Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Forster Co-Ax

It took a lot of searching but found some in stock and ordered one. Selling my Redding model 25 turret press to a hunt club buddy. Those that have a Co-Ax, how do you like it?

If anyone else was struggling to find any not on back order? Scheels had 10 in stock when I ordered mine this morning.

I've enjoyed mine since 1992. Picked up a second one even (buddy of mine was liquidating during divorce).

To be fair, however, I've never loaded with anything else.

Universal shell holders (I have LS for big bore set up on one, S on the other). I can reverse the LS jaws if I ever need small.

"Floating dies" that pop in and out in seconds, using cross bolt die lock rings that are relatively inexpensive ($47 for a dozen at Sinclair), and every die of mine has its lock ring secured onto it precisely where I need it to be.

Priming function works really well also (I use a Sinclair hand-held tool for standard cartridges, but for my big bores, I just use the CO-AX: pretty easy to feel the appropriate seating depth).

No complaints whatsoever. Of course, the purchase price for both of mine, combined, was less than what they are now going for.

I've used one for several decades. Excellent press, but I always have a strong single stage press mounted next to it. If you use file-type trim dies, collet bullet pullers, primer pocket swage dies, or do much in the way of case forming, the Co-Ax is not the best press. Opinions vary, of course, but if you don't need a press for any of those chores, the Co-Ax is perfect. Priming apparatus, once set, works very well, but I usually prime with a hand priming tool.

Same as lotech I hand prime as well.

Love mine. I don’t prime on it either, I use an auto prime for that. I have a rockchucker right next to it for collet dies and bullet pulling, but most tasks are done on the Co-ax.

I bought one a year ago after hearing about them for a long time. Used a Rockchucker for 30 years before that. Absolutely love the Co-Ax and highly recommend it. Just finished loading on it about an hour ago in fact. I have used a Sinclair hand priming tool forever and haven't primed with the Co-Ax.

Reduced run out is the main appeal

have used one for decades love it!

Ed

I’m a fan.

Yep. One of these fancy presses is in the list.

I really like mine. another press on the bench gets the really heavy case forming and full length resize jobs, but my forester gets the most use.

I used my Forster for 10 years, great press, but I like my RCBS Summit and Mec Marksman better.

Less run out with both of them over the Forster.

A great press that has worked very well for me. I do use it for priming although slow, it does a perfect job of seating the primer.

Do yourself a favor and get a dozen lock rings.....then go to In Line Fabrication and get a stand and headlights.....get it all up to eye level.

I have used mine since the late 70's. Mine is the original Bonanza Co Ax press. I use 2 different types of bullet pullers on mine. One is made by Forester and the other which I really like is called Forster "Superfast" Bullet Puller-(possum type).
I also use the Lee Collet neck die in mine.

You mean like this?

Love it. Looks very functional.

I will second the lock rings and In Line Fabrication stand. Exactly how mine is set up.

Presses induce runout? First I've heard of that.

I can get low runout with dies alone . . . . (not that I've never lusted for a Co-Ax press)

The only rifle press there is in my book. Love it.