Thinking about getting a co-ax press.

[StreetCred]

I've got a progressive press already but I'm thinking of getting a single stage for reloading more accurate 6.5CM rounds. I really like the idea of the co-ax press. I think I know the answer but what are your thoughts on the Forster vs the Frankford co-ax press? Would love to get some real world comparisons from owners of each. Pros, cons. . .

 

[JDMBEND]

Following. Do the “high end” presses make better ammo?

 

[StreetCred]

Following. Do the “high end” presses make better ammo?

It's a couple hundred dollars between the two. It's not earth shattering by any means but if the FA does 95% as well as the Forster, I could live with that and use the money saved for quality components. I just don't have any first hand knowledge of either press.

 

[z987k]

Get the forester. I had a Frankford. The shell plates and the piece that holds them down can fail if it gets too much pressure on the downstroke(case sticking). The stamped steel bends and some much too small screws strip. You can fix the design flaw with a bunch of work(youtube it) but why bother?

Frankford Arsenal M-Press - Stuck Case Bends Shellholder Retaining Plate. How To Fix & Correct.

Hi all, posting a Lesson Learned here in hopes of helping somebody else out down the line. For those who are unfamiliar, the Frankford Arsenal M-Press is a Chinese-made reloading press of a similar design to the long-running and well respected Forster Co-Ax press. For the MSRP of $300, you'd be...

www.snipershide.com

 

[UnckleBob]

I didn't don't like the Co Ax press because I had to reach up to reach the arm. I found that uncomfortable quickly.

I like my MEC Marksman and RCBS Rebel presses better. Ammo quality is just as good.

Avoid FA if you want something durable. A good single stage press should last well beyond our lifetimes.

 

[Pzak]

I load on a 550 with my case prep and powder separately so basically use it as a single stage. My loads are frequently sub 1" at 100 off bench. I do not think that a single stage press would bring much ROI for me but am curious which press you have and your results from your current press.

 

[StreetCred]

I load on a 550 with my case prep and powder separately so basically use it as a single stage. My loads are frequently sub 1" at 100 off bench. I do not think that a single stage press would bring much ROI for me but am curious which press you have and your results from your current press.

I'm currently using my Lee LoadMaster. Works great for cranking out high volumes of ammo but the consistency from round to round isn't great. My SD's and ES's are all over the place. Shooting about 1.5 MOA. I know the rifle can do better. Was shooting .5 MOA with $20/box Palmetto State Armory ammo.

I am using the auto powder dispenser and I'm sure that's contributing to the inconsistency. Same with the bullet seating. Not real consistent. I really want to get the most out of my rifle and the most consistent, accurate ammo possible. That's why I'm thinking of going with a single stage. The extra time needed shouldn't be a factor. I won't be cranking out thousands of rounds like I do for my pistols.

I didn't don't like the Co Ax press because I had to reach up to reach the arm. I found that uncomfortable quickly.

I like my MEC Marksman and RCBS Rebel presses better. Ammo quality is just as good.

Avoid FA if you want something durable. A good single stage press should last well beyond our lifetimes.

Well. . . . I'm pushing 60 so that whole "last beyond our lifetimes." shouldn't be that difficult.

 

[UnckleBob]

Well. . . . I'm pushing 60 so that whole "last beyond our lifetimes." shouldn't be that difficult.

I am not that far behind you, but we have 20+ good years hunting in front of us.