jgh4445
Member
Midway has them in, finally. They are priced at $299.00. I bit the bullet and ordered one today. Guess my Rock Chucker will find its way to a new home pretty soon. I'm excited about getting the Forster. Wanted one for a while now.
Forster Co-Ax
- Thread starter jgh4445
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Once you get used to the way the shellholder works, you'll love it!
Use quality lock nuts on the dies, then you can change them in one second. You'll be surprised how much quicker it is even against a turret type or a single stage quick-lock
The primer inserter is probably one of the safest types out there.
Paddy
member
The Forster die rings are pretty reasonably priced too. I've purchased quite a few in the eventuality that I can get a co-ax someday
jgh4445
Member
I converted my Rock Chucker over to the Hornady bushings. I thought it couldn't get much quicker than that. I think I was wrong. The co ax system seems unreal! Now I won't need bushings anymore. I also ordered the shell holder attachment which will allow for using standard shell holders if you wish. I had heard of some problems with some cartridges like .223 not working with the "jaws". Also got the other set of "jaws" so I could load my 45-70 with them if I choose.
Don't get rid of your Rock Chucker!!! It's still needed and useful. Bullet pulling dies, RCBS swaging dies, and other tasks not possible or handy on the Co-Ax. The Co-Ax is a wonderful press but couldn't do without my Big Max and Rock Chucker. I use mine in tandem a lot. Size and deprime on the Co-Ax and expand pistol cases on the Rock Chucker for instance. I seat rifle rounds in the Co-Ax and with a separate die crimp on the Rock Chucker. You'll be sorry if you dump your Rock Chucker. You'll also kick yourself for not getting the Co-Ax a long time ago. Don't use the Co-Ax priming system but still prefer my RCBS Bench Mounted priming tool.
JimKirk
Member
I have owned a Co-Ax since 1980 ... It has some odd features that once you learn how they work ... you'll never want to go back to the other type presses...
I load .223/5.56 ammo with out any problem ... lots of it !
The priming system is slow, but you can rest assured that it seats a primer perfectly every time ...
The flexible die holding system will allow you to make some of the best ammo around .... it just flat works ....
I load .223/5.56 ammo with out any problem ... lots of it !
The priming system is slow, but you can rest assured that it seats a primer perfectly every time ...
The flexible die holding system will allow you to make some of the best ammo around .... it just flat works ....
wiiawiwb
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2010
- Messages
- 302
Congratulations on the CoAx. I struggled trying to decide between it and another press. I finally pulled the trigger on the CoAx and am thrilled I did. I love the priming system. It is straight forward and consistent. The press operates very smoothly.
Some have opted to buy the shorter handle. I never tried it because I like the way the existing handle works.
Enjoy your Christmas present.
Some have opted to buy the shorter handle. I never tried it because I like the way the existing handle works.
Enjoy your Christmas present.
Captaingyro
Member
jr_roosa
Member
I love mine.
Here's what it sucks at:
RCBS primer pocket swager because there is no way to use the cup that helps you get the brass off the post.
Overkill for pistol brass. Definitely need the short handle if you do much pistol.
The plate that holds the jaws warps over time. Easy fix with a hammer.
I have a sizing die that won't quite get my 30-06 brass small enough for one of my match chambers. I have to use the adapter for a traditional shell holder that I've taken a few thou off the top.
The primer system on top is nice for one off use like if you have to resize a piece of primed brass that got messed up in another stage and you need to put the primer back in afterward.
The trick of using a spacer under the lock ring to change 38 special dies into 357 dies won't work on this setup.
Good stuff:
The jaws are awesome.
Leverage is awesome.
The primer catch system is awesome and keeps everything super clean.
Looks cool.
I use the Forster and a Dillon and I haven't used my pacific press in years, but I keep it handy.
J.
Here's what it sucks at:
RCBS primer pocket swager because there is no way to use the cup that helps you get the brass off the post.
Overkill for pistol brass. Definitely need the short handle if you do much pistol.
The plate that holds the jaws warps over time. Easy fix with a hammer.
I have a sizing die that won't quite get my 30-06 brass small enough for one of my match chambers. I have to use the adapter for a traditional shell holder that I've taken a few thou off the top.
