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Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Bfglowkee - 03-06-2019
After weeks of Out of Stock messages and emails asking length time of back order expectations...I log onto Grafs and what do my eyes see?! Yes the Forester co ax is in stock, and 10% off for a price of 298. After shipping and my NRA contribution....307 total and confirmation email received. I had just come back from looking at the new Franklin Armory M press and thought I was possibly going to go that route... but the loading gods had different plans. Now I have my second press and my plans can begin taking shape. Once it gets here and I get some hours setting it up and a feel I will pass on The thoughts and set it head to head with my current Hornady set up to see how it compares making both Grendel and Creedmoor rounds etc.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-06-2019
Use Forster or Sinclair die rings if you possibly can. Hornady rings will work, but I think the Forster's do better. Just my opinion on the matter.
Congratulations on your new press.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - centerfire - 03-06-2019
Mad Charlie Wrote:Use Forster or Sinclair die rings if you possibly can. Hornady rings will work, but I think the Forster's do better. Just my opinion on the matter.
Congratulations on your new press.
What about the Hornady rings don't you like? I set up the three die rings you listed on a Sinclair neck mandrel and sized virgin Peterson brass. Runout was measured with a Sinclair runout gage and between all three rings I couldn't see a difference; all ranout about .0005. That's hardly a scientific experiment but it at least tells me that for mandrel sizing I shouldn't see a difference using any of the rings.
With that said, the Forster rings fill the slot in the CoAx the most. They provide the most surface contact between the ring and the press frame and the least amount of vertical movement. Surprisingly, Forster lock rings are aluminum and my least favorite between Forster, Sinclair, and Hornady. Whidden die rings are also aluminum but they no longer clamp the die like they used to. I intend to replace my Whidden lock rings with Sinclair rings. Hornady rings are the easiest to insert into the press because of the flats and their narrow profile. I have 10 or so Hornady rings and will probably use them for operations requiring low force such as knocking out primers.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-06-2019
It's the flats and looseness of the Hornady rings mainly. As a nearly lifelong machinist, fit and function are important to me, I guess the Hornady rings just don't feel right to me in the Forster, and the flats reduce surface support and don't engage the retainer button well unless you set the die in a certain position. Hornady Rings are fine in presses like Rockchuckers etc. The flats let you get a small wrench on the die ring to lock it down tight to the press or die holder. Not needed for the Forster.
Didn't want the man to get a bad impression of his new press because of sloppy die ring fit. I think that between us he will see what we are talking about and make his own decision. It's all good, reading different opinions and the reason(s) for those opinions is why I come around here. Even if I don't always agree, I try to see where they are coming from.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Chev2500 - 03-06-2019
I like the Forster rings also. i bought bulk packs of them to change out all my dies that aren't Forster dies. I have had my Coax 3 years or so and I love it. I did put the short handle on it. I also have a Rock Chucker and a Hornady progresive.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - centerfire - 03-06-2019
Mad Charlie Wrote:It's the flats and looseness of the Hornady rings mainly. As a nearly lifelong machinist, fit and function are important to me, I guess the Hornady rings just don't feel right to me in the Forster, and the flats reduce surface support and don't engage the retainer button well unless you set the die in a certain position. Hornady Rings are fine in presses like Rockchuckers etc. The flats let you get a small wrench on the die ring to lock it down tight to the press or die holder. Not needed for the Forster.
Didn't want the man to get a bad impression of his new press because of sloppy die ring fit. I think that between us he will see what we are talking about and make his own decision. It's all good, reading different opinions and the reason(s) for those opinions is why I come around here. Even if I don't always agree, I try to see where they are coming from.
I was just curious what your reason was. I agree with you, the Hornady rings offer less support than Forster or Sinclair. I already had the Hornady rings or I wouldn't have purchased them for the CoAx. I'd like to take all of the rings, mount them on a thread go-gage, and spin them for runout but I don't have to the tools to do it. More than anything I'm just curious how much each brand runs out in general. I suspect Hornady is probably the worst based on price point and reputation but my minimal usage doesn't support my hunch.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-06-2019
It may happen that one day I can set a die with the ring on it between centers up in my lathe and indicate it. Might have to search around a bit for Hornady rings though, haven't used them for a few years.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - FW Conch - 03-07-2019
^ I got mine from Midway ^
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Bfglowkee - 03-07-2019
I dont mind the different perspectives especially if they include a reason/explanation. People who say because its xxxx thats why are easily overlooked /ignored. The more I think the happier I am about not getting the Franklin Armory m press. The design and features aside the linkage was just noisy and it didnt feel refined...functional it was good and the built in light was a nice touch... just felt that the linkage would not hold up. Drop the cost down another 30-40 and I would maybe buy it as a 3rd press. Block system is a beefed up lock n load system as it has you put the die in the block and then it has its own special die case to accommodate the die w/block.
Will check if amazon has rings for sale(forester) but I also have a sneaking suspicion I am going to use my holiday and birthday gift cards to order a couple new dies anyway😆
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Bill257 - 03-07-2019
A tip when changing the shell holder. Lower the handle just enough to let the shellholder close before removing the screws. Removing the tension from the springs eases removal and installation -- no lost springs.
A small block of wood can be placed in the top of the press to keep handle in position where shellholder is just closed.
Betting you'll enjoy using this press.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Bfglowkee - 03-07-2019
Thanks for the tip Bill!
