Michael Streeter Thanks, Michael. I suppose I should contact Forster and see if they have any new products I could "evaluate" for them. ;>) Meanwhile, rest assured what you see in my videos is all me. I have no connection with any company.
Thank you Sir for another super fine informational video. This is the first press I started using in about 1990. I still use it for precision loading. Like the universal shell plate, the three universal priming fingers can be reversed to accommodate different size shell cases. However, I use the bench mounted Bonanza primer system as it has a primer feeding tube, same 3 universal jaws.
Thank you for the awesome videos. I appreciate the effort you put into changing the camera angle when discussing the various aspects of the press. You know how to use the camera, and the world is a better place because of it.
"Fantastic Job", on producing an extremely informative video about the Forster press. I tried navigating through Forster's 1980s style webpage and found that 10 minutes here was all that was needed. Thanks for posting this up!
vnhan You know what? That's exactly the frustration I felt when I was considering this press initially, and that's what led me to do this video. Glad you enjoyed it.
I do think your video report on this Co Ax press is one of the best on TH-cam, very clear, informative, and presented at the right speed, many thanks ! What a great pity it was wasted on such a poorly designed press.
Hello from Europe, i am just getting into reloading (for the 6.5 and 7 x 57 mauser), and i will be needing to buy a press. The logic behind and the thoroughness of this video has been much appreciated. Thank you Rex! Claus
I have a well loved old Bonanza CO-AX. Your video on mounting the press is outstanding. It has made a great press easier, more comfortable and productive. The presentation is professional and well organized. I have share the link on several reloading sites. Thank you for sharing.
This is by far the most professional and high quality video I have ever seen for reloading equipment or anything else for that matter. You might want to start a business making instruction videos for other products!
Rex, based upon your recommendation in another press manufacturer video you filmed and after watching this video and your follow-up 'Forster Co-Ax Update' video, I've had my name on the restock 'NOTIFICATION' list at several online Forster Co-Ax Press retailers since January. I was finally able to order one 3 weeks ago and received it two weeks ago. YAY! Now, if the retailers could just be able to restock and sell those elusive primers.
Your perseverance has paid off. You'll get a lifetime of good use from that machine. Of course you can say that about a lot of good reloading presses and equipment. I think the Co-Ax is special and you will enjoy it...once those primers start hitting the shelves again. It's gloomy days right now for those of us who've spent lifetimes pursuing the safe, sane, sporting aspects of firearms.
After using my co-ax press for .44 Magnum/9 mm/.38 spl & .380 I keep returning to this video & others by Rex to further learn & improve my process. Just well done, thank you
I just stumbled on this channel and I’m glad I did. I’m just getting into reloading and am really seriously looking at the Forster press. Like Joey says I will be returning to this video when I’m ready to load 9mm and 357 Mag. Being OCD a single stage will be perfect for me as I shoot 100 - 150 rounds a week and I can control the process from go to end. Thanks for the video Rex just what I needed.
That was a very well done and informative video. I had mine-before we built our new house and that was 33 years ago. I am 74 pushing 75 and have loaded thousands of rounds with it. Still works like new with no wear that I can discern. Still love the press and have several other makes. I use the Dillon for pistol rounds that I shoot large quantities of ammo with, but use this one for rifles just about all the time. Again a well done video.
Thanks, Ron. It's very nice to have someone else verify the things I've been saying here. I love it when you talk about your "new" house that was built 33 years ago. I know exactly what you mean.
Fantastic review, Mr. Rex. You showed all of the important benefits over other single stage presses and just sold another for Forster. Keep the great videos coming! Thank you!
I just ordered my Co-ax from MidwayUSA. Shocked to see they finally had them back in stock. Jumped on one instantly, and can not wait to replace my Lyman T-mag.
After researching presses for my reloading upgrades you answered all the questions I had. Thank you. Forster should be sponsoring you!! I'm ordering one right now.
Great review. I bought a Forster co-ax press some 10 years ago, to load the big Sharps cartridges. When I tried to prime my 40-90 cases, the handle wouldn't clear the case mouth. The solution that I came up with, was to mill 1/4" off the bottom of the priming block then re-bluing the milled side. I queried Forster before I did this, they thought it was a great idea and told me to go ahead and mill the block. That was it, problem solved. This IS the best reloading press there is, as far as I'm concerned.
My first press, purchased about 30 years ago. I've tried a truckload of them since that first buy. I have presses squirreled away that I have forgotten about, presses I'd be happy to sell to someone else. Good ammo can be made with any of them. But that Coax press is for a lifetime. No, it is not for trade or sale; go buy your own!
Hello Rex, Forster Co-Ax a produces ammo with less run-out than many other conventional "O"-style presses for threaded dies. The Co-Ax's spring-loaded shell holder jaws float with the die, allowing cases to correctly center in the die. Dies snap easily in and out of the jaws so you can change dies in a couple of seconds. After you video, I started to use the primer system the Co-Ax, it's very consistent and very precise. This press is very good! I’m going to buy another one.
