I purchased Mike's jaw holder upgrade as I had the same problem as he described in the video. Mike shipped the part out in a timely manner. The upgrade is wonderful! Thank you Mike (and the former maker of this part as well!).
Just got mine in and installed it tonight. Great service, and the part is exactly as described. This thing is beefy, fits perfectly and I love the addition of the two new spring channels that upgrade from two springs to four. I highly recommend this upgrade to anyone with the Co-Ax!
I got mine, and oh my, what an improvement this makes to the press. A great press is now even better with this retrofit. Thank you thank you thank you Manzgear !
Got my Coax jaw upgrade last week. Put it right on. Kind of different and took a little longer to put on than I thought. After getting everything put on correctly the jaws float open effortlessly. Thanks Mike for a great product. The old jaws used to bind a little and didn't want to open smoothly. Would kind of grab and open unevenly, side to side. That problem is solved with a set of Manzgear jaw upgrade. They open smootly and evenly. Highly recommend.
Hi Mike, your upgrade part arrived yesterday, along with the new press. Forester must have upgraded their part, it was not the flimsy piece like they used to have. The issue must have been resolved by Forester. I did go ahead and install yours, thank you so much. It is very nice quality.
I watched this video and thought why not give one of these a try. So I ordered one and received it a few days later. Installed the springs from the original unit into the new piece, installed the jaws and screwed it into place. Operates like it was originally made for the press. If you reload .223 and .308 sized cases, this makes swapping the jaws a bit easier and faster. You don't have to use a finger to hold the spring into place or worry the spring will pop out of place and end up on the floor somewhere. If you frequently swap the jaws around, I think you would find this piece a nice little upgrade for your Forster Co-Ax press.
if others are watching this video I am still making them - I make batches and then they sell out and I make more.. just email me and I will add you to the list if Im sold out at the time you contact me.. .. If you are in Australia then please go to BRT shooting supply as Stuart the owner carries my product.. you can buy them there if you are in australia.. thanks - this update was written on March 20th 2016- thanks Mike Manzella
What's up ol pal!? LOL I didn't know you were still around. And then when I saw you made some paracord stuff for somebody I'm subbed to I was stoked to see you're still around!
Im still kicking.. into machining and what It can do for me and others with respect to gunsmithing.. expect to see custom rifles in the next year or less...
I got one of the first you made and it works like a charm! Only one remark on your video; you state, the force comes on the plate when driving the brass into the die, this is just not the case because when moving the brass into the sizing die it just stands flat on the thin plate underneath the jaws. Trouble eventually starts when the case will not com out easy because on the downward stroke the brass is pulled down by the jaws which in turn will put a lot of strain on the jaw-plate.
is thats what I said in the video.. My mistake but the force on the plate is from the pulling of the case against the jaws against the jaw holder... sure I know that.. I may end up making a jaw holder that locks in the shell holder - as Ive had many requests for that... if only I had more hours in the day!
How do these compare to the new Forster Quick Change jaws that they have out now? I see they have the captured springs like yours do but I'm not sure they are as thick as your jaws. Do you have any information on this? Thanks.
I'm about to buy a Forster Co-Ax Press, and was wondering if you still make this part? I like things that are well made, and I'm impressed with your work!!
If you are reading this the parts have changed .. new video soon to come ... parts are now $45 but they have four holes and come with four springs so that you get more even jaw pressure around the bases of the case... this design change was due to several engineers that have purchased my part and asked me to consider making the change... i sent out ten test pieces to random customers and the results were good so we made the change.. .. so now you get an even better part and four springs which forster normally charges you $2 per spring and about $9 to ship a spring which is robbery.. so if you want one.. please contact me via the Email under the video description thanks - (2/25/2018)
Have owned my Co-Ax since 1972. There was and is no problem with them - unless you mess up adjusting your dies by not paying attention. Which I have done - because I wasn't paying attention. So I bent the plate that he makes a replacement for. I just straightened it out and went back to reloading. The press is fantastic - but that doesn't mean it's foolproof; no press is. Not slagging his replacement plate. It looks to be well designed and built, and the captive springs are a great idea. The price he sells them for is also very reasonable - I just haven't bought his replacement because I don't need it after using the press for 50 years.
If you are watching this video.. I still make these parts... and yes you can still order them. I will continue to make them as long as I can or until either Forster steals my idea or I can no longer make stuff.. So contact me and I will be happy to get you one.
i supposed I could make a few with 4 spring holes.. when I make another batch I will do so... just email me at the contact email in a few weeks and check in with me if you want one like that....
I don't understand why Forster doesn't buy you out and update their press with this bit of kit. Another useful upgrade I have seen is a shell-holder adapter plate for the coax press primer station. I've seen 2 different versions and I am going to track one down unless Manzgear can CNC one up. Similarly, a shell-holder adapter for the Forster bench primer tool might be well received also, hopefully may even use the same design as the press primer station. I get and understand the usefulness of Forsters'/Manzgears' spring loaded shellplate, but the priming devices shell-holder design is clumsy, time-consuming and far overdue for these updates. I reload for .22-250 and 7mm RM, and yes it only takes 2 or 3 minutes of finding the right Allen key, the case centering tool, and fidgeting to make the necessary changes, but that's compared to 2 or 3 seconds it would take to change a fidget-less, tool-less, inexpensive, and universally compatible RCBS/Redding/Hornady shell-holder that everyone already has in their kit. I'm guessing a contract for the current design and 100,000 pieces in the warehouse may be holding them back. This quirky design, shareholder safe, but head in the sand approach to market demand may be what is keeping Forster behind the big 3. And before you ask, that is how I really feel. /rant
Thank you, this was a very informative. I may be interested in one. Currently on the fence in acquiring a Forester Coaxle...be curios of your experience with you Bonanza in comparison to other presses?...
coax is the best press out there for consistency and least amount of run out in your cases.... no difference in loading performance in the bonanza vs Co ax
yes they are available - if you lookin the description my email address is there I'm not posting it in the comments as I get too much junk mail - if you watch to the end of the video i explain how you can contact me... thanks
this part works with Bonanza presses and all CO ax models.. their part has not changed.. other than recently the newest ones now have captured springs... but they still use cheap steel and they bend. My newest version of this part will be ready in two weeks . instead of two holes it will have four holes and come with four springs for even pressure. this will help the jaws center up better. many guys have asked me to make them with four holes.. now this will be how they are made like from now on... price will have to change due to the cost of springs and longer machine time but I assure you the part will be even better..