I have since been devouring all the you tube and online content regarding tops etc in eager anticipation. My main debate is really if I should get that aftermarket shell holder block I see thats beefier?
I dont load magnums and the heaviest case I do load at the moment is 30-06 for my pops and thats very seldom.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-07-2019
FW Conch Wrote:^ I got mine from Midway ^
I durn sure ain't gonna buy any! I was talking about the ones that I already have around here somewhere. I don't use Hornady dies anymore, but I think I still have a few Lock rings.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-07-2019
Bill257 Wrote:A tip when changing the shell holder. Lower the handle just enough to let the shellholder close before removing the screws. Removing the tension from the springs eases removal and installation -- no lost springs.
A small block of wood can be placed in the top of the press to keep handle in position where shellholder is just closed.
Betting you'll enjoy using this press.
Or, you can just unscrew the pointed pin that actuates the shellholder jaws, but yeah, watch out for springs zipping off into the bushes. Most likely the shellholder will already be set up with the small side of the jaws/plates already in place, if so he might not have to change anything, except fine tuning the opening.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-07-2019
Bfglowkee Wrote:Thanks for the tip Bill!
I have since been devouring all the you tube and online content regarding tops etc in eager anticipation. My main debate is really if I should get that aftermarket shell holder block I see that’s beefier?
I don’t load magnums and the heaviest case I do load at the moment is 30-06 for my pops and that’s very seldom.
I wouldn't bother. Back when I first got mine, I called Forster and asked them if it was OK to "load the die" (some call it "cam over") while sizing and they told me it was fine. It will handle 30-06 easily. Mine cheerfully does .308 without strain.
If you decide to prime with your new press, I recommend that you do all of the other case prep first and take the die out to do your priming last. It actually has a great feel for priming, but it is slow.
Another point, the short handle greatly increases the sensitivity when seating primers and bullets.
Be sure to clean and oil it before using, with an oil that doesn't gum up, and another thing that I found is that it is a good idea to clean the tube that the expended primers drop through from time to time, it just unscrews and that will prevent jamming from debris.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Bfglowkee - 03-07-2019
Ya I am really trying to wrap my head around why everyone is swapping out the handle so quickly. I guess once its here and I get a few sessions with it I will either understand completely or just chalk it up to preference lol
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-07-2019
Mainly preference I think, but it is a shorter arc. I'm going to make a ball for mine one day.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - centerfire - 03-07-2019
Bfglowkee Wrote:Ya I am really trying to wrap my head around why everyone is swapping out the handle so quickly. I guess once it’s here and I get a few sessions with it I will either understand completely or just chalk it up to preference lol
The CoAx handle is about 14" higher than traditional presses that mount the handle to the bottom of the linkage. I went with an Inline Fab short roller handle that is offset to one side. I had to remove my press riser because the CoAx handle is so high.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Bill257 - 03-08-2019
Bfglowkee Wrote:Thanks for the tip Bill!
I have since been devouring all the you tube and online content regarding tops etc in eager anticipation. My main debate is really if I should get that aftermarket shell holder block I see thats beefier?
I dont load magnums and the heaviest case I do load at the moment is 30-06 for my pops and thats very seldom.
The stock shell holder has been plenty strong enough for me. I'd say try the stock setup and determine if upgrade is necessary.
Mine sufficiently grips both the Grendel and cases in the 308 family with the large shell holder. Used to swap it to small for Grendel, now only use the small end for 223.
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Bfglowkee - 03-12-2019
Forester Press arrived 1 day early and unboxing complete! My set up is a little unorthodox at the moment due to space in an apartment which changes in June when I move back to Delaware and back into my house. But the thing that stands out most right off the bat is the pressure exerted on the frame vs my Hornady O press. I was able to use a single C clamp to hold my Forester to my counter and it just is rock solid. I spent some time familiarizing myself with the press and used my 308 dies as my guinea pig for making sure I have it set up properly. I will definitely be investing in a 12 pack of Forester lock rings. Compared to how the Hornady rings feel ….they work great, just the feel of it is better with the Forester rings even though the rings themselves feel "cheaper" ( that's a subjective term its just a lighter grade of aluminum to get used to.)
Die set up was fairly easy. Didn't take but a minute to get it set to bump my shoulders back my preferred 0.0025. Being a true ambidextrous press it will take a hot minute to get the feel down for when working the brass in a steady and efficient manner. I do like the drop tube primer catcher. I used to de-prime by hand with my Franklin Armory but I think I will incorporate the new way into my system. I will be playing with the priming system today. My hand primer is OK but I still don't get consistent seating and it can "dimple" my primers from time to time which has never had a noticeable effect on my rounds....its my own OCD kicking in and its also the reason I like the Forester so much...it keeps it in check lol. My plan is to keep my Hornady press set up strictly for my daughters rifle loads ( 223 ) since she plinks more than precision. I have a spare 223 die set that I will toy around with on the Forester, but since the Grendel cases work in the Large shell holder clamps like a champ I am keeping my Forester for large rimmed cases for now. Seating Die set up is next!
Finally! Forester Co-Ax In route - Mad Charlie - 03-12-2019
We thought you might like it...
I made a mounting plate out of 5/8"x6"x10" alum. plate that I had laying around. I keep the press mounted to that and "C" clamp the plate to the bench. Yep, works just fine.