Got one of these in an estate sale. Was old enough it was labeled "Bonanza" in the casting vs forster. I rebuilt it and powder coated to make her look new. I love that dang thing.
I've had my Co-Ax for about seven years, I love the nearly perfect ammo that it produces, and the crazy small groups that ammo makes. The thing Iblike the most is the self centering achieved from the shell holder floating in the x axis and the die floating in the y axis. I don't bother to check run-out any more. FL size, neck turn, load, shoot, bushing size/bump size, wash, rinse, repeat. Hope you enjoy your Co-Ax.
I loaded for years on an old RCBS partner press and was happy w the results, until I bought my Co-ax and saw an immediate improvement in accuracy in my rifles! It wasn’t a huge difference but it was measurable. My .308 went from shooting half inch groups to shooting in the .3-.4 range. My shooting is the limiting factor most likely. Now I am working on my Dillon 550 to get it more consistent.
I bought mine back in 2005. I use this press more than any other press. It's the fastest press I've ever used. Make sure you buy a pack Forster lock rings for your dies.
Have been reloading .44 magnums & .38 spl with my forester for about 6 months and really enjoy working with this great piece of equipment. Yes it might be slower than other presses but it works for me. Thanks for the video.
I like everyone having quality reviews. What many don’t elaborate on is the fact that the CO-AX press has been around for years. It was originally manufactured by Bonanza before they were purchased by Forster in 1984. I have owned mine for 40 years. Nothing really new guys!
I enjoyed watching your reviews of the Co=Ax and the Mec Bushmaster. Do you have a preference for one or the other? Also, are Mighty Armory dies usable in the Co-Ax?
Great channel....subbed and just purchased this press from Scheels they were only ones that had them in stock. I am a newbie to reloading and starting to gather up all the necessary accessories...super excited to start reloading I need a hobby that will allow me to shoot more 😀
One of the best things you can get for the Co-Ax is a jaw plate upgrade made by "Manzgear". He has a video on youtube about them. Good to deal with and well made. You start swapping jaws with springs popping out of the original plate, remember this. Another worthy upgrade is the short handle sold by Forster. Forster die rings work best with Co-Ax. Hornady steel rings work, they are thinner. This allows some vertical die movement when using but works without issue.
Curious: Please excuse me if you have another video that goes over you bench. I’d love a link. I would like to know what you did to your bench to build the rail system for the mounts. The concept seems well thought out to be able to slide your mounts for the presses left and right on your bench.
You will love it. Only advise I have is really pay attention to your dies for bumping magnum cartridges. Depending on the brand the dies will bottom out on base of press before bumping the neck.
Interested to see how it works for you. I've had one for about a year now and have produced the most concentric and accurate ammo of my life with it (using Redding dies) for multiple calibers, but namely 6.5 creedmoor. Looking forward to your loading/shooting/review. :)
yes i would also like to see this comparison, what is a more accurate reloading press, assume this would also depend on the Die and would need to both use the same, it would also be good to extend this to a Die comparison as well, LE Wilson v Forster etc cheers.
Hey Gavin great video! Got a question; I use Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater Dies with all my calibers and was wondering how well it works on Co-Ax press specific to micro seating adjustments. On my Lee Classic Cast, the die is locked down and easy to turn the dial when making those .0005 adjustments. So how do you hold the die when turning the dial? Thanks, Tom
Nice press, really interesting design. Can't see using it seated though, considering how much you had to move out of the way of each stroke while operating it. Food for thought. Thanks for the video.
Gavin (or anyone else that reads this post), wanted to know if there was any issues with this press and the micrometer knob when pulling the handle forward? I've seen on another webpage that some of these style dies will not clear the handle when pulling forward...thanks. Reloading the following: 300 Wthby, 300 Norma, 300 Win Mag, 28 Nosler, 257 Wthby (probably not an issue with this one), and 7mm Rem Mag
So for once fired brass, would a good strategy be to get a cheap depriming die and deprime all the brass, clean the brass and then use the Forster Micrometer sizing die to size the brass? Just trying to keep dirty brass away from the nice forester dies while having the cleanest brass
I'm seriously considering buying this press but i'm not sure if the price is worth for what i am loading. I'm currently loading for hunting and to do some long distance shooting just for fun, nothing competitive. Anyone still recomend this press or would i be better off looking at a different press for a lower price? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I'm still partial to the MEC, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on a comparison as you start using the Forster. Also, seems like the primer function on the Forster is pretty crude or "kludge-y", I hope you can focus on that also, probably a full video could be done just on that alone! Thanks.
