I recently started using my Co-ax press for reloading 30-06. I read that the press allows for very good alignment of the case with the die. One thing I notice though though after placing a casing in the shell holder is that it can move side to side (it is held securely, I mean it won't fall out on its own). It is just that if I put it in sloppily and quickly send the casing to the die I hit the case mouth on the die. This does not happen with other shell holders on other presses. Is this normal. Is my shell plate out of adjustment? I just though it would hold the case at a perfect 90 degree angle on its own without me helping it. Thanks

I have had this happen as well but in general the shell holder will center casing perfectly, even if I am going pretty quick. Does this happen always or only when you go fast? Does your shell holder close all the way when there is no case? Make sure the shell holder plates are not installed upside down. Make sure you are using a die lock ring that is not to big as this pushes die really off center. If you are using coax ring this won't happen.

The press is built to allow some slop in the cartridge and die fit. This allows the cartridge to move and self aline when you size or seat the bullet.

I have also experienced some misalignment as described above. I don't know exactly what I did, but it seems to have gone away. I believe I tried a different set of shell holder jaws (I had a spare set). I also try to move the jaw/cover plate assembly as far towards the opposite direction in which I had the misalignment, when I install the jaws in the press. The screw-in arrangement for this installation allows some measure of play in exactly where the jaws are positioned. (Sorry if this was not a good explanation, I'm stuggling a bit for the correct terms to describe what I did...).

- mike

2 things here - 1st there are different shellholder flat plates for a coax. for instance there is a type L and LS. one is for 06 head size on one end and 222 size on the other. The ls is for 45/70 size on one end and 30 carb on the other. You may have the wrong plates installed. 2nd there is some give and take with a co-ax, hence its name. it allows the cartridge to align itself into the die and it moves up into the die.

Sometimes the die will move in the press and cause that problem. I try and opperate the press smoothly and kinda guide the case into the die to prevent munching the mouths, kinda second nature at this point. If you take a wam bam slam approach, you'll munch a case or two.

As someone mentioned the die ring size is important. I had mucho problemo when trying a lyman decapper, changed the decapper to a Redding, and slick as a button. What was the real difference I wondered, measured this and that, pondered for a while......measured the die lock ring and wallah! the lyman was too big. If it's a foster die, I would definitely check out the shellholder plates as already described

Thanks everyone for the responses. I checked the shell holder and it is correct. I think, based on everyones responses, the amount of play I am seeing is by design. I just have to enjoy the process of reloading as much as the finished product and I won't damage my brass.