+GLOCKCOPG23 yes I do.. Im currently out.. email me and I will put you on my list and contact you when they are ready.. my email is listed at the end of the video
+rdsii64 yes Im still making them ...email me at the email address at the end of the video. I just finished another batch that will go fast... don't delay
I'd like to order one of these parts, went to web site and don't even see how to contact you. Please send me some information so I can buy one of these things. Thanks
Its very obvious these presses were never designed for "rimless" bottlenecked rifle cartridges in general and their supposed "strengths" are actually only "strengths" to someone unfamiliar with reloading those cartridges. Full length sizing dies require more effort to pull a case out of than they do to push a case into. Only when the case is fully "seated" is there maximum friction between the case and die. And tapered cases tend to "lock" into place like all taper fits throughout the engineering/mechanical world. And the smaller the case, the smaller the rim and the less "grip" those case holders have on the case. A .223 case's surface area is proportional to its length and diameter and its case head/rim diameter is more or less "copied" from pistol cases in the .35-.38 caliber range. Because its operating these days at pressure levels in the Magnum rifle cartridge range and is "spiking" high pressures very rapidly to get high velocity in a hurry from short AR barrels (all .223 has to be "AR-friendly" these days because ARs are far and away the most popular .223/5.56 rifles there are and really when you add in the Mini-14 "assault rifles" have ALWAYS been the number one "seller" of .223 Remington as a cartridge. .223 Remington NEVER "took off" as a "sporting cartridge" in bolt-action rifles for sporting uses and in most jurisdictions .224-caliber rifles no matter the cartridge aren't legal for deer or other medium-sized game animals) and all 5.56x45 cases become .223 Remington when reloaded because there are no 5.56x45 NATO reloading dies) and because many of those rifles tend to have "loose" chambers and mil-spec barrels in particular are always "loose" compared to commercial barrels regardless of cartridge, a lot of ".223 Remington" has been "blown out" and fire-formed to those loose chambers. And because barrels and rifles chambered for 5.56x45 NATO are made by a ton of manufacturers in countries all over the world at most are "completely" metric and there really ARE no "direct conversions" from Imperial to metric or there would be no need for conversions PERIOD, its possible find some very "blown out" .223 Remington/5.56x45 NATO cases with very thick and/or stiff case walls that relative to the size of the cartridge takes significantly more force to size than a lot of larger rifle cartridges with similar "proportions". Toss in "small-base" reloading dies designed to "undersize" cases so they're more "friendly" to semi-autos that are often used by .223/5.56/.308/7.62x51 reloaders/shooters and that were pushed HARD as THE "correct" dies to use FOR reloading for semi-autos back at the beginning of the "black rifle craze" and the sizing/extraction forces get even higher. So its not surprising that if someone uses inadequate or cheap case lube and in particular alcohol-based wax case lubes that have to dry thoroughly and must be high-quality and applied liberally to get coverage, its easier to "stick" a .223 case than pretty much any other rifle case AND much easier to peel off the rim without even realizing the case is stuck given how much force the compound linkage of a good single-stage press can generate. And that's with a GOOD shell holder holding at least 3/4" of the rim diameter and with little or no play in the linkage or case holder to give the press operator a "head start" on pulling the rim off the case. Take one of these supposedly "superior" presses that has proportionately LESS rim engagement and holding and "gripping" power (I laugh my ass off at the way all Forster fanboys claim the case holder jaws "grab" the case head like they physically reach and out grab ahold of the case and just suck it down against the platform so tightly nothing could ever pull it free - except the press operator giving it a gentle tug and twist when he wants to get it out of course) and a significant amount of "slop" at the case holder rim "junction" and a lot of press handle movement before all that "slop" is taken up and you've got a "perfect storm" of weakness just waiting to rip case heads off .223 cases with little or no warning. And the real "irony" is that the supposedly biggest and toughest cases these presses can actually "handle" without major contortions/manipulations of the cases and bullets to get them sized, seated and crimped, which are the "belted magnums", are actually EASIER cases to size and extract that "standard" long-action cases like .30-06 Springfield and .270 Winchester. The "belt" is there only for looks and "reinforcement" (despite what supposed "experts" who claim that American belted magnum cartridges like 7mm Remington Mag and .300 Winchester Magnum claim because their "parent case" .375 H&H magnum headspaced on the belt, American belted Magnum cartridges like all other American bottlenecked rifle cartridges HEADSPACE ON THE SHOULDER since there is NO WAY to "full-length size" a "belt headspacing" bottlenecked cartridge if the belt stops the cartridge from entering the neck and shoulder portion of the die before it gets there) but also means that belted magnum dies have to be "shallower" in how far into the die the case itself can go and how far down the case the die resizes it. But in general these presses suck for ALL 'rimless" cartridges because their ability to "grab" the rim and the "grip" they get on the rim is completely dependent on the "groove" above the rim. Those "grooves" aren't consistent or proportional across all "rimless" cases and the actual shape of the "groove" is dictated by the type/size/shape of the extractor of the original rifle/pistol the cartridge was designed for and/or with. Shell holders of course are specific to "cartridge families" which tend to have very similar if not identical groove/rim dimensions and shapes and it takes at least a dozen different shell holders to cover the entire range of just "popular" and 'successful" American cartridges since many "smokeless powder" cartridges still widely used in the U.S. today are old enough to have started as blackpowder cartridges that were proprietary and never "part" of a "cartridge family". Of course they all have RIMS and that's the only "advantage" these presses have in the shell holder department because once you get rid of the "obsolete" and "orphan" U.S. cartridges still in commercial production that have "unique" shell holders only used by one or maybe two cartridges, about 5 or 6 shellholders cover the majority of "rimless" American cartridges and the rest are covered by another 3 or 4 and that includes some cartridges actually considered "obsolete" already that only companies that specialize in "obsolete" cartridges or cases produce ammunition/brass for. There are also some very small pistol cartridges that are actually still pretty "popular" but are found only in Browning pistols like .25 ACP that I'd be very surprised to find these "superior" shell holders can "grab" at all. And even if they can, those cases and their dies are so short and these shell holder assemblies so tall that I'd be very surprised if they're capable of sizing/seating/crimping those cartridges even if the shell holder can "grab" the rim. The other "irony" of these presses or at least the "modern" ones that say Forster on them instead of Bonanza is that they don't use the same "superior" shell holder system for their PRIMING system. They use three