Excellent! One of the best press reviews I've watched. I wish I'd seen your review before I purchased my Hornady Iron Press. I did consider the CoAx press but went with the Iron press due to the ease of priming brass as it has a automatic priming feature similar to a progressive press, which I'm use to. But really like the CoAx press. And even more so after watching your video. When I get into precision shooting, I might have to get one.
Very nice presentation. A friend wants one of these and I think your video helped him a lot to decide. He likes the innovative mechanical design of this press. I would not insert primers into the press with my [bare] fingers. I always use tweezers. Thank you for the highly useful information.
It’s an extremely precise priming system, but it is VERY slow handling the primers one at a time. Still, for twenty precision rifle rounds say, it would be just fine.
I’ve had mine for forty years. I think I paid $75 for it. I also have a Rock Chucker that I purchased about 1990 to replace my original Rock Chucker I sold because I had a RCBS Big Max. I sold the Big Max at a huge profit and went back to the Rock Chucker with no regrets. I need to order a contemporary yoke for the Bonanza that will clear my RCBS Competition Seater Die. Here’s the deal, get a plate from Forster that takes RCBS shell holders to use Lee Collet Dies on the Co Axe press. The Co Axe universal shell holder doesn’t work well at all with them. In all the time I have had it I had one instance of spent primers bridging in the drop tube and then demolishing the decap rod when they backed up. I finally used an old twist drill to get them dislodged and clear the tube. Then I ordered a new one because it was pretty rough on the inside after that incident. They were really packed in tight. It’s my primary press and has been for decades. I wouldn’t be without a Rock Chucker though. Even though it does not handle spent primers as well as the Forster, it has its own virtues. For one I have an original RCBS Case Kicker on it any that speeds up running brass through a decap die before cleaning it and that is a big deal when returning from a week or two shooting prairie dogs. I also use seater dies that have micrometers atop of them on the Rock Chucker. I suppose that if I ever get round to ordering a contemporary yoke for the Co Axe I will use them there instead.
This is an excellent video that demonstrates an intimate user perspective, while describing the features of the press. I saw the Forster Co-Ax at SHOT show, and realized it is probably what I'm looking for. I prefer to prime on the press, and I like quick change dies. This eliminates needing to buy bushings as well for quick change systems.
LRRPFco52 the priming system is amazingly precise, if somewhat slow. One benchrest expert claims it's better than the Sinclair hand primer which is the gold standard of that game. Thanks for the kind remarks.
No hurry on that. I appreciate the help. I have been using the stock long handle modified to be the same length the same as the OEM part, but with a ball installed on the end. I never tried it with the bicycle grip type handle. Maybe my hand and wrist is better off for that.
Rex, I watched both of your videos and I thought you presented the features of the press very well. It seems that the single stage float die holder is almost as convenient as a turret press (which are pricey too). There must be a way that this press could be cantilevered to one side so the press is open to the reloader. I guess I would like to see a RCBS Summit press with the Forster Free Float & Universal Shell holder system. Hearing the laundry in the background made me smile... That was very charming :)
Ha ha. I make sure my atmosphere is authentic. We all know the sound of laundry machinery frequently accompanies reloading. Now, to your more important point - I have just installed a steel mount for my press that cantilevers and rotates it for perfect positioning. My plan is to make a short video about that today. I'm getting a haircut at 1, so I've been waiting for that to look good for you guys. HA!! This mounting is not like any I've seen, although there's rarely anything new under the sun. Still, you may get some ideas for a solid, and INEXPENSIVE addition to your reloading bench.
Sir yr discription and-evaluation of the press is excellent,,,,very clear and precise ....some others should take lessons from you.....thank for the video ...
Thanks and congratulations. I'm sure if I were reduced to just one press, it would be this one. And one more time for emphasis: I do NOT have any connection with Forster. They don't know me from Adam's house cat. On the other hand, should they contact me and offer to send some of their products for testing and evaluation, I'm their boy. (Think that was subtle enough?)
Rex - not sure if you are using the Forster Co-Ax anymore but i did not hear your commentary regarding case neck and bullet run out. Can you give us some data on that, especially in comparison to a Rock Chucker or Redding Boss with the same dies and batch of brass. Excellent reviews, you must be a fellow engineer with a love of precision and mechanical design. Thanks
Outstanding! If others who post videos here would do so in the manner you have. Clear, factual, brilliantly presented information. Thanks, I've subscribed to your channel.