Nice! I've been following your videos for a few years now and always look forward to what you're going to show off next. I started out reloading with a Loadmaster and was super disappointed until your review of the RCBS Pro2000, which is what I use every weekend now.
Mr. Gavin I thought this would be good as any video to ask but I'm 15 and have been reloading for a year now since the beginning of last summer and I bought my second 9mm a G19 2 days ago I already reload for it but was wondering what other loadings and new and interesting bullets you could come up with thanks!
I would experiment with various bullet weights (115gr, 124gr, 147gr) and see how you like the performance. What are your goals with 9mm? What will you be using your loads for?
gavintoobe Thanks! For replying back! Anything that you have lying on the shelf DON'T go buy anything unless you have videos planned already. I'm just looking for more 9mm content I've watched a lot of course not all of it but I like your videos and how your straight to it. I am mainly shooting at paper and hopefully in the future some steel I've got a load for missouri bullet company 115 parebellum (don't know how to spell that one) using 3.7 grains of tite group don't know the seating depth. I wouldn't mind really light loads or even heavy for cougar I live in Missouri and while nobody believes cougars are here yet we have seen tracks on our property and my dad doesn't like when I go down tho the lower ground without something too shoot them with if it came to that thanks again hope I answered your questions!
Every review of this press is all PROs. What are the CONs? I load small lots of multiple semi auto rifle Cartriges, BAR Magnums, wilcats, obsolete rounds, etc. I work the single stage pretty hard but in small quanities. This looks perfect, but i have never pulled the trigger as thaey are always out of stock.
When you see this rudimentary packaging with almost no protection, it really does not give an image of seriousness, especially compared to other brands, it is even a contempt for the customer.
There's something awkward about the press handle being centered over the press. Standing directly in front of a press placing and removing casings but having to shift your head and body out of the way with each stroke seems cumbersome and unnatural. Watch as the resizing starts at 7:33 , with each press stroke you have to lean off to the side then center up to the press to remove the casing. Rocking back and fourth like this would get old at about 50 casings. Poor design for the user.
The pressure needed on the stroke is so minimal that I don't even use the handle extension except occaisionaly for resizing of very large brass cases. It is very comfortable to use sitting down and after removing the handle.
I love my Redding Big Boss II, but this is a totally different animal. Leverage, priming system, universal shellplate, quick change die slot. Very little in common :)
I have a rcbs supreme and a Redding big boss 2 , the big boss is my favorite but I think I'll add a Forster to the lineup to see if it really is all that much better.
its worth it for the precision reloader chasing concentricity and runnout improvements. If you're on a serious budget like me they can be had often for 200 bucks used. I got mine for 100 bucks, (bonanza version) at a garage sale.
![🔴 ฟุตบอลแชมป์กีฬา 7HD แชมเปียน คัพ 2024 [รอบรองชนะเลิศ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zPm8ClLVhoE/mqdefault.jpg)
Got one of these in an estate sale. Was old enough it was labeled "Bonanza" in the casting vs forster. I rebuilt it and powder coated to make her look new. I love that dang thing.
I've had my Co-Ax for about seven years, I love the nearly perfect ammo that it produces, and the crazy small groups that ammo makes. The thing Iblike the most is the self centering achieved from the shell holder floating in the x axis and the die floating in the y axis. I don't bother to check run-out any more. FL size, neck turn, load, shoot, bushing size/bump size, wash, rinse, repeat. Hope you enjoy your Co-Ax.
That sounds like a great workflow you have- the process to get to perfection for each rifle :)
Who else gets that happy feeling watching him open up a new press?
I remember opening mine in 1991.
