Looking at new presses

I use my Co-Ax for 338 LM all the time. It's a little tight getting long bullets like the Barnes 265 LRX-BT in to seat, but you just have to tilt the bullet and slide it into the Redding seating collar a hair and then eased it down into the charged case. I've got the Dillon 650, Lyman turrent, and an old Rockchucker, and definitely prefer my Co-Ax for loading ALL rifle rounds....
 
I've got a Rock Chucker and Redding T-7 turret press. I don't load a lot of handgun unless it's for hunting so it serves me well. It gets expensive buying a few turrets but you can purchase those after the fact
 
I have a Bonanza co-ax -- the original coaxial predecessor to the Forster co-ax. I bought it used off the internet about 5 years ago, mostly because so many posters on this and other reloading sites were singing the praises of the co-ax design. And judging by the fact new ones are back ordered and used ones keep their value, I guess they're sought after.

I bolted it to the bench next to my RCBS single-stage press, and tried using it for a while. Some things I came to love right away: changing dies involves sliding the old one out and sliding in a new one, and you don't have to change shell holders. I didn't care for the priming system, but that's not important since I use an RCBS bench top priming tool so I get a better feel for the resistance of the primer seating.

My own personal preference, with both the RCBS Rockchucker and the Bonanza ready to go in front of me was that I preferred where the handle was on the RCBS. I had to reach up high to grab the Bonanza handle, while the RCBS handle was right at shoulder level and I was able to deliver full power throughout the stroke. Perhaps I could have changed that by mounting the press on a lower table, but then my knees would not fit under the table.

As it stands now, I am ready to sell or trade the Bonanza, but haven't bothered doing so because shipping would be kinda pricey -- it's heavy.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Long time Rock Chucker user. Recently added a Summit and a Co - Ax. Both kind of non typical for longtime Rock Chucker users but each excel and solve different challenges.
 
I bought a Summit a few years ago and never used it. Initially I had to send it back because the post where the shell holder snaps in was out of alignment with the press. RCBS fixed the issue and sent me the all too today letter back saying it was tested and nothing wrong was found... except the issue was fixed. Whatever, they fixed it so I'm happy with that. One of these days I'll give it a try. I've also been considering the Rebel, MEC, Co-ax, and T7. Guess I just have a hankering for something new and shiny.
 
I was looking into buying another press to use alongside a older Rockchucker Supreme I have. I searched the archives, and I see there are a few new players in the market. The Forster Co-Ax [tried and true] gets some rave reviews here, and the new RCBS Rebel looks very good.

Rather than bring up an old thread I thought I'd start from scratch. Any feedback is appreciated, especially opinons on the Rebel, I don't think it's in the hands of many reloaders yet. Thanks.
Redding T7 has been a excellent press for me.
 
I bought a Summit a few years ago and never used it. Initially I had to send it back because the post where the shell holder snaps in was out of alignment with the press. RCBS fixed the issue and sent me the all too today letter back saying it was tested and nothing wrong was found... except the issue was fixed. Whatever, they fixed it so I'm happy with that. One of these days I'll give it a try. I've also been considering the Rebel, MEC, Co-ax, and T7. Guess I just have a hankering for something new and shiny.
I know that feeling for something new and shiny. The truth is I really don't need the press, it's more of I want another press.
 
I use a Redding Ultramag in single stage and have a Dillon 550B progressive which I would like to upgrade to the next step up Dillon. I have considered adding a T7 turret for middle of the road stuff like 44 mag, etc. I prefer the Ultramag for precision rifle stuff and feel it is more accurate than the Dillon by a bit for that. Speed, Dillon no question. For one press, I recommend the T7. It splits the difference between the two and is a much faster conversion from one cartridge to another. Faster than a single stage bouncing back an forth.
 
Go Forster. You can't go wrong. $300.00 to $400.00. Area419 Zero press. $1200.00. Ouch!!!. But, meow. Look, we all love our presses that we use, you will have to make your choice. I use a Forster co-ax for all my rifle bullets. I myself, love the priming system on the Forster. It's the most accurate priming system available on any press. "PRECISE" every time. I've done it so long now, that I never take my left hand off the lever. My right hand changes out the cases and replaces the primer. A learning curve you will encounter with any new tool.
I load rifle on a Forster. I load pistol on a Lee loadmaster. I've had that load master for about 10 years now, not a hick up one. I have a Lee breech lock and my first single stage press. A Lee $37.00 C press. I use the breech lock and the C press to de prime dirty range brass an Verdan primers.
I'm in the process of ordering a Century 21 Hydro press, but that's another story for another day, different rabbit hole. I'll promise you this,,,. Regardless of what press you buy. That Forster Co-ax press will always be on the back of your mind. It will haunt you. Fact.
20201024_180531.jpg
 
Last edited:
Warning! This thread is more than 4 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Recent Posts

Top