A detailed look at the innovative press from Forster, one many feel is the best single stage press from a major manufacturer. FOLLOW-UP VIDEO • Forster Co-Ax Update
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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?)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I almost skipped this video, as my intuition told me 'ah, just another goof ball with a 14 minute video of uncoordinated babble' but I am very glad to have went against my initial thoughts and knew as soon as you began to speak that I wanted to pay attention. Thank you for creating this video, I will be sure to watch the others you have uploaded as well!
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 video. very explicit and a good clear review. i am now in a dilema because of your video. i was going to buy a redding T-7 press but now i dont know. the one advantage of the T-7 is it has several slots for different dies whereas the forster has only one. i know it is a simple exchange of dies on the forster.decisions. decisions decisions.
+David Rankin All Redding products are top-of-the-line. I won't argue the merits of each design. It's like comparing transistor radios to slingshots. With the Redding or the Forster, you'll be well served.
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
LOL, no safety videos but I did a lot of industrial videos and 16mm films over the years. I started out in broadcasting, both radio and TV where I was an anchorman from 1970-75. I got on the other side of the camera and started making industrial films and then went into industry where I was a design engineer for 35 years. Near the end of that last period, I started making videos of our equipment and when I retired, bought some nice camera and sound gear to make a few videos for local folks in my retirement years. I'm currently making a video about the history and recent restoration of a little train in a local park.
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.
This is a very eloquent review chocked-full of critical information. Too bad this press is currently Out Of Stock everywhere I look. Somebody bought them all up.
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.
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
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.
The weak part about this press is that Wishbone handle is cast and prone to breaking. Had one of these presses and don't like them. I'll keep my RCBS Rock Chucker .
I do think your video report on this Co Ax press is one of the best on UA-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.
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.
The die lock nut just sits in that oversize slot and takes all the load placed on the die instead of simply locking it in place with the threads taking the load and centering the die and there is no shell holder for the case had to rest on flat and level and instead "case holder jaws" are wedged around the rim recess on "rimless" cases or apparently against the case itself with rimmed cartridges and that all somehow creates "concentricity" despite nothing being fixed in the "center" of the press and with the die and case just "floating" around in their sloppy slots. You bet. Oh wait. There is still a flat surface under the case head and instead of buying a small set of simple and in some cases already included with die sets shell holders that also allow enough "freedom of movement" for the shell to center in the die. How does it work with 1 1/8" dies? It doesn't. The bottom line is somebody decided to "fix" non-existent problems on other dies but in reality had only one real goal in mind which was to make a "universal" press that is compatible with "standard" 7/8" dies and their standard thread as well as "foreign" dies with what must be metric or British standard or some other oddball thread. And they needed to do so without doing what other single-stage presses like Rock Crushers and Lee Classic Cast presses do to make them compatible with multiple die threads and diameters which is use threaded adapter bushing. Or maybe this oddball was designed to be acceptable/legal in countries with strict laws when it comes to reloading or some kind of crazy tax on "precision tools" or something that makes a plain old super-simple and half-the-cost and far more precise single-stage press. As for seating ALL PRIMERS to a certain depth below the case head that's an EXCELLENT way to "preload" primers to a dangerous degree or even touch off a sensitive one. And yes, that priming "system" is not only AWKWARD but DANGEROUS. Primers are far and away the most dangerous things in a reloading room and more serious injuries and structure-destroying fires have resulted from primer explosions with loose primers laying around instead of contained in a "safe" device than any other reloading accident. REAL and SAFE priming "systems" contain the primers in a "safe" manner and limit the amount of handling is done with primers with bare hands. Not only because primers contain lead and are easily contaminated and chemically altered in potentially dangerous ways by perspiration and