Reviewing this video. Influenced my purchase years ago, and has real staying power. Has some quirks - some drama between a smart user who developed an improved design for the jaws, and Forster classically and sadly attacked the design, then "stole" it - now offered on their web site. There are other, less tedious ways to prime, so don't use it for that. The shining characteristic is as Rex stated early in the video, is the self-centering design. Another excellent trait is the relatively better, and balanced leverage with the design. In fact, it is so good, one can get in trouble, if for example, one went light on case lubrication, one can easily find oneself with a stuck case (the jaw of the shell holder will release before destroying the case) - so, one should have on hand an excellent stuck case removal tool (no surprise, Forster sells one). For many years, the armorers backing the US Army marksmanship team, used exclusively Co-Ax presses, and that's saying something.
I had a question. I have a Forster co-ax press. I never could get it to size my brass to a consistent size on my brass. I have used lapua brass. Starliner and rws. Forster full size die and rcbs dies and Lee dies. I'm getting.(.004) on the high for sizing on my headspace. I'm using constant speed and pressure bringing the jaws up to the dies . I'm trying to figure out how to make my brass the exact same size as the next piece of brass with all being the same.
Hey Rex, thank you for a very well done review. I've been wanting to upgrade my Redding Big Boss II , and your demonstration of the die switching was a big help. So of course, I now wanted one now, but they are nearly impossible to find. Ended up paying nearly list price for a new one off eBay today. Oh, and I bought a Bench Source annealer a couple of weeks ago. Your video on it was as excellent as the product.
Absolutely fantastic video Rex- Your camera work is simply perfect- you artfully showed every facet of the machine, and yes I just bought one too. hah - It really is fantastic engineering.
Very nice review, well done. Answered a number of questions I had & I'm leaning in this direction for a single stage press for my .44/9mm & .380 rounds. Thank you,
In answer to S,G, I think the ideal press would be the design concept of the Sinclair press, but with a capability of being able to load a 4" long (before the bullet is seated) cartridge, this would take advantage of the excellent leverage provided by this design, the vertical guides would need to be moved apart to clear a .75" Dia case head,(or cap up on a separate tool), and I would want an solid1" dia screw in reloading die capability get rid of the ridiculous slot in quick change gizmo (the die is only supported in 4 threads in an aluminium ring).But you would have to make it yourself !
That was a great review thanks for your time. I am going to get one of these. I must say your reviews are some of the most thought out and professional videos I have seen
Great video. I am seriously considering one of these. I've looked at Dillons and just decided they are more than I need. I enjoy single stage reloading. Would have like to seen how the plates change out etc. Thanks of the presentation.
At first it would seem that way, but consider that the dies move freely and always stop at the same point. The bullet seating and shoulder displacement is very consistent.
Awesome review, thanks for posting! I use a Bonanza Co-Ax and was curious to know what the priming station was like on the newer press. On the fence on upgrading my press. :)
Ya... Jeff Buck told me about this 6 months ago and I have been in love since... It just makes sense in a single stage precision press. So well thought through.
Rex, fantastic review. I bought a Forster Co-Ax, but it did not have the adjustment tool for the primer seater. I cannot find a product number or name to order one. Can you help?
Scott, I'm not 100% sure what you mean by adjustment tool, but if you're speaking of the little plug with a large and small primer size stud on each end that is used to align the case when setting the jaws, it's called the Reloading Press - Locator for Case Priming, part no. 028271-018, list price from Forster is $10.80. You can probably get it for less from Midway or Brownells. If you bought the press new and it was missing, Forster will probably take your word and replace it free.
An incredibly detailed review. I was pondering between the new iron press from Hornady and this Coax. The Hornady has the quicker primer system. But I like the design of the coax. And that you don't need to keep buying shell holders. Also just want to use for rifle loading 308 and 22 hornet. And not loading that much at a time that I need a 100 primers in a tube
+Skilpadjie1 Thank you very much. I think you'll find most handloaders eventually get away from priming on a press and use hand or bench priming tools. But you're right, when loading a few rifle rounds, priming one at a time on the CoAx is not a problem. Thanks for commenting.
+Skilpadjie1 I like to use a Lee hand primer; very quick, plus no oil from my fingers gets on the primers. From Rex's videos, it looks as if the Co-Ax primer system is slower than just using one of the simple hand primers. I haven't received my new Co-Ax yet, and have never seen one in action, so I could be wrong.
Hotstixlix You are correct. The one-at-a-time Co-Ax priming system, while very precise, is slower than hand or bench tools. On the other hand, it is quite handy when you've put away all the other tools and need to prime just one or two more.
+Hotstixlix ive bought mine after seeing this review in December. its honestly by far the best single stage ever. ive got shorter handle on. still very easy to load. but changing dies on it is seriously so quick and handy. you can load and size with a shorter handle with two fingers. even if you forget to lube. its got alot if power/leverage.
Absolutely! For some reason, it doesn't look as "powerful" to many people as other designs, but I have several presses including the big Redding Ultra Mag, and the Co-Ax takes a back seat to no one in the leverage department. The short handle rarely comes off of mine.