I loaded for years on an old RCBS partner press and was happy w the results, until I bought my Co-ax and saw an immediate improvement in accuracy in my rifles! It wasn’t a huge difference but it was measurable. My .308 went from shooting half inch groups to shooting in the .3-.4 range. My shooting is the limiting factor most likely. Now I am working on my Dillon 550 to get it more consistent.
I bought mine back in 2005.
I use this press more than any other press.
It's the fastest press I've ever used.
Make sure you buy a pack Forster lock rings for your dies.
Have been reloading .44 magnums & .38 spl with my forester for about 6 months and really enjoy working with this great piece of equipment. Yes it might be slower than other presses but it works for me. Thanks for the video.
Yeah, it's great, was just using it to size brass this morning. :)
I like everyone having quality reviews. What many don’t elaborate on is the fact that the CO-AX press has been around for years. It was originally manufactured by Bonanza before they were purchased by Forster in 1984. I have owned mine for 40 years. Nothing really new guys!
I love my Forster Co Ax! Glad to see you reviewing it Gavin!
Thanks Mark!
Nice! I plan to purchase a Co-Ax for my next press.
Good deal!
I enjoyed watching your reviews of the Co=Ax and the Mec Bushmaster. Do you have a preference for one or the other? Also, are Mighty Armory dies usable in the Co-Ax?
Seen a couple of your videos and made the co ax purchase!. Looking to start with 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 cm. Forster should be supporting you!
Great channel....subbed and just purchased this press from Scheels they were only ones that had them in stock. I am a newbie to reloading and starting to gather up all the necessary accessories...super excited to start reloading I need a hobby that will allow me to shoot more 😀
Late to the show but great presentation; good camera angles. I'm reaching into my back pocket as we speak.
One of the best things you can get for the Co-Ax is a jaw plate upgrade made by "Manzgear". He has a video on youtube about them. Good to deal with and well made. You start swapping jaws with springs popping out of the original plate, remember this.
Another worthy upgrade is the short handle sold by Forster.
Forster die rings work best with Co-Ax. Hornady steel rings work, they are thinner. This allows some vertical die movement when using but works without issue.
kolt46 the short handle with the roller from Inline Fabrication works even better than Forsters short handle.
Do dies need to be set up differently than a press with a conventional shell holder set up?
You're going to love this press. I paired mine with Redding and Forster dies.
Sounds like a great combo!
Hi Gavin are you still going to continue this series? I enjoyed the first video and would like to see more information on this press.
Curious: Please excuse me if you have another video that goes over you bench. I’d love a link.
I would like to know what you did to your bench to build the rail system for the mounts. The concept seems well thought out to be able to slide your mounts for the presses left and right on your bench.
These presses have become so popular I can't find a place to buy one (everyone is sold out). Thanks for the video and info
You will love it. Only advise I have is really pay attention to your dies for bumping magnum cartridges. Depending on the brand the dies will bottom out on base of press before bumping the neck.
meditech bumping the neck? I mean the shoulder
Jut ordered the Ultramount quick change from Inline Fabrication , my Co - Ax will be going on it . Thanks for the informative video
Dude every video you make so far is a thumbs up.👍
Thanks Juan!!!
Definitely stealing your t track idea for my bench build. Thanks Gavin
Mec, Iron Press, or Forster. ????? Like them all.
What die set would you recommend for reloading 9mm on the Forester Co Ax press?
recognize that bloody mary-harry carrie knife anywhere, 40 plus years on these knees :) nice video !!
Interested to see how it works for you. I've had one for about a year now and have produced the most concentric and accurate ammo of my life with it (using Redding dies) for multiple calibers, but namely 6.5 creedmoor. Looking forward to your loading/shooting/review. :)
scrubby4130 Awesome!
Gavin, I would also like very much to see an in-depth comparison between the Co-Ax and the MEC Marksman.
I'll see what I can put together!
I would also like to see a comparison between the MEC and Co-Ax.
Which one would you pick?
yes i would also like to see this comparison, what is a more accurate reloading press, assume this would also depend on the Die and would need to both use the same, it would also be good to extend this to a Die comparison as well, LE Wilson v Forster etc
cheers.
gavintoobe do you have this video in the works?