manually-adjusted jaws. The old BONANZA presses used a CONVENTIONAL SHELL HOLDER and probably an RCBS one since "proprietary" shell holders are the product of hand primers produced by companies other than RCBS rather than presses and RCBS's shell holders are "standard" as far as the thickness and diameter of the "rim" of the holders and its corresponding recess in press rams. And instead of that "superior" 3-jaw "semi-adjustable" shell holder found on the Forster presses they used a very simple plate that mounted in the same location using the same hardware and that accepted interchangeable shell holders. It wouldn't surprise me if somebody patented the use of "RCBS-style" shell holders in hand primers and probably HORNADY since Hornady hand-primers are the most common units after Lee hand-primers and Lee hand-primers use an entirely different and completely ""rimless" shell holder that doesn't work for or fit in anything but a Lee hand primer. Hornady's hand primer shell holders are somewhat different dimensionally than RCBS units but probably just to ensure even RCBS press owners have to buy Hornady shell-holders if they buy one of Hornady's very good hand primers. Hornady's shell holders are also "tapered" and have a much wider opening the case can be placed in/on before being pushed back into the actual holder while RCBS units use "straight" slots that are harder to "hit" than Hornady holders but may be a little "stronger". However they're also thicker above the base surface so Hornady holders can get cases a little further up into dies and/or dies can be located a little lower in the press with them than using RCBS holders. Regardless, the biggest issue with the "adjustable" 3-jaw case holders on the Forster primers is that you an adjust the jaws for different cases by sliding them in and out but you have to adjust them independently to get the case centered over the primer plunger AND as you adjust them for larger cases that use larger primers that take more seating force to push primers into, the jaws grip less and less of the rim and you have exactly the opposite situation of the OTHER "superior" shell holder in the BOTTOM of the press where the jaws grip less of smaller cases regardless of whether or not those cases are harder or easier to size/extract than larger cases. And of course since the primers have to be handled one at a time, even smaller and easier to prime cases in terms of the force required to insert/seat the primers aren't REALLY "easier" to prime because they have small rifle/small-pistol primers that are harder to grab and manipulate and handle. Genius.
All that apparent intellect - mastery of putting scare quotes in every other sentence, but never learned what paragraphs are for. If the inability to use quotes and the run on sentences hadn't made me give up, I sure would have liked to have learned why I've been successfully reloading .22 Hornet, 5.56 NATO, .32 ACP, etc without problem for 50 years. Maybe I'm just not doing everything wrong with my reloading before I get to the resizing part which was perhaps the ranter's problem. That is - if he ever actually owned a Bonanza/Forster Co-Ax press in the first place!
@@zeissOholic He was having his little Midol Moment. I lost patience trying to work my way through that long run on sentence... did he ever mention having actually owned a Co-Ax press at some point?
2000 run-on disjointed thought words just to say “I’m too poor to buy a Co-ax, and resent everyone who isn’t!” In multiple quotes of course. If someone bought him one he’d become a “fan boy,” overnight.
are you in Australia? if so contact BRT shooters supply they carry my part.. if you aren't in Australia then email me and I will get you taken care of.. my email is in the bottom of the description where it says show more in the video and I say it out loud at the end of the video.. but I'm not posting my email here on comments for the spam virus to send me a bunch of BS emails
It would be a lot easier to throw away the stupid, complicated Forster shell holder, and just make an adapter plate to take a proper conventional shell holder, after all every set of dies comes with a proper shell holder when new, they are also much quicker to change than with the Forster system, it would be much better to make a modification to take a conventional threaded die holder instead of the thing that you slot the dies into, which has only four threads in an aluminium ring taking all of the thrust from re sizing! Not that you can reload anything much bigger than a 45/70 on this press.
When you buy a new Forster press, there is an adapter for regular shell-holders included. I use a Forster for many years now, mostly loading cases with either a rimless base of the same size of a .308W or a .223 Rem. and I always do use the large size end of the jaws for both of them. Is there an occasion that I need to load cases with a wider base, I just adjust the pointed pin that forces the jaws to open in such a way that those larger diameter cases also can slip between those jaws.
Englishman French I guess we have a good example here of one man's bane being another man's five second chore. I've been reloading with a Bonanza Co-Ax press for over 40 years, proceeded by a Bair C frame press and a Rockchucker. They got sold soon after the Bonanza came in the house. I can't recall having to spend ten minutes to change between 30-06, 30 Newton, 358 Norma Magnum, etc. What most people quickly realize is that the shell holder jaws - unlike old style shell holders - will hold a wide variety of head sizes in each end. So in fact, the only thing you have to do to switch between 30 US and 30 Newton is just change the dies themselves. And that's where the beauty of the "cranky" Bonanza press lies. You can switch back and forth between calibers and between sizing, bullet seating, crimping, etc dies just as fast as you slide one die out and another one in. In fact, when you get right down to it, the truly "cranky and fossilized" systems out there are the reloading presses that require you to screw each die all the way in.... then all the way out... all the way in... all the way out. I can almost switch the shell holder jaws around in the time that it takes to do that - and you need to change dies while reloading a lot more often than you have to change the shell holder jaws around. However, Forster has thoughtfully provided an accessory for those who can't progress beyond using the old style shellholders. For the princely sum of $19 dollars, you can buy an adapter that allows you to use shell holders instead: www.midwayusa.com/product/144115/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press-shellholder-adapter-plate I note that Midway and several other stores carry this accessory, different jaws, etc for the Co-Ax press, so if in fact you really do have to wait six months to get parts directly from Forster, you can get them instead in a couple of days from Midway, Sinclair, etc. I am a bit wary of there being a day when one of the small jaw springs goes "sproing!" and launches itself - that's what springs do. Haven't done it yet in 40+ years, but I suppose there will be a day. I have always been meaning to add a set of spare springs to an order of other bits and pieces, but I never remember to do so. The accessory this video shows would be a solution that solved that risk, so it is something I will think about. This really is a very fine single stage press, probably the best single stage press in existence. For those who can't feel the love and believe their Co-Ax is a boat anchor, they sell very quickly on fleabay and Craigslist when they do come up for sale. That should make it very easy to unload, leaving the seller with ample money to invest in a Lee Loader or some other press more to their liking and skill level.