What a fine review. I have got a Rock Chucker Supreme press, and it seems to be ok. I load 6,5 x 55, and i tryed the trick you did in the video...and its all straight :-) Never the less, i think that the Forster CoAx press is a better design to overcome that problem. Allan Winther, Denmark.
Thanks for the reviews. The reviews are what were the final impetus for me to get the Co-Ax Press I had been looking at for a while. I have been using and enjoying the press for a while now thanks to you. I do not have the short ball handle, but I do have a suitable sized ball and tube stock. Would you mind taking a quick measurement of the length of the handle assembly, including the ball, that sticks out of the end of the red yoke casting, or if easier, the length of the whole assembly, when removed from the casting? I would like to duplicate a handle on the cheap at the short factory length. Thanks!
+Danny O Give me until next week because I'm away from the press right now. I use the short ball handle probably 90% of the time, so you will be glad you made one. I can tell you it's very close to 12 inches long including the ball, but I will give you some exact numbers.
Thank you for an excellent overview on using the Forster Co-Ax press. I bought a one year old used one for a great price, and have had a great experience learning to reload. I was really impressed with the way you angled the press, catch container, and bench extension in your Forster Updated video! Would you please share how you mounted the catch container to the underside of your bench? Please include details such as the brand of container etc. Thank you! kraz
Others may know more, but I think the only difference is the addition of two pins in the black jaw housing to retain those two little springs. That's a nice touch, but it's certainly not a deal breaker if you are looking at a B4.
Now, that was a very nice review. No loud, crazy music, no flashing lights and good, straight to the point information. Well done, Rex!
The best review of anything I have seen on youtube.
Very well done. You should give yourself a pat on the back!
One of the best youtube videos I've seen reviewing a product! Looks like a great press to get started with for precision reloading.
Sir, you should be asking Forster for a commission because they just sold another press after i watched this video. Excellent review.
Michael Streeter Thanks, Michael. I suppose I should contact Forster and see if they have any new products I could "evaluate" for them. ;>) Meanwhile, rest assured what you see in my videos is all me. I have no connection with any company.
make that two, I just bought one based on this review
Three!
Dan Four
hell, 5!
This has got to be the best review of ANY product on TH-cam..... You Sir are a Professional! I have NO questions about this press at all! Thank you!
Thank you Sir for another super fine informational video. This is the first press I started using in about 1990. I still use it for precision loading. Like the universal shell plate, the three universal priming fingers can be reversed to accommodate different size shell cases. However, I use the bench mounted Bonanza primer system as it has a primer feeding tube, same 3 universal jaws.
I must agree with the others. You presented this in a excellent fashion that answered every question I could think of. Thank you very much.
+Russell Ramsey My pleasure. Thanks for your comment.
One of the finest TH-cam videos I have ever seen. Thank you so much for making and sharing it.
Excellent video Rex! Thanks for taking the time to give us the tour on the Forster!
Thanks Rex! I have to agree with everyone here. The best and most concise review I believe I've ever seen.
Thank you for the awesome videos. I appreciate the effort you put into changing the camera angle when discussing the various aspects of the press. You know how to use the camera, and the world is a better place because of it.
It's comments like yours that make this all worthwhile. Thanks so much. I'm inspired to try again.
"Fantastic Job", on producing an extremely informative video about the Forster press.
I tried navigating through Forster's 1980s style webpage and found that 10 minutes here was all that was needed.
Thanks for posting this up!
vnhan You know what? That's exactly the frustration I felt when I was considering this press initially, and that's what led me to do this video. Glad you enjoyed it.
I do think your video report on this Co Ax press is one of the best on TH-cam, very clear, informative, and presented at the right speed, many thanks ! What a great pity it was wasted on such a poorly designed press.
What press system do you prefer by design and function?
Hello from Europe, i am just getting into reloading (for the 6.5 and 7 x 57 mauser), and i will be needing to buy a press. The logic behind and the thoroughness of this video has been much appreciated. Thank you Rex!
Claus
I have a well loved old Bonanza CO-AX. Your video on mounting the press is outstanding. It has made a great press easier, more comfortable and productive. The presentation is professional and well organized. I have share the link on several reloading sites. Thank you for sharing.
Thank YOU for sharing. That means a lot. Mostly, I'm happy that it helped you.
Most excellent presentation!. Great camera work, tells us what we need to know without a lot of extraneous chatter. Thank you for making this video.
This is by far the most professional and high quality video I have ever seen for reloading equipment or anything else for that matter.
You might want to start a business making instruction videos for other products!
Rex, based upon your recommendation in another press manufacturer video you filmed and after watching this video and your follow-up 'Forster Co-Ax Update' video, I've had my name on the restock 'NOTIFICATION' list at several online Forster Co-Ax Press retailers since January. I was finally able to order one 3 weeks ago and received it two weeks ago. YAY! Now, if the retailers could just be able to restock and sell those elusive primers.