Hey Gavin great video! Got a question; I use Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater Dies with all my calibers and was wondering how well it works on Co-Ax press specific to micro seating adjustments. On my Lee Classic Cast, the die is locked down and easy to turn the dial when making those .0005 adjustments. So how do you hold the die when turning the dial?
Thanks, Tom
Nice press, really interesting design. Can't see using it seated though, considering how much you had to move out of the way of each stroke while operating it. Food for thought. Thanks for the video.
Gavin (or anyone else that reads this post), wanted to know if there was any issues with this press and the micrometer knob when pulling the handle forward? I've seen on another webpage that some of these style dies will not clear the handle when pulling forward...thanks. Reloading the following: 300 Wthby, 300 Norma, 300 Win Mag, 28 Nosler, 257 Wthby (probably not an issue with this one), and 7mm Rem Mag
Where can I get a primer capture like the one you have? Can't find them online.
So for once fired brass, would a good strategy be to get a cheap depriming die and deprime all the brass, clean the brass and then use the Forster Micrometer sizing die to size the brass? Just trying to keep dirty brass away from the nice forester dies while having the cleanest brass
Gavin can you use rcbs competition seating dies in this press? Sometimes it requires you to use the tall shell holder which won’t work in the co-ax.
Gavin MEC or Co-Ax? I am considering both but would really like to know which you’d take if you could only have one.
I just ordered this press.
Was wondering when you were going to get to these. Many regard them as the best single stage press there is.
It's been on my list for a long time!
Hi Gavin, TGC sent me! I'm looking forward to watching your videos, so many to choose from!
Right on- glad you came over!
I'm seriously considering buying this press but i'm not sure if the price is worth for what i am loading. I'm currently loading for hunting and to do some long distance shooting just for fun, nothing competitive. Anyone still recomend this press or would i be better off looking at a different press for a lower price? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I'm still partial to the MEC, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on a comparison as you start using the Forster. Also, seems like the primer function on the Forster is pretty crude or "kludge-y", I hope you can focus on that also, probably a full video could be done just on that alone! Thanks.
So how many presses do you have now? All of them? I'm just curious... do you use a particular press for certain cartridges?
I have most presses made, and I switch up all the time!
Nice! I've been following your videos for a few years now and always look forward to what you're going to show off next. I started out reloading with a Loadmaster and was super disappointed until your review of the RCBS Pro2000, which is what I use every weekend now.
Mr. Gavin I thought this would be good as any video to ask but I'm 15 and have been reloading for a year now since the beginning of last summer and I bought my second 9mm a G19 2 days ago I already reload for it but was wondering what other loadings and new and interesting bullets you could come up with thanks!
I would experiment with various bullet weights (115gr, 124gr, 147gr) and see how you like the performance. What are your goals with 9mm? What will you be using your loads for?
gavintoobe Thanks! For replying back! Anything that you have lying on the shelf DON'T go buy anything unless you have videos planned already. I'm just looking for more 9mm content I've watched a lot of course not all of it but I like your videos and how your straight to it. I am mainly shooting at paper and hopefully in the future some steel I've got a load for missouri bullet company 115 parebellum (don't know how to spell that one) using 3.7 grains of tite group don't know the seating depth. I wouldn't mind really light loads or even heavy for cougar I live in Missouri and while nobody believes cougars are here yet we have seen tracks on our property and my dad doesn't like when I go down tho the lower ground without something too shoot them with if it came to that thanks again hope I answered your questions!
Do you need the mount plate? I've seen a few just bolted to the reloading table.
You can bolt it to the table no problem!
Gavin, do you swage any bullets? Do you have any experience with the Corbin CSP-1 S-Press and it's ability to reload???
Not yet, but I would like to show that on this channel at some point. :)
Any idea when you will be doing your review of the Co-Ax?
More loading content (including 6.5 Creedmoor) coming soon!
How does the Forster compare to the MEC Marksman or Frankford Aresenal M-Press?
I would like to know more about benefits. If there is a compound rule at work then how can you measure and compare to others. Is the stroke shorter?
