allow them to find the best alignment for good concentricity

Yes. This.