Your perseverance has paid off. You'll get a lifetime of good use from that machine. Of course you can say that about a lot of good reloading presses and equipment. I think the Co-Ax is special and you will enjoy it...once those primers start hitting the shelves again. It's gloomy days right now for those of us who've spent lifetimes pursuing the safe, sane, sporting aspects of firearms.
After using my co-ax press for .44 Magnum/9 mm/.38 spl & .380 I keep returning to this video & others by Rex to further learn & improve my process. Just well done, thank you
Thank you, Joey. That really means a lot to hear that.
I just stumbled on this channel and I’m glad I did. I’m just getting into reloading and am really seriously looking at the Forster press. Like Joey says I will be returning to this video when I’m ready to load 9mm and 357 Mag. Being OCD a single stage will be perfect for me as I shoot 100 - 150 rounds a week and I can control the process from go to end. Thanks for the video Rex just what I needed.
That was a very well done and informative video.
I had mine-before we built our new house and that was 33 years ago. I am 74 pushing 75 and have loaded thousands of rounds with it. Still works like new with no wear that I can discern. Still love the press and have several other makes. I use the Dillon for pistol rounds that I shoot large quantities of ammo with, but use this one for rifles just about all the time.
Again a well done video.
Thanks, Ron. It's very nice to have someone else verify the things I've been saying here. I love it when you talk about your "new" house that was built 33 years ago. I know exactly what you mean.
Been watching your videos for months now, well done. my forster co-ax will be here wensday.
Fantastic review, Mr. Rex. You showed all of the important benefits over other single stage presses and just sold another for Forster. Keep the great videos coming! Thank you!
My pleasure. Thanks for your kind words.
I just ordered my Co-ax from MidwayUSA. Shocked to see they finally had them back in stock. Jumped on one instantly, and can not wait to replace my Lyman T-mag.
What a fine job! Has to be one of the best orchestrated videos I've ever seen, thank you so much.
Extremely kind of you to say that.
@@RexRoach You are welcome sir. No I'm scouring the internet for a Forster press, everyone is out of stock! Also I noticed the USMC decal, Semper Fi!
After researching presses for my reloading upgrades you answered all the questions I had. Thank you. Forster should be sponsoring you!! I'm ordering one right now.
I'm delighted my video answered your questions. Yeah, it would be nice to have a sponsor, but not having one insures you're getting unbiased opinions.
Thank you for taking the time to do this video sir! I am sold.
Great review.
I bought a Forster co-ax press some 10 years ago, to load the big Sharps cartridges.
When I tried to prime my 40-90 cases, the handle wouldn't clear the case mouth.
The solution that I came up with, was to mill 1/4" off the bottom of the priming block then re-bluing the milled side.
I queried Forster before I did this, they thought it was a great idea and told me to go ahead and mill the block.
That was it, problem solved.
This IS the best reloading press there is, as far as I'm concerned.
My first press, purchased about 30 years ago. I've tried a truckload of them since that first buy. I have presses squirreled away that I have forgotten about, presses I'd be happy to sell to someone else. Good ammo can be made with any of them. But that Coax press is for a lifetime. No, it is not for trade or sale; go buy your own!
Hello Rex,
Forster Co-Ax a produces ammo with less run-out than many other conventional "O"-style presses for threaded dies. The Co-Ax's spring-loaded shell holder jaws float with the die, allowing cases to correctly center in the die. Dies snap easily in and out of the jaws so you can change dies in a couple of seconds.
After you video, I started to use the primer system the Co-Ax, it's very consistent and very precise.
This press is very good! I’m going to buy another one.
Excellent! One of the best press reviews I've watched. I wish I'd seen your review before I purchased my Hornady Iron Press. I did consider the CoAx press but went with the Iron press due to the ease of priming brass as it has a automatic priming feature similar to a progressive press, which I'm use to. But really like the CoAx press. And even more so after watching your video. When I get into precision shooting, I might have to get one.
Hornady's products are all top notch. If you plan to prime on the press, you made the right choice. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Very nice presentation. A friend wants one of these and I think your video helped him a lot to decide. He likes the innovative mechanical design of this press. I would not insert primers into the press with my [bare] fingers. I always use tweezers. Thank you for the highly useful information.
great job on the video. very well detailed and well spoken. the information and camera shots were perfect. thank you
Neat. Reminds me a little of an old Lyman press I had that actually came permanently mounted from the factory in a Lyman marked toolbox......
Great review and camera work. One of the thorough reviews I've seen. Liked and subscribed.
Best review of the co-ax. Underrated video
This video is perfection. A fantastic review. You sold me on this press.
I can just agree with previous commentors. The most well made review I've seen yet on youtube. Thanks and well done!
Thank you for talking about the priming system! I didn't even know this press had that because nobody else's review mentions it!
It’s an extremely precise priming system, but it is VERY slow handling the primers one at a time. Still, for twenty precision rifle rounds say, it would be just fine.