Gavin. What is a best single stage press hornady iron press or the Forster. Or do recommend another?
Leverage and on-press priming, or floating shell-holder- difficult decisions !!! :) Both are great, both have pros/cons!
Nice. Ordered one today
Good call, you will love it!
Epic I’m
Buying one
are there upgrades for the old bonanza presses for the primer part still have to use shell holder for mine and sometimes have to drill them out
If you find any info, let me know. I can't find a 223 shell holder hole that will take the primer cup.
Still haven't found any information on the construction of the coax press is the body aluminum or cast-iron
Cast iron
Just ordered this from Optics Planet with a $40 Christmas discount PLUS Few Shipping!
Forster or Mec Marksman? Decisions, decisions ... :) Currently have a RC Supreme.
4 months! How much longer must we wait?
Can you tell me about the new Forster case ejector?
Every review of this press is all PROs. What are the CONs? I load small lots of multiple semi auto rifle Cartriges, BAR Magnums, wilcats, obsolete rounds, etc. I work the single stage pretty hard but in small quanities. This looks perfect, but i have never pulled the trigger as thaey are always out of stock.
well shoot, I bought the MEC after watching your review...now I wonder if I jumped the gun...
What bench are you using?
Getting one when I can find in stock.
Wow! Gavin can do magic!
He makes my wallet get smaller
do RCBS dies work in this press?
TGC sent me (subscribed)
marcus urso welcome!
Did you lube the 6,5 brawss before sizing?
Yes, I used my home-brew lanolin lube. (see my video on that: th-cam.com/video/VgsimvLoddo/w-d-xo.html )
The only problems I've had is that I couldn't use a Redding Instant Indicator and the Redding full length die from their Master Hunter set for 30-06
why couldn't you use the Redding FL die?
Did you ever produce followup videos on the press? Still interested in your thoughts and its niche at the bench.
Yes, several- and look out for my 224 Valkyrie Starline brass torture test video (coming soon, used that press in it!)
The Bonanza ( first one) was built with more quality. I sold mine and bought a Dillon 550B and never looked back.
So you have experience with a new one and old? Whats the quality difference?
Video starts at 1:47
Yall are welcome
I’ll take my MEC marksman. Absolutely nothing wrong with the Forster but for the money one cannot do better than the MEC. Jmho.
Ok, 5 years later....what's the verdict?
I've seen curved handles selling out. Maybe you could try.
It's Forster ((Bonanza - Original manufacturer) Co-Ax Press) not Forester! ;-)
How about the price?
Try Midsouth Shooters Supply.
How much is this unit ?
I would check at midsouthshooterssupply.com !
When you see this rudimentary packaging with almost no protection, it really does not give an image of seriousness, especially compared to other brands, it is even a contempt for the customer.
There's something awkward about the press handle being centered over the press. Standing directly in front of a press placing and removing casings but having to shift your head and body out of the way with each stroke seems cumbersome and unnatural. Watch as the resizing starts at 7:33 , with each press stroke you have to lean off to the side then center up to the press to remove the casing. Rocking back and fourth like this would get old at about 50 casings. Poor design for the user.
The pressure needed on the stroke is so minimal that I don't even use the handle extension except occaisionaly for resizing of very large brass cases. It is very comfortable to use sitting down and after removing the handle.
:-)
I just don't see what this press does that my Redding Boss doesn't.
I love my Redding Big Boss II, but this is a totally different animal. Leverage, priming system, universal shellplate, quick change die slot. Very little in common :)
I have a rcbs supreme and a Redding big boss 2 , the big boss is my favorite but I think I'll add a Forster to the lineup to see if it really is all that much better.
gavintoobe Yes but can my .308 tell the difference between cartridges made on my Redding Boss and a Forster Co-ax?
Not worth the extra cash over other single stage presses in my opinion. What I'm saying is it's a really good press but needs to be cheaper.
its worth it for the precision reloader chasing concentricity and runnout improvements. If you're on a serious budget like me they can be had often for 200 bucks used. I got mine for 100 bucks, (bonanza version) at a garage sale.
Stop wasting 2 minutes taking a product out of the box! Get on with the details.