The primer system on top is nice for one off use like if you have to resize a piece of primed brass that got messed up in another stage and you need to put the primer back in afterward.
The trick of using a spacer under the lock ring to change 38 special dies into 357 dies won't work on this setup.
Good stuff:
The jaws are awesome.
Leverage is awesome.
The primer catch system is awesome and keeps everything super clean.
Looks cool.
I use the Forster and a Dillon and I haven't used my pacific press in years, but I keep it handy.
J.
jgh4445
Member
Thanks for all the tips guys. I hadn't thought of bullet pulling not being possible. That alone may be enough reason to keep the RC. I will primarily use the co-ax for rifle and the Square Deal for pistol. Have never done any swaging so don't know about that. I did get the short handle, extra jaws and a shell plate adapter just in case.
MarshallDodge
Member
I have had one for almost a year and am super happy with it.
I also moved up from a Rock Chucker but I am keeping it around as I will use it for bulk sizing military brass.
I also moved up from a Rock Chucker but I am keeping it around as I will use it for bulk sizing military brass.
JimKirk
Member
The solution to this problem is just to tighten the plate snug ... no need to bear down when tightening ...
Forster makes a bullet puller that works just fine with the Co-Ax(slides right in the slot) and other press with 7/8" X 14 threads....
Another nice addition to the Co-Ax is the Increased Access Side Linkages from Inline Fabrication
http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/forster-co-ax
http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/forster-co-ax
Colorado_Expat
Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2013
- Messages
- 5
I've an old Co-Ax I bought used in the early '80s, and still love it. It's turned out countless rifle rounds from .223 to .45-70, and all sorts of handgun rounds.
You'll likely find that the short handle will do fine for rifle work. especially with the .223 & .45-70 you said you'd be working with.
I have found an interesting quirk they have: if you have a spare shellholder jaw spring, you'll probably never need it - if you don't have a spare, sooner or later one of them will launch itself while you're changing jaw ends, and you'll count yourself fortunate if you find it in less than a half-hour's search...
For that matter, if you get together a second shellholder assembly for the .45-70, the shellholder swap can be done in almost no time at all.
Also, the cut-off leg from an old pair of denims works well as a dust cover; tie off the open end at the handle and you're done.
You've now joined the Co-Ax brotherhood; before long, you'll become a reloading artisan...
You'll likely find that the short handle will do fine for rifle work. especially with the .223 & .45-70 you said you'd be working with.
I have found an interesting quirk they have: if you have a spare shellholder jaw spring, you'll probably never need it - if you don't have a spare, sooner or later one of them will launch itself while you're changing jaw ends, and you'll count yourself fortunate if you find it in less than a half-hour's search...
For that matter, if you get together a second shellholder assembly for the .45-70, the shellholder swap can be done in almost no time at all.
Also, the cut-off leg from an old pair of denims works well as a dust cover; tie off the open end at the handle and you're done.
You've now joined the Co-Ax brotherhood; before long, you'll become a reloading artisan...
Clark
Member
I have lost track of how many presses I own, but the ones that get used are the two co-ax presses side by side in the reloading room and the two RCBS partner presses side by side in my vehicle, or sometimes the partners move next to my desk.
gojones
Member
+1 on keeping the RC. I have both and the RC is necessary for some limited applications that are more difficult on the Co-Ax. The Co-Ax is simply a well engineered press and a delight to use. I use mine primarily for rifle. The progressive is for pistol and revolver.
jgh4445
Member
I got the coax in and up and running this morning. Took all of about 2 minutes to get a sizing die adjusted and a case resized. The rest went as quickly. I am amazed at the lack of effort required to size and decap with the short handle. Far less exertion than on my RC. This thing is so smooth! The primer function is great and the spent primer catcher is the way to go. No more mess. I'm impressed to say the least. Since the dies can't switch between the RC and the coax,and the coax won't accept the Hornady bushing on a die, I un-converted the RC from being able to use the Hornady bushing system and went back to the old screw in way. I'll let it stay on my bench just in case I need it for something as many of you have suggested. I do believe the bullet puller I have will work with the coax though. I ordered more of the Forster lock rings. I liked the way it snapped into the press much better than the RCBS, Hornady, Lee and Lyman dies I tried. Expensive, but then I'll sell off all of the Hornady bushings to cover the cost lol. Really happy with this press.