I’ve had mine for forty years. I think I paid $75 for it. I also have a Rock Chucker that I purchased about 1990 to replace my original Rock Chucker I sold because I had a RCBS Big Max. I sold the Big Max at a huge profit and went back to the Rock Chucker with no regrets. I need to order a contemporary yoke for the Bonanza that will clear my RCBS Competition Seater Die.
Here’s the deal, get a plate from Forster that takes RCBS shell holders to use Lee Collet Dies on the Co Axe press. The Co Axe universal shell holder doesn’t work well at all with them.
In all the time I have had it I had one instance of spent primers bridging in the drop tube and then demolishing the decap rod when they backed up. I finally used an old twist drill to get them dislodged and clear the tube. Then I ordered a new one because it was pretty rough on the inside after that incident. They were really packed in tight.
It’s my primary press and has been for decades. I wouldn’t be without a Rock Chucker though. Even though it does not handle spent primers as well as the Forster, it has its own virtues. For one I have an original RCBS Case Kicker on it any that speeds up running brass through a decap die before cleaning it and that is a big deal when returning from a week or two shooting prairie dogs. I also use seater dies that have micrometers atop of them on the Rock Chucker. I suppose that if I ever get round to ordering a contemporary yoke for the Co Axe I will use them there instead.
An excellent overview and explanation.
Thank you for making and posting this.
Rex, excellent commentary, review and photography. Brilliant work, thank you for your help to others.
Peter Crane thanks so much.
Excellent video Sir! I'm sold on my first press now!
This is an excellent video that demonstrates an intimate user perspective, while describing the features of the press. I saw the Forster Co-Ax at SHOT show, and realized it is probably what I'm looking for. I prefer to prime on the press, and I like quick change dies. This eliminates needing to buy bushings as well for quick change systems.
LRRPFco52 the priming system is amazingly precise, if somewhat slow. One benchrest expert claims it's better than the Sinclair hand primer which is the gold standard of that game. Thanks for the kind remarks.
No hurry on that. I appreciate the help. I have been using the stock long handle modified to be the same length the same as the OEM part, but with a ball installed on the end. I never tried it with the bicycle grip type handle. Maybe my hand and wrist is better off for that.
Rex, I watched both of your videos and I thought you presented the features of the press very well. It seems that the single stage float die holder is almost as convenient as a turret press (which are pricey too). There must be a way that this press could be cantilevered to one side so the press is open to the reloader. I guess I would like to see a RCBS Summit press with the Forster Free Float & Universal Shell holder system.
Hearing the laundry in the background made me smile... That was very charming :)
Ha ha. I make sure my atmosphere is authentic. We all know the sound of laundry machinery frequently accompanies reloading.
Now, to your more important point - I have just installed a steel mount for my press that cantilevers and rotates it for perfect positioning. My plan is to make a short video about that today. I'm getting a haircut at 1, so I've been waiting for that to look good for you guys. HA!!
This mounting is not like any I've seen, although there's rarely anything new under the sun. Still, you may get some ideas for a solid, and INEXPENSIVE addition to your reloading bench.
Sir yr discription and-evaluation of the press is excellent,,,,very clear and precise ....some others should take lessons from you.....thank for the video ...
+John Sousouris Thank you, John, for your kind, thoughtful remarks.
Best review and explanation on this press that I have seen so far. Excellent job Sir. Thanks for sharing.
Great presentation. I wish more people knew how to explain things logically, like you do!
That was a very nice thing to say. Thank you.
Excellent review, very helpful. Going to watch your update video now!
Great review, thank you for posting it for us! I just placed an order for one and it'll arrive in time for Christmas!
Thanks and congratulations. I'm sure if I were reduced to just one press, it would be this one. And one more time for emphasis: I do NOT have any connection with Forster. They don't know me from Adam's house cat. On the other hand, should they contact me and offer to send some of their products for testing and evaluation, I'm their boy. (Think that was subtle enough?)
Great video! Thank you for taking the time to cover everything.
Rex - not sure if you are using the Forster Co-Ax anymore but i did not hear your commentary regarding case neck and bullet run out. Can you give us some data on that, especially in comparison to a Rock Chucker or Redding Boss with the same dies and batch of brass.
Excellent reviews, you must be a fellow engineer with a love of precision and mechanical design. Thanks
Have had one for years, great press
The Forster is certainly a great contender or even a better reloading press than most. Excellent review and demonstration.
Outstanding! If others who post videos here would do so in the manner you have. Clear, factual, brilliantly presented information. Thanks, I've subscribed to your channel.
Great video. I am sold on the forster co ax. Thanks for all the help rex!!!
+Kevin Mears You're very welcome. And thank you for the comment.