salt and skin oils and even the friction of dragging an upside down primer across a wooden/steel workbench can thin and weaken and potentially "destabilize" a primer but because a spark from a finger tip due to static electricity striking an inverted primer on a grounded steel workbench can ignite one. And where there is ONE loose primer floating around there are probably others close by. Primers should always be in containers designed to contain and/or absorb their heat energy and "explosive" flash because a chain reaction primer "fire" of several dozen to a hundred primers can easily start anything nearby and flammable on fire or cause a very serious thermal/chemical burn. GOOD and SMART reloaders don't handle individual primers unless its absolutely necessary and only when the rest of a tray or brick has been safely stored if a few extra primers are needed to complete a batch of ammo. People grossly underestimate the "power" of primers because they have no idea that a primed but uncharged case can and will push pistol bullets completely through the barrel and that many "squib loads" are the result of a primer and no powder rather than a primer and insufficient powder. They also see the nifty little plastic trays and cardboard boxes and think they must be pretty harmless and "stable" little doohickeys especially if putting all that force on them to seat them doesn't ignite them. What they don't realize is that there is an "anvil" in the primer that the firing pin squeezes the compound between to super-compress it and that's what lights them off. And seating a primer "firmly" to the point that its flattened and no longer cup shaped has it "preloaded" and a light impact such as dropping a loaded cartridge is enough to set it off. An "old trick" of competition pistol shooters determined to make sure they have no "duds" even if they have firing pin or hammer/striker spring issues is to "preload" their primers to that point. More than one has "dropped" a range back with loose cartridges on the ground at the range or upon returning home from the range and has heard a POP! and investigated to find a "preloaded" primer got just enough of an impact to ignite and fire a cartridge. They're nothing to jack around with and those nifty little trays themselves are specifically designed to absorb the heat energy from ignited primers and contain it and/or melt around unignited primers so in the aftermath of a fire if somebody is picking through reloading room rubble and maybe tossing waterlogged but potentially "live" powder/primers in melted containers in a trash can they don't get another fire. Overall I'd say that "priming system" is literally and figuratively the "cap" on what I can only describe as the most Charlie Fox reloading press I've ever seen. It even makes Redding "turret" presses look halfway well thought out by comparison and anybody who'd rather jack with those case holder jaws than buy a 6- or 8-piece shellholder set that will cover 99% of "common" cartridges and that will be required for a decent hand-primer to do THAT job when fiddling with individual primers gets "old" about ten cases into the "career" of one of these presses out of the box apparently bought one of these presses as a first press without using any others. Especially if they're not even experienced enough to know that the DIE CREATES CONCENTRICITY and must be CENTERED and HELD RIGIDLY IN THE PRESS TO DO IT. Which is why they're THREADED in the first place. Expecting that thing to produce "concentric" ammunition based on its "free floating design" is like expecting a lathe or drill chuck to accurately center a piece of stock with a center "divot" in it already or a drill bit once they come in contact with the center of whatever is in the tailstock. P.S. The reason other presses have the handle to the SIDE is because that's where MOST HUMAN BEINGS HAVE THEIR ARMS LOCATED AND THAT'S THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND ERGONOMIC AND SENSIBLE PLACE TO HAVE AN OPERATING HANDLE SO YOU CAN STAND IN FRONT OF THE PRESS AND NOT HAVE TO STEP TO THE SIDE TO ALIGN YOUR ARM WITH THE HANDLE. THEY ALSO TEND TO BE AT ABOUT "HAND HEIGHT" WHEN THE PRESS IS MOUNTED AT A "NORMAL" HEIGHT FOR COMFORTABLE WORKING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. NOT HEAD HIGH AND A FOOT AND HALFWAY TO ARM'S LENGTH FROM YOUR BODY. Some people just see "different" and "twice as expensive" and "precision" on the package and immediately think "better", I guess. Then they go to work. Not with the "better" tool but trying to come up with "talking points" for why their far more expensive "oddball" tool is "better" than far cheaper and far more popular but far less "exotic" tools that do the same thing and MORE and do a better job of it. After all, Rock Chuckers and other single-stage presses usually have an AUTOMATIC PRIMING SYSTEM integrated into that "inferior" single center ram design that has the reloader raising and lowering OUNCES of metal in stead of POUNDS of metal. But at least you've got a nifty little baby food jar to catch used primers. That's worth at least $100.
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.
