| Author | Message | ||
     46champ |
well after much deliberation I have finally pulled the handle and ordered a new Forester Co-ax single stage press to supplement or replace the RCBS jr3 that I have had since 1979. This is what it is: http://www.forsterproducts.com/product-category/re loading-tools/co-ax-reloading-press/ This is the best you tube review that I could find and I think I have watched them all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEzVZe7f6G0 I pulled the handle right now because Cabelas has them on sale with free shipping from their online store. What is almost unbelievable is they are as cheap as anyone So what do you think? | ||
| Hootowl |
That looks very nice. I need to start reloading. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I have an RCBS Jr.3 also... need to find the rest of the parts, the frame is in my garage and I see it almost every day. I have a few more calibers than the last time I ran brass. Got it when I was in Idaho at Nuke School for the Navy in the late 70s. Z | ||
| Gowindward |
Those are cool presses. There are some pretty cool reloading tools on the market today. I recently added a few new tools to the reloading bench and one of those was an RCBS Summit press. | ||
| Reepicheep |
In terms of bang for the buck, I'm pretty impressed with the lee classic turret press for pistol cartridges. About $200 and you are ready to go (add another $30 for each caliber you want to load). You won't mistake it for a Dillon for performance... but its probably 1/5 the price. (http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Classic-Turret-Press/dp/B008M5TSCG) (Message edited by reepicheep on March 29, 2016) | ||
| P_squared |
I have that press. 1 of the best single stage presses IMO. The only "flaw/drawback" is the priming system. Don't waste your time playing with it, just use a hand primer. | ||
| 46champ |
P_squared kind of wondered about that. Guess I will still use the Lee hand primer or the auto prime on the junior. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Keep the hand primer pointed a safe direction. DAMHIK. (OK, go ahead and ask, its actually a really funny story). | ||
| P_squared |
I should clarify. The priming "system" on the Forster works. I just find it to be cumbersome vs. using a handprimer. If my handprimer broke & I needed to prime <20 cases, I could do it on the Forster & be no worse for the wear. If I'm working on batches of 100+ cases at a time, as I typically do, it's quicker, more efficient & I have better "feel" with a handprimer. JMO & YMMV. The things I like about the press over my old Rock Chucker: - Easier to resize cases. Both will do it, just quicker, easier & less effort on the Forster. - Easier to change out dies/calibers. Not having to get a shell plate for every caliber is nice. Sliding dies in/out vs screwing them in/out is a lot faster. - More consistent reloads. My runout is less on Forster vs. RockChucker. I'm assuming that is likely due to the case/die being allowed to self-align, as well as not being able to introduce side pressure on the ram. Regardless, it improves my consistency, which is what I'm after. Only recommendation I can make irt press specific accessories are: - Get/make a shorter handle. You don't need the full length handle for most jobs. - Stock up on good locking rings for your dies. I'll double check which ones I use & update, but I prefer steel rings. The aluminum type don't hold up/work well for me. - Research extensively if you get a bullet puller. A lot of models with the handle at the top will interfere with the arm of the press on the stroke. But it still beats using a kinetic (hammer type) puller if you need to break down a large amount of rounds. - Buy an extra primer tube for spent primers. It's very easy to knock/ding/fubar the tube by accident, and nothing is more frustrating than having stuck spent primers in the tube keeping you from your task. Any other questions, let me know & I'll do my best to answer. | ||
| 46champ |
Thanks you have answered most of the questions I have not even thought of yet. I am still waiting for it should be here next week. Kind of thought the primer system looked over complicated and slow probably work good for a bench rest shooter trying to get the last bit out of his load. | ||
| P_squared |
Here's the die locking rings I prefer (I buy them in the 6 pack) http://www.hornady.com/store/Sure-Loc-Lock-Ring-6- Per-Pkg/ | ||
| Gowindward |
+1 on the Hornady lock rings. If your press will accept them this is pretty handy. Makes die changes super convenient. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/858110/hornady-l ock-n-load-press-and-die-conversion-bushing-kit | ||
| 46champ |
Most of my dies are RCBS do they not work with the Forester or just not as good. I have some of them that have set screws not cross bolts do they work at all? | ||
| P_squared |
RCBS dies will work, you just need to use/install a lock ring that will fit the press. Most lock rings work, I just prefer to use the Hornady lock rings on my dies (RCBS, LEE, Redding, Hornady and a couple custom dies). | ||
| 46champ |
Just picked it up tonight. I'm going to try and get the first product out this week. Sometimes working for a living gets in the way. |