Reviewing this video. Influenced my purchase years ago, and has real staying power. Has some quirks - some drama between a smart user who developed an improved design for the jaws, and Forster classically and sadly attacked the design, then "stole" it - now offered on their web site. There are other, less tedious ways to prime, so don't use it for that. The shining characteristic is as Rex stated early in the video, is the self-centering design. Another excellent trait is the relatively better, and balanced leverage with the design. In fact, it is so good, one can get in trouble, if for example, one went light on case lubrication, one can easily find oneself with a stuck case (the jaw of the shell holder will release before destroying the case) - so, one should have on hand an excellent stuck case removal tool (no surprise, Forster sells one). For many years, the armorers backing the US Army marksmanship team, used exclusively Co-Ax presses, and that's saying something.
Excellent review... great camera work, too. Would love to see more vids with your reloading advice.
I had a question. I have a Forster co-ax press. I never could get it to size my brass to a consistent size on my brass. I have used lapua brass. Starliner and rws. Forster full size die and rcbs dies and Lee dies. I'm getting.(.004) on the high for sizing on my headspace. I'm using constant speed and pressure bringing the jaws up to the dies . I'm trying to figure out how to make my brass the exact same size as the next piece of brass with all being the same.
Hey Rex, thank you for a very well done review. I've been wanting to upgrade my Redding Big Boss II , and your demonstration of the die switching was a big help. So of course, I now wanted one now, but they are nearly impossible to find. Ended up paying nearly list price for a new one off eBay today. Oh, and I bought a Bench Source annealer a couple of weeks ago. Your video on it was as excellent as the product.
Thanks, they're both such nice products it's hard to do a bad job in a review.
Thanks you done a great review, looks like a fantastic machine
Fantastic introduction to the Co-Ax press.Thank you!
Absolutely fantastic video Rex- Your camera work is simply perfect- you artfully showed every facet of the machine, and yes I just bought one too. hah - It really is fantastic engineering.
Thanks, Austin. That is most generous praise. I really appreciate it.
Very nice review, well done. Answered a number of questions I had & I'm leaning in this direction for a single stage press for my .44/9mm & .380 rounds. Thank you,
Thanks for your kind remarks. IMHO a single stage is the way to start out in reloading.
What an awesome demo video of the Forster press! Thanks so much.
Thanks for commenting. Glad you enjoyed it. Watch for a follow-up in a few days.
awesome review and video, thanks for taking the time to make it Well shot.
great video. thanks. I hadn't heard of forster before today, but now I want one.
I will post a follow-up in a few days, and thanks for commenting.
In answer to S,G, I think the ideal press would be the design concept of the Sinclair press, but with a capability of being able to load a 4" long (before the bullet is seated) cartridge, this would take advantage of the excellent leverage provided by this design, the vertical guides would need to be moved apart to clear a .75" Dia case head,(or cap up on a separate tool), and I would want an solid1" dia screw in reloading die capability get rid of the ridiculous slot in quick change gizmo (the die is only supported in 4 threads in an aluminium ring).But you would have to make it yourself !
That was a great review thanks for your time. I am going to get one of these. I must say your reviews are some of the most thought out and professional videos I have seen
How nice of you to say. Thanks.
Great video. I am seriously considering one of these. I've looked at Dillons and just decided they are more than I need. I enjoy single stage reloading. Would have like to seen how the plates change out etc. Thanks of the presentation.
Here's my video on shell plate changeover and other tricks: th-cam.com/video/ulnst-Jb0R4/w-d-xo.html
What about the vertical play of the dies in that slot? Seems like that introduces potential inconsistency for bullet seating and case resizing.
At first it would seem that way, but consider that the dies move freely and always stop at the same point. The bullet seating and shoulder displacement is very consistent.
Excellent video and soothing demeanor at that!
Excellent video! You addressed every question I had about this press. Thank you
Excellent video. Only thing I cannot find in any videos about this press is, can 30-06 be loaded on it? Because of of its overall length.
Absolutely. In another video I show a range of large cartridges with this press. One is the 7mm Rem Magnum which is longer than a .30-06.
Great review. Thanks for posting.
Awesome review, thanks for posting! I use a Bonanza Co-Ax and was curious to know what the priming station was like on the newer press. On the fence on upgrading my press. :)
Thank you for this very informative video. Your camera work was excellent.
And thank you for sharing the video.
An excellent review, thanks for taking the time to do this.
My pleasure. Thanks for commenting.
Great review, helped me a lot in finding the right press...Thanks from Germany
You're quite welcome. I enjoy hearing from viewers outside the U.S.
Very nice and well made video. Have been drooling over this press for sometime now..
Tell your wife, "Honey, just for you I'm going to buy this press so I can stop messing up the house with my drool."
Ya... Jeff Buck told me about this 6 months ago and I have been in love since... It just makes sense in a single stage precision press. So well thought through.
facebook.com/groups/Reloading.and.Shooting.Speak.Easy/
I’m fighting the urge to get yet another reloading press right now…
Great overview video of the press.