1 second ago AirborneMOC031 Your observations about the Coax being an ideal press for loading smaller cartridges is very true, however, if more normal size calibers are to be loaded it starts to show it's inadequacies , It is not possible to load any of the longer case cartridges due to the length of throw, it is also impossible to load the larger diameter base cartridges, due to the design , this press was sold/advertised as a hugely powerful press for loading large cartridges without effort, it is very well made, that is obvious, but the design is such that you have to do a dance to avoid the centrally mounted arm, (a thing that is not require on a normal press set up), the design also severely limits access to the front of the press, a thing that is overcome by user technique, but there are cranked arms sold that avoid this problem, there is also a strange method of capping the cases, which will also only take medium diameter cases, and is awkward to access, this is not a problem if one uses a Lyman re capper on a normal press, but it does give you another press on your bench.I suppose if you really are taken with the design and only load small cartridges this press is OK, and it does look very nice on the bench, with all its levers lovely paint finish , the quick change dies facility is a doubtful advantage over the almost instant twist lock design and it also is reliant on 4 threads in an aluminium ring ! (OK I have replaced mine with steel rings), but I find I only use mine to reload Colt 45 and 303 British, both of which require the larger shell holder. I hope you enjoy using your Coax for many years to come, if you lived nearer, you could have mine also. AirborneMOC031 Your observations about the Coax being an ideal press for loading smaller cartridges is very true, however, if more normal size calibers are to be loaded it starts to show it's inadequacies , It is not possible to load any of the longer case cartridges due to the length of throw, it is also impossible to load the larger diameter base cartridges, due to the design , this press was sold/advertised as a hugely powerful press for loading large cartridges without effort, it is very well made, that is obvious, but the design is such that you have to do a dance to avoid the centrally mounted arm, (a thing that is not require on a normal press set up), the design also severely limits access to the front of the press, a thing that is overcome by user technique, but there are cranked arms sold that avoid this problem, there is also a strange method of capping the cases, which will also only take medium diameter cases, and is awkward to access, this is not a problem if one uses a Lyman re capper on a normal press, but it does give you another press on your bench.I suppose if you really are taken with the design and only load small cartridges this press is OK, and it does look very nice on the bench, with all its levers lovely paint finish , the quick change dies facility is a doubtful advantage over the almost instant twist lock design and it also is reliant on 4 threads in an aluminium ring ! (OK I have replaced mine with steel rings), but I find I only use mine to reload Colt 45 and 303 British, both of which require the larger shell holder. I hope you enjoy using your Coax for many years to come, if you lived nearer, you could have mine also. Read more Show less Reply · 1
@@453421abcdefg12345 You might be the first person I have ever heard describe cartridges like the .358 Norma Magnum as "small cartridges" - but whatever. And "normal cartridges" in most places are the 7mms, all the 30 calibers (is there anything more "normal" as far as cartridges go than the ubiquitious 30/06?), the .338's, .375's? BTW, if you're desperate to give away that Co-ax you apparently have and would happily give away - you can ship it to me at my expense; I'll take it!
@@oldairbornedog1735 Ha Ha! I suppose having 303 as my smaller calibre is a bit unusual, but my confidence was not bolstered by the fact that I needed to buy another shell holder for thicker rims, then there was the 4 threads in aluminium taking the full thrust of sizing , as I load up to 577NE, which will not fit in the press I would gladly donate the Forster to you, I have since found that it does load Colt 45 quite well, but it is still awkward to use, I think the design and finish is excellent, and I really wish someone should take it a further step in development to make it more versatile, maybe I should get out into my workshop and do just that, stay safe ! Chris B.
I purchased Mike's jaw holder upgrade as I had the same problem as he described in the video. Mike shipped the part out in a timely manner. The upgrade is wonderful! Thank you Mike (and the former maker of this part as well!).
Just got mine in and installed it tonight. Great service, and the part is exactly as described. This thing is beefy, fits perfectly and I love the addition of the two new spring channels that upgrade from two springs to four. I highly recommend this upgrade to anyone with the Co-Ax!
This CoAx upgrade makes life so much easier. The way the springs are held captive keeps the springs from getting lost. Very well made.
+kolt46 thanks for the positive comments-
I got mine, and oh my, what an improvement this makes to the press. A great press is now even better with this retrofit. Thank you thank you thank you Manzgear !
Got my Coax jaw upgrade last week. Put it right on. Kind of different and took a little longer to put on than I thought. After getting everything put on correctly the jaws float open effortlessly. Thanks Mike for a great product. The old jaws used to bind a little and didn't want to open smoothly. Would kind of grab and open unevenly, side to side. That problem is solved with a set of Manzgear jaw upgrade. They open smootly and evenly. Highly recommend.
I upgraded my Forster and Bonanza Co-Ax Presses with Mike's Jaw Holder. Fantastic
Mike,
I bought one of your custom jaw holder parts. FANTASTIC ! It works flawlessly. (captured spring part). Simple assembly.
Oz Mazzetta
Hi Mike, your upgrade part arrived yesterday, along with the new press. Forester must have upgraded their part, it was not the flimsy piece like they used to have. The issue must have been resolved by Forester. I did go ahead and install yours, thank you so much. It is very nice quality.
Bought one of Mikes parts a few years ago. Great improvement for an already great press.
I watched this video and thought why not give one of these a try. So I ordered one and received it a few days later. Installed the springs from the original unit into the new piece, installed the jaws and screwed it into place. Operates like it was originally made for the press.
