I am new to reloading and am considering getting a Forster co-ax press for loading 22-250, 270 WSM for now and later 208win and 6mmbr. I have herd many good thing about this press, however my only concern (without ever seeing one operate) is not being able to use some of the better competition dies in it.Due to not having enough room. How do the forster dies compare to the redding comp. dies? Please let me know if this is correct or if I am way off base?

The std. Forster Co-Ax will work with Redding competition seating dies in any of the calibers you've mentioned. They also have a newer model that has a larger opening in the handle that should work with just about any of the Redding dies.
I usually prefer the Redding dies to the Forster ones. For me they are just a little better finished. I am kind of interested in the new Forster neck/body bump dies - I may have to try a set out to see how they compare to the Redding neck dies where the bump die is separate.

If you are new to reloading I still think a std press is your best 1st press, especially if you intend to load pistol ammo on it. There are just a couple chores an "O" style press does a little better IMHO. But that being said the Co-Ax press is what I do most of my loading for rifle rounds with including the ones you mentioned so if you don't mind the extra cost and don't plan on loading much pistol ammo you should be fine with just the Co-Ax...............................DJ

What is a std press and what chores doy think a o press works better on? How do I know if I am getting a new forster press or the old?

quote:

Originally posted by Matt74:
What is a std press and what chores doy think a o press works better on? How do I know if I am getting a new forster press or the old?

Definition(s):
"C" type press
"D" & "O" type presses
Reloading catalogs in general only sell new equipment, not used. As a new reloader, I'd avoid used equipment unless you have an experienced reloader helping you select said equipment. How else would one know if it is complete?
I think Forester/Bonanza presses are the best thing since sliced bread, and buying the best equipment one can afford is always smart. That said, as a new reloader don't overlook the kits offered by Redding and RCBS. They offer everything one needs to get started and do so at reasonable prices.

My Forster co-ax works great for pistol reloading. As well as or better than any other single stage press. The only dies I have tried that did not work (too tall) were Hornady seating dies with the optional micrometer stem. These are much taller than other micrometer seating dies.

Some "C" presses, such as the co-ax and Redding UltraMag, avoid frame flexing by anchoring the link arms to the same end that holds the die. These presses are just as rigid as any O or D press.

Andy

Thanks for the replies. I can't wait to start reloading. I am sure I will have a lot more questions. I hope u guys continue to help folks like me that don't have a mentor to show us how to reload. Thanks for making this a great site!!!!

You're welcome Matt.

I have a fairly new Co-Ax (about a year old) that has no problems reloading for my 338-378 Wby. Long shell, long bullets, no problems. The decaping and priming abilities of the press are simply outstanding. I bought the RCBS Advanced RC Supreme Master kit which included the Chargemaster 1500 and the Rockchucker Supreme press. At the same time I order the Co-Ax press as I had heard it was a truly outstanding press. I am now convinced of that.

Ken....

quote:

Originally posted by BigJakeJ1s:
My Forster co-ax works great for pistol reloading. As well as or better than any other single stage press. Andy

The Forster Co-Ax isn't as convenient for loading pistol ammo as other presses. You have to use the full press stroke so that the shell holder will let loose of the case. With an "O" style press you can use less than 1/2 the press stroke when coming out of the press because you can take th shell out of the shellholder as soon as it clears the die. This range of motion adds up if you are loading a bunch of pistol ammo. Of course if you are loading a whole bunch of pistol ammo you'll be a lot more happy with a Dillon Progressive anyway.
Another issue with presses is the side clearance around the ram. Turret presses like the Redding T-7 have almost 270 degrees of clearance around the ram - this makes it a lot easier to slide rounds in and out from different side angles etc. Presses with big vertical links like the Redding UltraMag and Co-Ax have less than 180deg side access - it's not a huge deal but can be annoying depending on what angle you have the press and other stuff set up on your bench.........................DJ

Even if you buy an old worn out rockchucker you can send it back to RCBS and it will come back as good as new. I don't know if there ever has been a worn out Rockchucker. Has anyone lived long enough to wear one out.
Lyle

You can use standard shell holders on the co-ax press if you want; they sell an adapter plate. Then you can short stroke all you want.

However, I find the convenience of just setting a case on the "ram" without having to slip the rim into a shell holder slot far outweighs any advantage to short stroking. Besides, at beginning and end of stroke, my hand slides back on the handle to the yoke. The tubular handle is large enough in diameter (and a good bit of its length is covered with a rubber grip) that this is not a problem as it has been "choking up" on other press's handles, typically equipped with a ball grip at the very end. The extra length and leverage of the co-ax handle allows effortless operation by simply sliding my hand out along the handle as the the case is actually in the sizing die.

When reloading pistol ammo, my "battle rhythm" uses both hands to remove & replace cartridges. The right operates the handle and removes the processed case from the press (usually tossed in a bin on the left side). The automatic shell holding jaws work great here, since all you have to do is pick it up off the "ram". The left hand has plenty of time to pick up a case and/or bullet and set it on the "ram" while the right hand returns to the handle and starts the next stroke. The linkage arms on the co-ax swing rearward, out of the way, actually giving you more room to handle a bullet on top of a pistol case as you advance the case toward the die.

The handle on the Redding T7 cuts that 270 degree access in half. There is no handle in the way on a co-ax when you are swapping brass.

And if you short stroke a traditional press (except the Lee Classic Cast or Turret), you have to hold onto the handle with one hand, leaving only one hand to remove & add brass/bullets.

I've used traditional o-frame single stage presses to reload pistol ammo, and find the co-ax much easier to use.

Andy

I will not be doing very much pistol ammo except for a little 454 and 460 for a friend. What do you think of the short handle that is sold seperatly for this press?

I have an older co-ax that I bought before it was "discovered" and the prices went down. (Story of my life) It works just fine with all my Redding and RCBS and of course Forster dies. I was not able to use the micrometer adjuster on a Hornady new dimension seater die as it was too tall to clear. I bought the short handle and to be honest I never used it more than a couple times. I'm using the co-ax for rifle cartridges only. I like a turret press for handgun ammo.

quote:

Originally posted by Matt74:
I will not be doing very much pistol ammo except for a little 454 and 460 for a friend. What do you think of the short handle that is sold seperatly for this press?

We (me and buddy who have 3 Co-Ax's between us) tried the short handle and didn't care for it at all. I wouldn't bother with it.........................DJ

I agree with those that have tried and did not like the optional short, ball-tipped handle for the co-ax. I tried it for a while, but went back to the original, since it provides more hand positions and extra leverage when I want it.

I should note that I stand up while I reload, and as such, the long handle does not get in my way as much as if I was seated, and could not adjust my stance/position during the stroke. That may explain why some users do like it.

Andy