Man I wish I spoke like you! I know that sounds weird but your very articulate and your use of adjectives and other words are cool. I talk like a dumbass hillbilly lol.
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 !
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 don't think my RCBS bullet puller will work well on my new Forster press because of interference with the rotating handle at the top. Has anyone tried the Hornady Cam Lock bullet puller that uses a single down stroke of the handle to engage the collet and pull the bullet to see if it will work on the Forster press? Thanks
+Hardy Birch You're absolutely right, Hardy. Besides the interference with the handle, the die body will rotate freely in the Forster Co-Ax so the collet won't tighten. I've been wondering myself about the cam operated Hornady puller. I hope someone will chime in.
error #1....The Co-Ax is over 300% more powerful than the RCBS error#2.....The original shell holders still work best with the priming device. I've used all three. Forster sells a bench mounted priming device. Uses the exact same parts. The press will actually work well with 3/4" plywood as a base, but is better with about 1" stuff or more. Have some body cut you two 3/16" thick steel plates about 6" x 8" and use one under the press and one under the bench in a sandwich fashion. Press also likes a riser. I've built 4", 6", and 8" risers, and think 6" is about right for most people. Keep the guide rods coated with a light coat of oil (I use left over engine oil). The shell holder is not a shell holder, but an extractor to pull the sized case out of the die. The bolster plate under it controls the absolute squareness to the die. Set your shell extractor kinda loose, and just enough to extract the case everytime. I've had mine since 1978. Was laughed at for spending $83 on a press. I got the last laugh! The only thing I've found more accurate is my K&M arbor press with Wilson inline dies, and even then it's only about .0004"/.0006" in run out
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.
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.
Very well done video! This looks like one awesome press and I’d like to invest in one. However, none of the big four US companies have any (Midway, Graf & Son, Midsouth, Natchez). Everybody and their dog 🐕 must want one. 🤓
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.
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
The "newish" XL model is bigger and stronger, designed to reload .50 BMG and other huge long-range rifle cartridges. It's made from cast steel rather than cast iron. It will accept both 7/8" ("normal" size) and large 1-1/4" dies for the BMG, etc. It does cost about 3X as much as the standard Co-Ax like mine. If you're wondering if you need the XL, you don't. You'd already know.
Now, that was a very nice review. No loud, crazy music, no flashing lights and good, straight to the point information. Well done, Rex!
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!
One of the best youtube videos I've seen reviewing a product! Looks like a great press to get started with for precision reloading.
The best review of anything I have seen on youtube.
Very well done. You should give yourself a pat on the back!
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 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 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.
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!
Thank you for taking the time to do this video sir! I am sold.
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.
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.
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.
This video is perfection. A fantastic review. You sold me on this press.
Great video! Thank you for taking the time to cover everything.
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.
Best review and explanation on this press that I have seen so far. Excellent job Sir. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Rex! I have to agree with everyone here. The best and most concise review I believe I've ever seen.
The Forster is certainly a great contender or even a better reloading press than most. Excellent review and demonstration.
Excellent video Rex! Thanks for taking the time to give us the tour on the Forster!
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?)
Thanks you done a great review, looks like a fantastic machine
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.
Excellent review... great camera work, too. Would love to see more vids with your reloading advice.
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!
Excellent video! You addressed every question I had about this press. Thank you
Have had one for years, great press
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.
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.
Great job on the review, thank you
great job on the video. very well detailed and well spoken. the information and camera shots were perfect. thank 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.
Wow best video I ever see on the Forster review.
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.
One of the finest UA-cam videos I have ever seen. Thank you so much for making and sharing it.
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!
awesome review and video, thanks for taking the time to make it Well shot.
An excellent overview and explanation.
Thank you for making and posting this.
I almost skipped this video, as my intuition told me 'ah, just another goof ball with a 14 minute video of uncoordinated babble' but I am very glad to have went against my initial thoughts and knew as soon as you began to speak that I wanted to pay attention. Thank you for creating this video, I will be sure to watch the others you have uploaded as well!