If you reload .223 and .308 sized cases, this makes swapping the jaws a bit easier and faster. You don't have to use a finger to hold the spring into place or worry the spring will pop out of place and end up on the floor somewhere. If you frequently swap the jaws around, I think you would find this piece a nice little upgrade for your Forster Co-Ax press.
This upgrade is a high quality piece of machining! You can't beat the price or come close to making it yourself .
Bought one still works like a charm 👍
this has been a fantastic upgrade to a great product.
thank you very much.
I just ordered the press and I will order the upgrade now.. Thanks.
Hi Mike....are you still making this upgraded jaw holder part for the Co Ax Press?
How much for this???
Don't use expander balls use expander mandrels
Mike, I'd like to purchase your Forster Co-Ax upgrade. Please let me know how to do so.
Mike, just checking in to see if you have got anytime schedule on the next batch of jaw plates? Thanks again, Echo.
Still the best method to upgrade the Co-Ax Jaw Holder
if others are watching this video I am still making them - I make batches and then they sell out and I make more.. just email me and I will add you to the list if Im sold out at the time you contact me.. .. If you are in Australia then please go to BRT shooting supply as Stuart the owner carries my product.. you can buy them there if you are in australia.. thanks - this update was written on March 20th 2016- thanks Mike Manzella
I am interested in getting one of the upgrades but cannot find the contact info
I would like to get an upgrade part as well, .. I will check back in a week or so .. thanks .. a.j.
What's up ol pal!? LOL I didn't know you were still around. And then when I saw you made some paracord stuff for somebody I'm subbed to I was stoked to see you're still around!
Im still kicking.. into machining and what It can do for me and others with respect to gunsmithing.. expect to see custom rifles in the next year or less...
Manzgear
NICE!!! I can't wait to see them bro!
I got one of the first you made and it works like a charm! Only one remark on your video; you state, the force comes on the plate when driving the brass into the die, this is just not the case because when moving the brass into the sizing die it just stands flat on the thin plate underneath the jaws. Trouble eventually starts when the case will not com out easy because on the downward stroke the brass is pulled down by the jaws which in turn will put a lot of strain on the jaw-plate.
is thats what I said in the video.. My mistake but the force on the plate is from the pulling of the case against the jaws against the jaw holder... sure I know that..
I may end up making a jaw holder that locks in the shell holder - as Ive had many requests for that... if only I had more hours in the day!
Has Forster upgraded the jaws or are they still selling same parts/jaws?
How do these compare to the new Forster Quick Change jaws that they have out now? I see they have the captured springs like yours do but I'm not sure they are as thick as your jaws. Do you have any information on this? Thanks.
Great product, highly recommended.
I'm about to buy a Forster Co-Ax Press, and was wondering if you still make this part? I like things that are well made, and I'm impressed with your work!!
So since the springs are captive, how much of a hassle is it to reverse the jaws? Do you have to back off the set screws?
If you are reading this the parts have changed .. new video soon to come ... parts are now $45 but they have four holes and come with four springs so that you get more even jaw pressure around the bases of the case... this design change was due to several engineers that have purchased my part and asked me to consider making the change... i sent out ten test pieces to random customers and the results were good so we made the change.. .. so now you get an even better part and four springs which forster normally charges you $2 per spring and about $9 to ship a spring which is robbery.. so if you want one.. please contact me via the Email under the video description thanks - (2/25/2018)
Before watching the video again, have you updated the video yet?
I’d like to order one.
How about a phone or web site to place an order
just made more... but they have been going fast... its Jan 5th 2017 - currently have about 50 left.. act soon !
I sent for info, haven't heard back yet
Mike, I just sent you a email. Are you still making these? Do you ship to Canada?
Thank you!
Are you still making these? Sent an email a few days ago and haven't heard anything back.
I would like to buy the up grade as well.
Is there still a problem with these presses?Would like to know before I buy one thanks.
Have owned my Co-Ax since 1972. There was and is no problem with them - unless you mess up adjusting your dies by not paying attention. Which I have done - because I wasn't paying attention. So I bent the plate that he makes a replacement for. I just straightened it out and went back to reloading. The press is fantastic - but that doesn't mean it's foolproof; no press is.
Not slagging his replacement plate. It looks to be well designed and built, and the captive springs are a great idea. The price he sells them for is also very reasonable - I just haven't bought his replacement because I don't need it after using the press for 50 years.
I'd like one please.
How can I buy these up grades
If you are watching this video.. I still make these parts... and yes you can still order them. I will continue to make them as long as I can or until either Forster steals my idea or I can no longer make stuff.. So contact me and I will be happy to get you one.
where can i contact you?
I'm interested in the Forster upgrade jaw holder but how do I contact the seller?
***** Manzgear@gmail.com
Received mine today, looks great will install it tomorrow, thanks
Are these still available for purchase? I tried sending you an email but it kept getting kicked back.
how do you order one if you don't where to order it?????????????????
Mike,
Can you make these with holes for the springs drilled in both sides (so they take a total of 4 springs)? How can we order one? Thanks
i supposed I could make a few with 4 spring holes.. when I make another batch I will do so... just email me at the contact email in a few weeks and check in with me if you want one like that....
I will be contacting you very shortly about this. I want one.
I don't understand why Forster doesn't buy you out and update their press with this bit of kit.
Another useful upgrade I have seen is a shell-holder adapter plate for the coax press primer station. I've seen 2 different versions and I am going to track one down unless Manzgear can CNC one up. Similarly, a shell-holder adapter for the Forster bench primer tool might be well received also, hopefully may even use the same design as the press primer station.
I get and understand the usefulness of Forsters'/Manzgears' spring loaded shellplate, but the priming devices shell-holder design is clumsy, time-consuming and far overdue for these updates. I reload for .22-250 and 7mm RM, and yes it only takes 2 or 3 minutes of finding the right Allen key, the case centering tool, and fidgeting to make the necessary changes, but that's compared to 2 or 3 seconds it would take to change a fidget-less, tool-less, inexpensive, and universally compatible RCBS/Redding/Hornady shell-holder that everyone already has in their kit.
I'm guessing a contract for the current design and 100,000 pieces in the warehouse may be holding them back.