DM~
Member
This is my most used loading bench, (I have more than one)
As you can see, Co-AX is number one, and RC is number two.....as they complement each other...
I have a new CO-AX kicking around too, I think it's hanging on a nail in the barn? I'm beginning to think i'll never need it as this one won't wear out!
DM
As you can see, Co-AX is number one, and RC is number two.....as they complement each other...
I have a new CO-AX kicking around too, I think it's hanging on a nail in the barn? I'm beginning to think i'll never need it as this one won't wear out!
DM
straightShot
Member
I put Hornady lock rings on my dies and leave them on. I can then switch them out quickly.
JimKirk
Member
Are you doing this in a Forster Co_Ax ??? I don't think those rings will work in the Co-Ax....
The Forster rings work best ... but some of the old style rings that are similar to the Forster rings ... like the old RCBS, Hornady, Lyman ... will work also ...
The Forster Split rings are the easiest to adjust and will not mar up the threads like some do.....
jgh4445
Member
^^^^ What JimKirk said. I couldn't get my other rings to "click" into place no matter how much I adjusted that detent adjustment on top. The dies without the Forster rings tended to migrate to the front of the press thus being out of alignment.
Clark
Member
The rings that Sinclair makes for the co-ax are a little better [steel] than the Forster rings [Aluminium].
http://www.brownells.com/reloading/.../sinclair-cross-bolt-lock-ring-prod32863.aspx
http://www.brownells.com/reloading/...rades/cross-bolt-die-lock-ring-prod57147.aspx
Buying a lot of old beat up Bonanza and Forster dies off ebay, I see that Aluminum alloy rings do not hold up. They hold up at MY house, with MY wimpy usage, but if I am going to buy rings separately, might as well get steel.
http://www.brownells.com/reloading/.../sinclair-cross-bolt-lock-ring-prod32863.aspx
http://www.brownells.com/reloading/...rades/cross-bolt-die-lock-ring-prod57147.aspx
Buying a lot of old beat up Bonanza and Forster dies off ebay, I see that Aluminum alloy rings do not hold up. They hold up at MY house, with MY wimpy usage, but if I am going to buy rings separately, might as well get steel.
straightShot
Member
JimKirk:
You're right. I have the Forster lock rings on the dies that I use in my co-ax. I just checked. They sure make changing dies easier!
I was thinking Hornady because a couple of years ago, I bought lock rings that I use on my Dillon. I ordered "six" locks rings over the phone since they came in a 6 pack. When my order arrived, I had received and paid for a quantity of six packs of six rings each. I still have four unopened packs!
You're right. I have the Forster lock rings on the dies that I use in my co-ax. I just checked. They sure make changing dies easier!
I was thinking Hornady because a couple of years ago, I bought lock rings that I use on my Dillon. I ordered "six" locks rings over the phone since they came in a 6 pack. When my order arrived, I had received and paid for a quantity of six packs of six rings each. I still have four unopened packs!
JimKirk
Member
I have some steel rings ... not the Sinclair brand ... I don't really remember which brand they are ... they are not the cross bolt type and they work well in the CoAx ... I have some Alum. no cross bolt style as well ... they work too...
I guess that some folks can and will tear up a anvil with a rubber hammer too ... !!!
I guess that I take better care of my reloading tools .... because I have some Alum. rings close to forty years old that have been really used ... but they still look like new !!
Those slotted cross bolts will get messed up with use mostly because of the wrong screw driver ... I have replaced most of those with hex head cross bolts ....
I also have several sets of dies that have never been moved or changed since setting them for the CoAx .... once set there is no reason to move them much ... now the bullet seater stems lock nuts get beat up pretty well ...
I guess that some folks can and will tear up a anvil with a rubber hammer too ... !!!
I guess that I take better care of my reloading tools .... because I have some Alum. rings close to forty years old that have been really used ... but they still look like new !!
Those slotted cross bolts will get messed up with use mostly because of the wrong screw driver ... I have replaced most of those with hex head cross bolts ....
I also have several sets of dies that have never been moved or changed since setting them for the CoAx .... once set there is no reason to move them much ... now the bullet seater stems lock nuts get beat up pretty well ...
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