Such nice things to say. Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Agreed. A really excellent video. Thank you, Rex Roach, for taking the time to put this up for us.
GetMeThere1 You are so very welcome.
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 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 video. very explicit and a good clear review. i am now in a dilema because of your video. i was going to buy a redding T-7 press but now i dont know. the one advantage of the T-7 is it has several slots for different dies whereas the forster has only one. i know it is a simple exchange of dies on the forster.decisions. decisions decisions.
+David Rankin All Redding products are top-of-the-line. I won't argue the merits of each design. It's like comparing transistor radios to slingshots. With the Redding or the Forster, you'll be well served.
Just found this vid and wow. I wish more were like this. I know this is an old vid, but good is good
The Co-Ax is a timeless classic. Thanks for commenting.
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.
Great review and camera work. One of the thorough reviews I've seen. Liked and subscribed.
Been watching your videos for months now, well done. my forster co-ax will be here wensday.
Were you at one time a narrator for equipment safety instruction videos? Lol great job
LOL, no safety videos but I did a lot of industrial videos and 16mm films over the years. I started out in broadcasting, both radio and TV where I was an anchorman from 1970-75. I got on the other side of the camera and started making industrial films and then went into industry where I was a design engineer for 35 years. Near the end of that last period, I started making videos of our equipment and when I retired, bought some nice camera and sound gear to make a few videos for local folks in my retirement years. I'm currently making a video about the history and recent restoration of a little train in a local park.
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.
Great review. Thanks for posting.
This is a very eloquent review chocked-full of critical information. Too bad this press is currently Out Of Stock everywhere I look. Somebody bought them all up.
Nice video. I want one too. It is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the video.
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.
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
Very good review!
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.
The weak part about this press is that Wishbone handle is cast and prone to breaking. Had one of these presses and don't like them. I'll keep my RCBS Rock Chucker .
I do think your video report on this Co Ax press is one of the best on UA-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?
Okay that too me is really nice.
I'm just starting out & that's the one I'm getting 😉 thanks for the video. 🇺🇸 2A 🇺🇸
Perfectly explained I understood everything said 😀 many thanks for your upload.
Seem to cover about every aspect, good informational video..
fantastic review sir
Thank you very much.
Rex, thank you for your excellent video's!!!
Excellent review, very helpful. Going to watch your update video now!
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.
Forster's own 338 Lapua die set just BARELY works on this, their own press!
Brother you Rock. Luv how you backed up your points with facts. I’m hooked. I subscribed. Thx for the quality information.
The die lock nut just sits in that oversize slot and takes all the load placed on the die instead of simply locking it in place with the threads taking the load and centering the die and there is no shell holder for the case had to rest on flat and level and instead "case holder jaws" are wedged around the rim recess on "rimless" cases or apparently against the case itself with rimmed cartridges and that all somehow creates "concentricity" despite nothing being fixed in the "center" of the press and with the die and case just "floating" around in their sloppy slots. You bet. Oh wait.
There is still a flat surface under the case head and instead of buying a small set of simple and in some cases already included with die sets shell holders that also allow enough "freedom of movement" for the shell to center in the die. How does it work with 1 1/8" dies? It doesn't. The bottom line is somebody decided to "fix" non-existent problems on other dies but in reality had only one real goal in mind which was to make a "universal" press that is compatible with "standard" 7/8" dies and their standard thread as well as "foreign" dies with what must be metric or British standard or some other oddball thread. And they needed to do so without doing what other single-stage presses like Rock Crushers and Lee Classic Cast presses do to make them compatible with multiple die threads and diameters which is use threaded adapter bushing.
Or maybe this oddball was designed to be acceptable/legal in countries with strict laws when it comes to reloading or some kind of crazy tax on "precision tools" or something that makes a plain old super-simple and half-the-cost and far more precise single-stage press. As for seating ALL PRIMERS to a certain depth below the case head that's an EXCELLENT way to "preload" primers to a dangerous degree or even touch off a sensitive one. And yes, that priming "system" is not only AWKWARD but DANGEROUS. Primers are far and away the most dangerous things in a reloading room and more serious injuries and structure-destroying fires have resulted from primer explosions with loose primers laying around instead of contained in a "safe" device than any other reloading accident. REAL and SAFE priming "systems" contain the primers in a "safe" manner and limit the amount of handling is done with primers with bare hands.