This quirky design, shareholder safe, but head in the sand approach to market demand may be what is keeping Forster behind the big 3.
And before you ask, that is how I really feel. /rant
Thank you, this was a very informative. I may be interested in one. Currently on the fence in acquiring a Forester Coaxle...be curios of your experience with you Bonanza in comparison to other presses?...
coax is the best press out there for consistency and least amount of run out in your cases.... no difference in loading performance in the bonanza vs Co ax
Probably too late but Forster products are head and shoulders above the rest. Their dies are super precision. The replacement jaw are superb.
are you still making the Forster Co Ax shell holder upgrade?
yes I am a new batch will be ready soon, my email is in the description above.. thanks
I would like to order a upgrade for my Bonanza press,do you have any?
Are your jaw holders compatible wth the jaws made for the thicker rimmed 45-70 cartridge?
they work with any jaws Forster makes
Are these still available....I want one
I'm interested in one
new batch available now.
how do i go about buying one?
Are these still for sale?
I would like to purchase one. How do I contact you?
Are these currently available? What is the ordering process?
yes they are available - if you lookin the description my email address is there I'm not posting it in the comments as I get too much junk mail - if you watch to the end of the video i explain how you can contact me... thanks
also the price as changed as the product has changed and more is included in the part than what is seen on the video
How do I purchase the Forster upgradr
Will this upgrade work with the Co-Ax B5?
this part works with Bonanza presses and all CO ax models.. their part has not changed.. other than recently the newest ones now have captured springs... but they still use cheap steel and they bend. My newest version of this part will be ready in two weeks . instead of two holes it will have four holes and come with four springs for even pressure. this will help the jaws center up better. many guys have asked me to make them with four holes.. now this will be how they are made like from now on... price will have to change due to the cost of springs and longer machine time but I assure you the part will be even better..
Are these still available?
Do you still make these? Please reply. Thanks.
+GLOCKCOPG23 yes I do.. Im currently out.. email me and I will put you on my list and contact you when they are ready.. my email is listed at the end of the video
+Manzgear Thank you very much. I am getting one soon.
Are you still making these?
+rdsii64 yes Im still making them ...email me at the email address at the end of the video. I just finished another batch that will go fast... don't delay
I'd like to order one of these parts, went to web site and don't even see how to contact you. Please send me some information so I can buy one of these things.
Thanks
Its very obvious these presses were never designed for "rimless" bottlenecked rifle cartridges in general and their supposed "strengths" are actually only "strengths" to someone unfamiliar with reloading those cartridges. Full length sizing dies require more effort to pull a case out of than they do to push a case into. Only when the case is fully "seated" is there maximum friction between the case and die. And tapered cases tend to "lock" into place like all taper fits throughout the engineering/mechanical world. And the smaller the case, the smaller the rim and the less "grip" those case holders have on the case. A .223 case's surface area is proportional to its length and diameter and its case head/rim diameter is more or less "copied" from pistol cases in the .35-.38 caliber range. Because its operating these days at pressure levels in the Magnum rifle cartridge range and is "spiking" high pressures very rapidly to get high velocity in a hurry from short AR barrels (all .223 has to be "AR-friendly" these days because ARs are far and away the most popular .223/5.56 rifles there are and really when you add in the Mini-14 "assault rifles" have ALWAYS been the number one "seller" of .223 Remington as a cartridge. .223 Remington NEVER "took off" as a "sporting cartridge" in bolt-action rifles for sporting uses and in most jurisdictions .224-caliber rifles no matter the cartridge aren't legal for deer or other medium-sized game animals) and all 5.56x45 cases become .223 Remington when reloaded because there are no 5.56x45 NATO reloading dies) and because many of those rifles tend to have "loose" chambers and mil-spec barrels in particular are always "loose" compared to commercial barrels regardless of cartridge, a lot of ".223 Remington" has been "blown out" and fire-formed to those loose chambers. And because barrels and rifles chambered for 5.56x45 NATO are made by a ton of manufacturers in countries all over the world at most are "completely" metric and there really ARE no "direct conversions" from Imperial to metric or there would be no need for conversions PERIOD, its possible find some very "blown out" .223 Remington/5.56x45 NATO cases with very thick and/or stiff case walls that relative to the size of the cartridge takes significantly more force to size than a lot of larger rifle cartridges with similar "proportions". Toss in "small-base" reloading dies designed to "undersize" cases so they're more "friendly" to semi-autos that are often used by .223/5.56/.308/7.62x51 reloaders/shooters and that were pushed HARD as THE "correct" dies to use FOR reloading for semi-autos back at the beginning of the "black rifle craze" and the sizing/extraction forces get even higher. So its not surprising that if someone uses inadequate or cheap case lube and in particular alcohol-based wax case lubes that have to dry thoroughly and must be high-quality and applied liberally to get coverage, its easier to "stick" a .223 case than pretty much any other rifle case AND much easier to peel off the rim without even realizing the case is stuck given how much force the compound linkage of a good single-stage press can generate. And that's with a GOOD shell holder holding at least 3/4" of the rim diameter and with little or no play in the linkage or case holder to give the press operator a "head start" on pulling the rim off the case. Take one of these supposedly "superior" presses that has proportionately LESS rim engagement and holding and "gripping" power (I laugh my ass off at the way all Forster fanboys claim the case holder jaws "grab" the case head like they physically reach and out grab ahold of the case and just suck it down against the platform so tightly nothing could ever pull it free - except the press operator giving it a gentle tug and twist when he wants to get it out of course) and a significant amount of "slop" at the case holder rim "junction" and a lot of press handle movement before all that "slop" is taken up and you've got a "perfect storm" of weakness just waiting to rip case heads off .223 cases with little or no warning. And the real "irony" is that the supposedly biggest and toughest cases these presses can actually "handle" without major contortions/manipulations of the cases and bullets to get them sized, seated and crimped, which are the "belted magnums", are actually EASIER cases to size and extract that "standard" long-action cases like .30-06 Springfield and .270 Winchester. The "belt" is there only for looks and "reinforcement" (despite what supposed "experts" who claim that American belted magnum cartridges like 7mm Remington Mag and .300 Winchester Magnum claim because their "parent