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Forster

Co-Ax Single Stage Press (B3)

The precision reloader's single-stage press. Forster's floating, self-aligning S-jaws center the case under the die instead of a fixed shellholder, which minimizes runout, and the spring-loaded die jaws let you swap dies by hand with no lock-ring fight.

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Quick Specs

Price
$390
Weight
20 lb
Brand
Forster
Category
reloading-press

Features

  • Single-stage cast-iron O-frame
  • Floating self-aligning S-jaws (no shellholder)
  • Snap-in die changes, no lock-ring reset
  • Three times the leverage of a C-press
  • 7/8-14 die threads

Capability Boosts

Reliability+2
Long Range+1

Recommended For

Outdoor Defense+3
Home Defense+2
Duty/Patrol+2
Range Training

Compatibility Tags

type: reloading-pressguide-onlyuse: reloadingpress: single-stagelevel: precisiontier: premiumuse: rifle

Overview

The Forster Co-Ax is the single-stage press precision reloaders graduate to. Instead of a fixed shellholder that pins the case in one position, the Co-Ax grips the rim with floating S-jaws that let the case self-center under the die. That floating alignment is what minimizes case-to-die runout, the eccentricity that opens up groups at distance. The die mounts in a snap-in slot rather than a threaded hole, so you change dies by hand without re-setting lock rings, and the compound linkage delivers roughly three times the mechanical advantage of an ordinary C-press, enough to full-length size with a finger or two. It costs more and works only with standard 7/8-14 dies, but for benchrest and long-range handloaders the alignment is the whole point.

Key Features

  • Floating S-jaws self-center the case under the die for low runout
  • Snap-in die slot changes dies by hand with no lock-ring reset
  • Compound linkage gives about 3x the leverage of a C-frame press
  • Universal jaws grip most case rims without dedicated shellholders
  • Cast-iron frame and Forster's reputation for tight tolerances

Pros

  • +Floating alignment delivers measurably lower runout than shellholder presses
  • +Fastest die changes of any single-stage press, no lock-ring fiddling
  • +Tremendous leverage makes full-length sizing nearly effortless
  • +Built to the tolerances precision and benchrest reloaders demand

Cons

  • Premium price over a standard cast-iron O-press
  • Standard 7/8-14 dies only; no large 1-1/4-12 die support
  • S-jaws need the correct adapter plate for some rimmed and belted cases

Detailed Specifications

type
Single-stage O-frame
frame
Cast iron
jaws
Floating self-aligning S-jaws
dieMount
Snap-in slot (7/8-14 dies)
leverage
About 3x a standard C-press
throughput
About 50 to 60 rounds/hour

Pairs Well With

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