Not only because primers contain lead and are easily contaminated and chemically altered in potentially dangerous ways by perspiration and salt and skin oils and even the friction of dragging an upside down primer across a wooden/steel workbench can thin and weaken and potentially "destabilize" a primer but because a spark from a finger tip due to static electricity striking an inverted primer on a grounded steel workbench can ignite one. And where there is ONE loose primer floating around there are probably others close by. Primers should always be in containers designed to contain and/or absorb their heat energy and "explosive" flash because a chain reaction primer "fire" of several dozen to a hundred primers can easily start anything nearby and flammable on fire or cause a very serious thermal/chemical burn. GOOD and SMART reloaders don't handle individual primers unless its absolutely necessary and only when the rest of a tray or brick has been safely stored if a few extra primers are needed to complete a batch of ammo.
People grossly underestimate the "power" of primers because they have no idea that a primed but uncharged case can and will push pistol bullets completely through the barrel and that many "squib loads" are the result of a primer and no powder rather than a primer and insufficient powder. They also see the nifty little plastic trays and cardboard boxes and think they must be pretty harmless and "stable" little doohickeys especially if putting all that force on them to seat them doesn't ignite them. What they don't realize is that there is an "anvil" in the primer that the firing pin squeezes the compound between to super-compress it and that's what lights them off. And seating a primer "firmly" to the point that its flattened and no longer cup shaped has it "preloaded" and a light impact such as dropping a loaded cartridge is enough to set it off.
An "old trick" of competition pistol shooters determined to make sure they have no "duds" even if they have firing pin or hammer/striker spring issues is to "preload" their primers to that point. More than one has "dropped" a range back with loose cartridges on the ground at the range or upon returning home from the range and has heard a POP! and investigated to find a "preloaded" primer got just enough of an impact to ignite and fire a cartridge. They're nothing to jack around with and those nifty little trays themselves are specifically designed to absorb the heat energy from ignited primers and contain it and/or melt around unignited primers so in the aftermath of a fire if somebody is picking through reloading room rubble and maybe tossing waterlogged but potentially "live" powder/primers in melted containers in a trash can they don't get another fire.
Overall I'd say that "priming system" is literally and figuratively the "cap" on what I can only describe as the most Charlie Fox reloading press I've ever seen. It even makes Redding "turret" presses look halfway well thought out by comparison and anybody who'd rather jack with those case holder jaws than buy a 6- or 8-piece shellholder set that will cover 99% of "common" cartridges and that will be required for a decent hand-primer to do THAT job when fiddling with individual primers gets "old" about ten cases into the "career" of one of these presses out of the box apparently bought one of these presses as a first press without using any others. Especially if they're not even experienced enough to know that the DIE CREATES CONCENTRICITY and must be CENTERED and HELD RIGIDLY IN THE PRESS TO DO IT. Which is why they're THREADED in the first place.
Expecting that thing to produce "concentric" ammunition based on its "free floating design" is like expecting a lathe or drill chuck to accurately center a piece of stock with a center "divot" in it already or a drill bit once they come in contact with the center of whatever is in the tailstock.
P.S. The reason other presses have the handle to the SIDE is because that's where MOST HUMAN BEINGS HAVE THEIR ARMS LOCATED AND THAT'S THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND ERGONOMIC AND SENSIBLE PLACE TO HAVE AN OPERATING HANDLE SO YOU CAN STAND IN FRONT OF THE PRESS AND NOT HAVE TO STEP TO THE SIDE TO ALIGN YOUR ARM WITH THE HANDLE. THEY ALSO TEND TO BE AT ABOUT "HAND HEIGHT" WHEN THE PRESS IS MOUNTED AT A "NORMAL" HEIGHT FOR COMFORTABLE WORKING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. NOT HEAD HIGH AND A FOOT AND HALFWAY TO ARM'S LENGTH FROM YOUR BODY.