case" .375 H&H magnum headspaced on the belt, American belted Magnum cartridges like all other American bottlenecked rifle cartridges HEADSPACE ON THE SHOULDER since there is NO WAY to "full-length size" a "belt headspacing" bottlenecked cartridge if the belt stops the cartridge from entering the neck and shoulder portion of the die before it gets there) but also means that belted magnum dies have to be "shallower" in how far into the die the case itself can go and how far down the case the die resizes it. But in general these presses suck for ALL 'rimless" cartridges because their ability to "grab" the rim and the "grip" they get on the rim is completely dependent on the "groove" above the rim. Those "grooves" aren't consistent or proportional across all "rimless" cases and the actual shape of the "groove" is dictated by the type/size/shape of the extractor of the original rifle/pistol the cartridge was designed for and/or with. Shell holders of course are specific to "cartridge families" which tend to have very similar if not identical groove/rim dimensions and shapes and it takes at least a dozen different shell holders to cover the entire range of just "popular" and 'successful" American cartridges since many "smokeless powder" cartridges still widely used in the U.S. today are old enough to have started as blackpowder cartridges that were proprietary and never "part" of a "cartridge family". Of course they all have RIMS and that's the only "advantage" these presses have in the shell holder department because once you get rid of the "obsolete" and "orphan" U.S. cartridges still in commercial production that have "unique" shell holders only used by one or maybe two cartridges, about 5 or 6 shellholders cover the majority of "rimless" American cartridges and the rest are covered by another 3 or 4 and that includes some cartridges actually considered "obsolete" already that only companies that specialize in "obsolete" cartridges or cases produce ammunition/brass for. There are also some very small pistol cartridges that are actually still pretty "popular" but are found only in Browning pistols like .25 ACP that I'd be very surprised to find these "superior" shell holders can "grab" at all. And even if they can, those cases and their dies are so short and these shell holder assemblies so tall that I'd be very surprised if they're capable of sizing/seating/crimping those cartridges even if the shell holder can "grab" the rim. The other "irony" of these presses or at least the "modern" ones that say Forster on them instead of Bonanza is that they don't use the same "superior" shell holder system for their PRIMING system. They use three manually-adjusted jaws. The old BONANZA presses used a CONVENTIONAL SHELL HOLDER and probably an RCBS one since "proprietary" shell holders are the product of hand primers produced by companies other than RCBS rather than presses and RCBS's shell holders are "standard" as far as the thickness and diameter of the "rim" of the holders and its corresponding recess in press rams. And instead of that "superior" 3-jaw "semi-adjustable" shell holder found on the Forster presses they used a very simple plate that mounted in the same location using the same hardware and that accepted interchangeable shell holders. It wouldn't surprise me if somebody patented the use of "RCBS-style" shell holders in hand primers and probably HORNADY since Hornady hand-primers are the most common units after Lee hand-primers and Lee hand-primers use an entirely different and completely ""rimless" shell holder that doesn't work for or fit in anything but a Lee hand primer. Hornady's hand primer shell holders are somewhat different dimensionally than RCBS units but probably just to ensure even RCBS press owners have to buy Hornady shell-holders if they buy one of Hornady's very good hand primers. Hornady's shell holders are also "tapered" and have a much wider opening the case can be placed in/on before being pushed back into the actual holder while RCBS units use "straight" slots that are harder to "hit" than Hornady holders but may be a little "stronger". However they're also thicker above the base surface so Hornady holders can get cases a little further up into dies and/or dies can be located a little lower in the press with them than using RCBS holders. Regardless, the biggest issue with the "adjustable" 3-jaw case holders on the Forster primers is that you an adjust the jaws for different cases by sliding them in and out but you have to adjust them independently to get the case centered over the primer plunger AND as you adjust them for larger cases that use larger primers that take more seating force to push primers into, the jaws grip less and less of the rim and you have exactly the opposite situation of the OTHER "superior" shell holder in the BOTTOM of the press where the jaws grip less of smaller cases regardless of whether or not those cases are harder or easier to size/extract than larger cases. And of course since the primers have to be handled one at a time, even smaller and easier to prime cases in terms of the force required to insert/seat the primers aren't REALLY "easier" to prime because they have small rifle/small-pistol primers that are harder to grab and manipulate and handle. Genius.
You went way off on a tangent there buddy.
All that apparent intellect - mastery of putting scare quotes in every other sentence, but never learned what paragraphs are for.
If the inability to use quotes and the run on sentences hadn't made me give up, I sure would have liked to have learned why I've been successfully reloading .22 Hornet, 5.56 NATO, .32 ACP, etc without problem for 50 years. Maybe I'm just not doing everything wrong with my reloading before I get to the resizing part which was perhaps the ranter's problem.
That is - if he ever actually owned a Bonanza/Forster Co-Ax press in the first place!
@@zeissOholic He was having his little Midol Moment.
I lost patience trying to work my way through that long run on sentence... did he ever mention having actually owned a Co-Ax press at some point?
2000 run-on disjointed thought words just to say “I’m too poor to buy a Co-ax, and resent everyone who isn’t!” In multiple quotes of course.
If someone bought him one he’d become a “fan boy,” overnight.
How do I get this upgrade?
my email is in the description
post some contact info
its in the video and in the description.... I'm not posting it where i can be spammed more than i already am...
What is your email? I need one of these!!
where it says published - show more above my email is listed there... and I say it at the end of the video
whats your email mate
are you in Australia? if so contact BRT shooters supply they carry my part.. if you aren't in Australia then email me and I will get you taken care of.. my email is in the bottom of the description where it says show more in the video and I say it out loud at the end of the video.. but I'm not posting my email here on comments for the spam virus to send me a bunch of BS emails
It would be a lot easier to throw away the stupid, complicated Forster shell holder, and just make an adapter plate to take a proper conventional shell holder, after all every set of dies comes with a proper shell holder when new, they are also much quicker to change than with the Forster system, it would be much better to make a modification to take a conventional threaded die holder instead of the thing that you slot the dies into, which has only four threads in an aluminium ring taking all of the thrust from re sizing! Not that you can reload anything much bigger than a 45/70 on this press.