Fathers Day is just around the corner. Just sayin'
Thanks Rex - I just ordered a Co-Ax. I feel ready to go having watched your video. I also just subscribed to your channel.
Thank you, sir!
Great job on the review, thank you
Rex, you are a natural educator. I'm pretty stupid, and even I understand what you are teaching.
What a nice compliment, BP. Thank you very much.
Rex, fantastic review. I bought a Forster Co-Ax, but it did not have the adjustment tool for the primer seater. I cannot find a product number or name to order one. Can you help?
Scott, I'm not 100% sure what you mean by adjustment tool, but if you're speaking of the little plug with a large and small primer size stud on each end that is used to align the case when setting the jaws, it's called the Reloading Press - Locator for Case Priming, part no. 028271-018, list price from Forster is $10.80. You can probably get it for less from Midway or Brownells. If you bought the press new and it was missing, Forster will probably take your word and replace it free.
An incredibly detailed review. I was pondering between the new iron press from Hornady and this Coax. The Hornady has the quicker primer system. But I like the design of the coax. And that you don't need to keep buying shell holders. Also just want to use for rifle loading 308 and 22 hornet. And not loading that much at a time that I need a 100 primers in a tube
+Skilpadjie1 Thank you very much. I think you'll find most handloaders eventually get away from priming on a press and use hand or bench priming tools. But you're right, when loading a few rifle rounds, priming one at a time on the CoAx is not a problem. Thanks for commenting.
+Skilpadjie1 I like to use a Lee hand primer; very quick, plus no oil from my fingers gets on the primers. From Rex's videos, it looks as if the Co-Ax primer system is slower than just using one of the simple hand primers. I haven't received my new Co-Ax yet, and have never seen one in action, so I could be wrong.
Hotstixlix You are correct. The one-at-a-time Co-Ax priming system, while very precise, is slower than hand or bench tools. On the other hand, it is quite handy when you've put away all the other tools and need to prime just one or two more.
+Hotstixlix ive bought mine after seeing this review in December. its honestly by far the best single stage ever. ive got shorter handle on. still very easy to load. but changing dies on it is seriously so quick and handy. you can load and size with a shorter handle with two fingers. even if you forget to lube. its got alot if power/leverage.
Absolutely! For some reason, it doesn't look as "powerful" to many people as other designs, but I have several presses including the big Redding Ultra Mag, and the Co-Ax takes a back seat to no one in the leverage department. The short handle rarely comes off of mine.
Talk about a very informant review and i love the close up! I'm ordering a press from them as watch this video!
Thanks for the nice comments. You'll be pleased with the press. I've never regretted buying quality products.
Perfectly explained I understood everything said 😀 many thanks for your upload.
What a fine review. I have got a Rock Chucker Supreme press, and it seems to be ok. I load 6,5 x 55, and i tryed the trick you did in the video...and its all straight :-) Never the less, i think that the Forster CoAx press is a better design to overcome that problem. Allan Winther, Denmark.
Thanks, Allan. I have a Rock Chucker Supreme as well and it's a great press. I appreciate your note and kind comment.
Rex, Simply A Fantastic Job On This !!
Thanks for the reviews. The reviews are what were the final impetus for me to get the Co-Ax Press I had been looking at for a while. I have been using and enjoying the press for a while now thanks to you. I do not have the short ball handle, but I do have a suitable sized ball and tube stock. Would you mind taking a quick measurement of the length of the handle assembly, including the ball, that sticks out of the end of the red yoke casting, or if easier, the length of the whole assembly, when removed from the casting? I would like to duplicate a handle on the cheap at the short factory length. Thanks!
+Danny O Give me until next week because I'm away from the press right now. I use the short ball handle probably 90% of the time, so you will be glad you made one. I can tell you it's very close to 12 inches long including the ball, but I will give you some exact numbers.
Seem to cover about every aspect, good informational video..
I not reloading yet, but I think I'd wear gloves when directly handling primers to avoid cross contamination.
Thank you for an excellent overview on using the Forster Co-Ax press. I bought a one year old used one for a great price, and have had a great experience learning to reload. I was really impressed with the way you angled the press, catch container, and bench extension in your Forster Updated video! Would you please share how you mounted the catch container to the underside of your bench? Please include details such as the brand of container etc. Thank you! kraz
I've been working with some variations on mounting the press and the containers. I will do a short video on that soon. Thanks.
Excellent demo
Outstanding review. You have "the voice." What is the difference between the B4 and B5 models?
Others may know more, but I think the only difference is the addition of two pins in the black jaw housing to retain those two little springs. That's a nice touch, but it's certainly not a deal breaker if you are looking at a B4.
Thank you for the speedy response, sir.
Great Video and Review of this Press... many thanks
Great video/review. I have a LNL AP only would like a single stage for 30-06 or 308. Think this is the ticket. Thanks for Your effort. Lonnie R.
Great review thanks for this video.
Very good video. Thank you very much