Some people just see "different" and "twice as expensive" and "precision" on the package and immediately think "better", I guess. Then they go to work. Not with the "better" tool but trying to come up with "talking points" for why their far more expensive "oddball" tool is "better" than far cheaper and far more popular but far less "exotic" tools that do the same thing and MORE and do a better job of it. After all, Rock Chuckers and other single-stage presses usually have an AUTOMATIC PRIMING SYSTEM integrated into that "inferior" single center ram design that has the reloader raising and lowering OUNCES of metal in stead of POUNDS of metal. But at least you've got a nifty little baby food jar to catch used primers. That's worth at least $100.
Very good video. Thank you very much
Great video.
Awesome review.
Excellent video Sir! I'm sold on my first press now!
Awesome review 👍😎😎
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.
Man I wish I spoke like you! I know that sounds weird but your very articulate and your use of adjectives and other words are cool. I talk like a dumbass hillbilly lol.
For a dumbass, you sure can say the right things to make a fellow feel mighty good. Thanks!
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 !
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 don't think my RCBS bullet puller will work well on my new Forster press because of interference with the rotating handle at the top. Has anyone tried the Hornady Cam Lock bullet puller that uses a single down stroke of the handle to engage the collet and pull the bullet to see if it will work on the Forster press? Thanks
+Hardy Birch You're absolutely right, Hardy. Besides the interference with the handle, the die body will rotate freely in the Forster Co-Ax so the collet won't tighten. I've been wondering myself about the cam operated Hornady puller. I hope someone will chime in.
Great review thanks for this video.
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.
error #1....The Co-Ax is over 300% more powerful than the RCBS
error#2.....The original shell holders still work best with the priming device. I've used all three.
Forster sells a bench mounted priming device. Uses the exact same parts. The press will actually work well with 3/4" plywood as a base, but is better with about 1" stuff or more. Have some body cut you two 3/16" thick steel plates about 6" x 8" and use one under the press and one under the bench in a sandwich fashion. Press also likes a riser. I've built 4", 6", and 8" risers, and think 6" is about right for most people. Keep the guide rods coated with a light coat of oil (I use left over engine oil). The shell holder is not a shell holder, but an extractor to pull the sized case out of the die. The bolster plate under it controls the absolute squareness to the die. Set your shell extractor kinda loose, and just enough to extract the case everytime. I've had mine since 1978. Was laughed at for spending $83 on a press. I got the last laugh! The only thing I've found more accurate is my K&M arbor press with Wilson inline dies, and even then it's only about .0004"/.0006" in run out
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.
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.
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.
Very well done video! This looks like one awesome press and I’d like to invest in one. However, none of the big four US companies have any (Midway, Graf & Son, Midsouth, Natchez). Everybody and their dog 🐕 must want one. 🤓
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.
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.
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......
I not reloading yet, but I think I'd wear gloves when directly handling primers to avoid cross contamination.
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. :)
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.
Best review of the co-ax. Underrated video
This has got to be the best review of ANY product on UA-cam..... You Sir are a Professional! I have NO questions about this press at all! Thank you!
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.
An excellent review, thanks for taking the time to do this.
My pleasure. Thanks for commenting.
I can just agree with previous commentors. The most well made review I've seen yet on youtube. Thanks and well done!
awesome review thanks for sharing..
.nice but extra part's a hard to find
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.
I see there are 2 of them. One costs almost 3 times more. Would you happen to know what is the difference between them?
The "newish" XL model is bigger and stronger, designed to reload .50 BMG and other huge long-range rifle cartridges. It's made from cast steel rather than cast iron. It will accept both 7/8" ("normal" size) and large 1-1/4" dies for the BMG, etc. It does cost about 3X as much as the standard Co-Ax like mine. If you're wondering if you need the XL, you don't. You'd already know.
Excellent review, even though its nearly 6 years old, good job. Like the concept but just way too overpriced for a single stage $350.
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'