When you buy a new Forster press, there is an adapter for regular shell-holders included.
I use a Forster for many years now, mostly loading cases with either a rimless base of the same size of a .308W or a .223 Rem. and I always do use the large size end of the jaws for both of them. Is there an occasion that I need to load cases with a wider base, I just adjust the pointed pin that forces the jaws to open in such a way that those larger diameter cases also can slip between those jaws.
Englishman French
I guess we have a good example here of one man's bane being another man's five second chore. I've been reloading with a Bonanza Co-Ax press for over 40 years, proceeded by a Bair C frame press and a Rockchucker. They got sold soon after the Bonanza came in the house.
I can't recall having to spend ten minutes to change between 30-06, 30 Newton, 358 Norma Magnum, etc. What most people quickly realize is that the shell holder jaws - unlike old style shell holders - will hold a wide variety of head sizes in each end. So in fact, the only thing you have to do to switch between 30 US and 30 Newton is just change the dies themselves. And that's where the beauty of the "cranky" Bonanza press lies. You can switch back and forth between calibers and between sizing, bullet seating, crimping, etc dies just as fast as you slide one die out and another one in.
In fact, when you get right down to it, the truly "cranky and fossilized" systems out there are the reloading presses that require you to screw each die all the way in.... then all the way out... all the way in... all the way out. I can almost switch the shell holder jaws around in the time that it takes to do that - and you need to change dies while reloading a lot more often than you have to change the shell holder jaws around.
However, Forster has thoughtfully provided an accessory for those who can't progress beyond using the old style shellholders. For the princely sum of $19 dollars, you can buy an adapter that allows you to use shell holders instead:
www.midwayusa.com/product/144115/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press-shellholder-adapter-plate
I note that Midway and several other stores carry this accessory, different jaws, etc for the Co-Ax press, so if in fact you really do have to wait six months to get parts directly from Forster, you can get them instead in a couple of days from Midway, Sinclair, etc.
I am a bit wary of there being a day when one of the small jaw springs goes "sproing!" and launches itself - that's what springs do. Haven't done it yet in 40+ years, but I suppose there will be a day. I have always been meaning to add a set of spare springs to an order of other bits and pieces, but I never remember to do so. The accessory this video shows would be a solution that solved that risk, so it is something I will think about.
This really is a very fine single stage press, probably the best single stage press in existence. For those who can't feel the love and believe their Co-Ax is a boat anchor, they sell very quickly on fleabay and Craigslist when they do come up for sale. That should make it very easy to unload, leaving the seller with ample money to invest in a Lee Loader or some other press more to their liking and skill level.
1 second ago
AirborneMOC031 Your observations about the Coax being an ideal press for loading smaller cartridges is very true, however, if more normal size calibers are to be loaded it starts to show it's inadequacies , It is not possible to load any of the longer case cartridges due to the length of throw, it is also impossible to load the larger diameter base cartridges, due to the design , this press was sold/advertised as a hugely powerful press for loading large cartridges without effort, it is very well made, that is obvious, but the design is such that you have to do a dance to avoid the centrally mounted arm, (a thing that is not require on a normal press set up), the design also severely limits access to the front of the press, a thing that is overcome by user technique, but there are cranked arms sold that avoid this problem, there is also a strange method of capping the cases, which will also only take medium diameter cases, and is awkward to access, this is not a problem if one uses a Lyman re capper on a normal press, but it does give you another press on your bench.I suppose if you really are taken with the design and only load small cartridges this press is OK, and it does look very nice on the bench, with all its levers lovely paint finish , the quick change dies facility is a doubtful advantage over the almost instant twist lock design and it also is reliant on 4 threads in an aluminium ring ! (OK I have replaced mine with steel rings), but I find I only use mine to reload Colt 45 and 303 British, both of which require the larger shell holder. I hope you enjoy using your Coax for many years to come, if you lived nearer, you could have mine also.
AirborneMOC031 Your observations about the Coax being an ideal press for loading smaller cartridges is very true, however, if more normal size calibers are to be loaded it starts to show it's inadequacies , It is not possible to load any of the longer case cartridges due to the length of throw, it is also impossible to load the larger diameter base cartridges, due to the design , this press was sold/advertised as a hugely powerful press for loading large cartridges without effort, it is very well made, that is obvious, but the design is such that you have to do a dance to avoid the centrally mounted arm, (a thing that is not require on a normal press set up), the design also severely limits access to the front of the press, a thing that is overcome by user technique, but there are cranked arms sold that avoid this problem, there is also a strange method of capping the cases, which will also only take medium diameter cases, and is awkward to access, this is not a problem if one uses a Lyman re capper on a normal press, but it does give you another press on your bench.I suppose if you really are taken with the design and only load small cartridges this press is OK, and it does look very nice on the bench, with all its levers lovely paint finish , the quick change dies facility is a doubtful advantage over the almost instant twist lock design and it also is reliant on 4 threads in an aluminium ring ! (OK I have replaced mine with steel rings), but I find I only use mine to reload Colt 45 and 303 British, both of which require the larger shell holder. I hope you enjoy using your Coax for many years to come, if you lived nearer, you could have mine also.
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@@453421abcdefg12345 You might be the first person I have ever heard describe cartridges like the .358 Norma Magnum as "small cartridges" - but whatever.
And "normal cartridges" in most places are the 7mms, all the 30 calibers (is there anything more "normal" as far as cartridges go than the ubiquitious 30/06?), the .338's, .375's?
BTW, if you're desperate to give away that Co-ax you apparently have and would happily give away - you can ship it to me at my expense; I'll take it!
@@oldairbornedog1735 Ha Ha! I suppose having 303 as my smaller calibre is a bit unusual, but my confidence was not bolstered by the fact that I needed to buy another shell holder for thicker rims, then there was the 4 threads in aluminium taking the full thrust of sizing , as I load up to 577NE, which will not fit in the press I would gladly donate the Forster to you, I have since found that it does load Colt 45 quite well, but it is still awkward to use, I think the design and finish is excellent, and I really wish someone should take it a further step in development to make it more versatile, maybe I should get out into my workshop and do just that, stay safe ! Chris B.
Are these still available?