What happened to Forster Co-Ax?

I've had a Co-Ax for years, along with an RCBS single stage and several Dillons for 'serious handgun volume'. The only thing I didn't like about the co-ax was the 'universal shellholder' which was junk and I replaced with a plate that accepts standard shellholders. It takes all of 20 seconds to swap one out. Otherwise it's an excellent press.

rskent said:

I guess I am one of those folks that looks at a co-ax press and thinks- why, what is the point?

I am not badmouthing your press. You say you love yours. What do you love about this press over what ever you had before it?

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The CO-AX uses a free float design that allows the dies to find their true center with the cartridge. Typically results in extremely concentric loads with very little runout.

I wanted a Co-Ax as well. None in stock.

Looked around for something cheap until a Co-Ax became available. Found something. Actually, a few things.

I found 3 of the smaller Lee presses on eBay for $50. Bought a nice Hornady LnL on here for $100 or so. Found a Lyman turret press at a swap meet for $30.

Anyway, I have almost completely forgotten about the CoAx.

I've had numerous press', still have several, but here's what I keep on my main reloading bench,



That Co-Ax has over 80,000 rounds through it and still going strong, making quality ammo. It's not loose or sloppy in any way, and has the original shell holder plate ect., all that still work perfectly...

It's the press I prefer and I'm sure it will still be going when I take my eternal dirt nap.

I bought a new Co-Ax for a spare, MANY years ago, it got kicked around until the box got lost, and now it's been hanging on a nail in the barn, it will probably never get used, because the original one will never wear out. lol

DM

DM~ said:

I've had numerous press', still have several, but here's what I keep on my main reloading bench,

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I had to go back and look at your build thread, hard to believe it’s been that long ago.

A good thread for folks that have joined since then. Some think “building a bench” means screwing it together, you took it to the next level.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/building-my-new-reloading-bench.565246/

“What happened to the Forster Co-Ax?”

We’ve bought them faster than they build them. Happens every winter. We’re starting a new shooting season, and a buttload of shooters joined in, strongly favoring the Co-ax. Most winters for at least the last 10 years, it becomes nearly impossible to find Co-Ax’s on the shelf.

Pretty amazing they can have the product line they do if this is right.

rskent said:

Having the handle in the middle seems like it would be awkward. Yes or no?

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Huh? Why would that be awkward? Anyway I have had a CoAx for years (admittedly my first and only press) and have never had any problems with it. I will grant that the on-press priming system, while it works fine, is too much trouble for me--I use a handheld priming tool.

Tim

TimRB said:

Huh? Why would that be awkward?

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I guess I was thinking that it might be. I’m used to having my right hand on the handle and doing everything else with my left hand with nothing crossing my field of view.
The co-ax is clearly a popular press, so it must not be a big deal.

rskent said:

I’m used to having my right hand on the handle and doing everything else with my left hand with nothing crossing my field of view.

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Sounds like you've got everything worked out the way you like it, as it should be. When I first started handloading I read (or at least thought I read) that a right-handed shooter should pull the handle with his left hand. I don't recall if anyone mentioned the reason that might be true. In any event, it seems completely absurd to me now--people should feel free to set up their bench any way they like, and if something isn't working, change things around as required. It's easy to overthink things.

Tim

You might want to look at Redding. They are US made.

https://www.redding-reloading.com/

Pretty sure all Forster products are 100% made in the USA with USA sourced materials.

I have owned a Co Ax for over 20 years. Quality product that will produce good reloads. For the way I reload, I go back and forth whether I prefer it over a single or turret press. I have moved it off my bench more than once in favor of something else...even sold it, before buying another. It has a few shortcomings, but overall it is hard to argue with its build quality.

forty_caliber said:

Maybe I'm missing something. In what way does a MEC improve your workflow over a different brand?

.40

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I have very large hands. Think grape ape sized hands and sausage fingers. So the open front is a pretty big deal for me. I also have an extremely stupid left hand. As in setting cases and bullets is a PITA with it.

So I setup the MEC to run the ram with my dummy left hand, so I can do much finer work like setting cases and bullets with my right. I was also able to get a left handed press handle from Inline Fab which sped everything up just a bit more and made it more ergonomic.

Save $8 every time you purchase a new caliber to reload for - NO shell holders.

Easy to clean.

Spent primer capture system is excellent.

PLENTY of grunt to size magnum sized cases (FYI - if you feel much resistance while pulling on the handle, stop, there is a problem with the die or brass!!!!!)

Set and forget die adjustments.

How quick can you change dies? Under 1 second.........done!!!!

You can get a Forster Co-Ax at the following:https://www.scheels.com/p/forster-co-ax--reloading-press-with-s-jaws/75725300268.html

You have to check the store(s) availability, but the following store indicates at least online they have them in stock:
Springfield Scheels
Closes at 9:00 PM 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd
Springfield, IL 62711
(217) 726-6330

I load ammo on my Dillon 650. I use a single stage press for other operations. The main other operation I perform on my RockChucker is trimming brass with my Dillon powerhead trimmer. The Foster CoAx can't be used with the Dillon power trimmer which ruled it out for me. Other than that ithe CoAx looks like a pretty neat press!

Been using a Co-Ax since the 80's. Need anyone say more.

It seems like every time a new virus pops up, you can't find toilet paper or Co-Ax presses.

Saw three (3) brand new on the shelf yesterday at one of my local shops. Along with fifteen (15) XL-750s
I just needed more federal primers lol

Wow, they are 350 bucks now... I'd sell my new extra one for 200, it just hangs in the shop and I'll never need it. lol

I guess I should get some picts of it and send it down the road...

DM

I think the problem is the "Toilet Paper Syndrome". Lots of reloaders see the scant availability, how good a Co-Ax is and the low manufacturing rate and rush out and buy one, causing a "shortage" (aka the "Gotta Get Mine Syndrome")...

DM~ said:

Wow, they are 350 bucks now... I'd sell my new extra one for 200, it just hangs in the shop and I'll never need it. lol

I guess I should get some picts of it and send it down the road...

DM

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Wish I had the money to buy yours, My little Lee has about had it lol.