forester vs redding

[BERTMAN77MK2]

about to buy a new reloading press for accuracy,ease of use,
strength,longevity,etc--which would u prefer and why? From
reading I have narrowed it down to the Redding turret or
Forester Co-Ax--load 17 to 30 cal at present but would like to own
a 338 Lapua at some point

allopinions and facts welcome

 

[johndoe]

Re: forester vs redding

You picked probally 2 of the best presses out there. As fast as you
can spin the turret you can swap out another die in the Forster.
What your favorite color green or red?

 

[BobinNC]

Re: forester vs redding

Accuracy = Co-AX
Ease of Use = Co-AX for 1 caliber; T7 for multiple calibers
Strength = Tie
Longevity = Lifetime for both

Plus I added a few

Speed = Redding T-7
Spent primer handling = Co-AX

For use with a 338 Lapua, both can handle it, but the Co-ax has a little bit more height than the T-7.

Bob

 

[dighawaii]

Re: forester vs redding

I have both and really enjoy both, but for me, each has a specific purpose on my bench.

The T-7 allows me to setup for .223, .308 and .300 WM. It is so convenient to simply turn the turret for the next job or operation.

The Forster in most cases, would do specific tasks for me like adding crimp, neck sizing, etc. But I need to be careful about what dies I can put in the Forster Co-ax. The handle passes over the die and some dies may not work, like my bullet puller dies.

Making a decision between the two is difficult, but I would probably recommend the Redding T-7.

If you want to do everything one at a time, and willing to take a few extra seconds, the Forster Co-ax would be great.

Both are excellent loading machines. Good luck on your selection.

Tom O.

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

Re: forester vs redding

thanks guys--it is my eventual goal to own 1 of each but can only
acquire 1 at present

 

[mtn3531]

Re: forester vs redding

I have the Forster and I am the perfectionist type when it comes to things and it suits me fine. They are almost impossible to find used, and that should be a clue as to how much people who have them love them. I use Redding dies, so I can also say that they make a quality product as well and I'm sure that whichever press you choose, you will be happy with it. Let us know what you decide on!

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: forester vs redding

"about to buy a new reloading press for accuracy,ease of use,
strength,longevity,etc--which would u prefer and why?"

Okay, Facts and some opinion backed by facts and experience, not blind loyalty to or against anything.

Facts:

Precision ammo can be made on any current press. It's the skills/methods of the handloader and his dies that limits precision, not the press.

Any press made is overly strong for most uses and even cast iron presses can be broken by determined dummies. The current pure strength champ is Redding's UltraMag.

Any normal press will, with a small minimum of care, last two lifetimes...maybe more. Nothing will last long if it's abused or neglected.

A modest amount of slack/wear in the ram actully improves the probability of obtaining quality ammo because it will allow any slight misalignment between the case and die to self correct as they come together. A tightly fitted ram may prevent that.

No press is difficult to use. The ergonomics of a couple leave something to be desired by some people. Both the UltraMag and Coax require near straight in case feeding and that can be awkward. The Coax's handle works straight out and dead center, that too can be awkward.

Some presses do a better job in some details, such as how they catch spent primers (or how they DON'T catch spent primers!). Those that direct spent primers and grit through the ram and into a collection bottle are ideal; Coax, Big Boss, Lee Classic Cast.

Some popular presses have too limited access under the die for loading large/long cases without fumbling.

A major reason it's hard to find a used Coax (or Ultramag) is they are so costly few are sold.


Opinion:

I LIKE a press:

With a lever that can be adjusted for lenght, side of operation and angle.

Can accept up to .50 BMG cartridges!

That's machined on precision CNC machinery.

That has a larger than normal diameter ram and great strength. (Doesn't matter that it isn't really needed, I like it anyway!)

Doesn't cost an arm and a leg for such a simple device.


Last FACT is, the only current model that provides all I like in a press is the Lee Classic Cast.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Re: forester vs redding

Precision ammo can be made on any press by skilled operators, but it is easier on some presses than others. Skilled carpenters can build intricate cabinetry with only hand tools too.

Press strength (to avoid breakage) should not be confused with rigidity (to avoid flexing which causes inconsistent results). The frame design of the Redding UltraMag and the Forster Co-Ax attaches the linkage arms directly to the massive top of the press, near the die for minimal flexing.

Presses that have through-the-ram spent primer handling include the Lee Classic Cast and Classic Turret; Redding Big Boss <span style="text-decoration: underline">II</span> (<span style="font-weight: bold">not </span>the Big Boss!), UltraMag and T7; and the Forster Co-Ax. The Co-Ax is the only one that keeps the primer debris completely away from the ram/frame bearings because there is no priming slot in the co-ax ram.

Andy

 

[Clark]

Re: forester vs redding

<span style="font-weight: bold">Use all the time:</span>
Bonanza co-ax press
Forster co-ax press
RCBS partner press

<span style="font-weight: bold">Use sometimes:</span>
(3) Lee reloader presses
RCBS rockchucker press

<span style="font-weight: bold">Never use:</span>
Lyman All American Press with shell holder adapter
Dillon 550B set up for 9mm and 223