OK,
I took the Pepsi challange and after 25 years of using a Rockchucker I gave in and bought a Co-Ax. I get it home and find I can't use it for my .416, 45-70 or my 348 unless I buy the larger shell holder jaws for another $17. Grumble grumble. OK so here's the question. Will this press handle the larger/longer rounds any better than the Rockchucker? To say it another way...should I spend $17 for the LS shellholder or just run the big boys through the Rockchucker? My initial impression of this press after mounting it and playing with it is that its overly complictaed and has a bunch of moving parts and adjustments. I may end up shipping it back. Any words of encouragement appreciated.

Will the Co-Ax "handle" the big cases better than the Rockchucker?
No.
The Co-Ax will aid in producing less run out than the rockchucker but I`m not sure the .001 or two will be noticed with the rounds you mention. Don`t get me wrong I have a Co-Ax and had a rockchucker, now have a Lyman orange chrusher and old RCBS Jr that both get their share of use. They all produce excellent ammo and I doubt your wrong to use anyone of them over the other for hunting ammo. But unless you`re loading varmint/match ammo the co-ax isn`t a nessesity. It does have I believe a bit more leverage than the others but they all pull rims off tight/unlubed cases.
I like and use my co-ax alot, but it`s not the only choice for all apps.

I have both the Rockchucker and the Coax and prefer to use the Coax for ALL my reloading. I'm assured of straighter ammo and it's easier to put the cases in and out of the press rather than slipping them into the shell holder. You also have greater leverage with less effort with the Coax. Yes, I think it's worth getting the extra jaws. Besides they also have a smaller side for use of very small cases.

For what it's worth, I noticed in the latest Forster catalog they have some sort of adaption which enables use of conventional shellholders for the Coax. For the life of me I don't understand why someone would get a Coax and want to use conventional shellholders. I have options to use both presses, also an Orange Crusher, and opt to use the Coax for most all sizing and seating.

Get the extra shell-holder, you'll be glad you did!

Bob, I have a Co-Ax and use conventional shellholders when I'm using the Lee Collet neck die. I don't have the accessory you mentioned, however. I just put the shellholder between the jaws and it usually stays put.

I found that the jaws would cause dents around the mouth of the Lee die. These dents in turn would make dissassembly of the die difficult if not impossible. This is the only situation I can think of where a shellholder would be needed.

Kentucky Nimrod,

I have a Co-Ax press, and bought the "LS" jaws to use with the 45-70 (Contender).

I put them in the drawer and didn't use them for several months.

Later, I was putting together an order and remembered "Ah - I need the "LS" jaws for my press", and bought another set.

So I have a set on my Co-Ax, and a set in the drawer. How does $12 sound, including Priority Mail postage?

e-mail me if you're interested.

Rick.
rick.fox@quintiles.com

I'll take em if he doesn't. Send me a PM with your info and I'll mail ya a check.

Just make sure you have a clean floor when taking off the shell holder plate, as the springs have a tendancy to sprung!

I also use a co-ax for all my reloading, but will be getting a larger press for the big rounds, though I'm not sure which one. One of the nicest features of the co-ax is how quickly you can switch dies.