John_M

Vigilante, I would recommend the Forester rings ONLY with the Forster co-ax press. They would work with other presses but are best with the Forster. I am unfamiliar with the Dillon rings so I can't comment on them. Lee rings have a rubber "O" ring to provide some resistance to turning out of adjustment. As I recall, RCBS and Redding rings use a set screw which is screwed into the threads on the die. This holds the ring in place and in my OPINION is not nearly as good as the cross-bolt design used by Forster, Hornady and Lyman. Forster rings are aluminum. Both Hornady and Lyman provide all steel rings and both have the cross-bolt design which tightens the ring onto/into the threads of the die. This design is MY favorite. I would give a slight preference to the Hornady rings because of the two flats on their rings. Hornady also makes a ring wrench which fits their rings very nicely for easy removal from the press. Lyman rings are the equal to Hornady for holding power. Hornady holds the lead for the two sided design. Lyman holds the lead in price. It seems I have unintentionally hijacked 454Bore's thread. He has my apologies for this transgression. So, I'll say no more about die rings.

Vigilante, I needed eight of the Forster rings for eight dies. I keep the rings set on the dies so the quick die change can be completed without having to adjust the dies for each caliber at each reloading session. With the rings set on the dies it is just a matter of sliding the dies in and out of the co-ax press for each of the reloading steps. Sliding the dies into and out of the co-ax is probably similar in convenience to the Hornady Lnl system or the Lee bushing system. I have used the Lee bushing system and it is very good. I have never used the Hornady Lnl system. Also, there is a probability that I might need additional Forster die rings in the future. If so, I now have enough for another caliber. As I recall, purchasing a 12 pack of rings cost about the same as eight individual rings. I have already purchased new 6/32 x 1/2" stainless cap screws with a hex drive drive head to replace the Phillips head cap screws which come with the Forster rings. Also as I recall, most reloaders who made comments about the Forster rings suggested switching to the screws I described in the previous sentence. An extra comment: I also tried using the Lyman and Hornady rings on these dies to see how those rings would work with the Forster co-ax press. They fit kind of okay, I guess, but they are much too loose for my liking. The Forster rings fit best-nice and snug with just enough "float" to allow precise alignment between cartridge and die.

Follow-up to my post on Aug. 26. My Foster co-ax arrived as scheduled. The fit, finish and feel of the press in operation is even better than I expected. Initial setup was a breeze. Having the handle centered over the reloading process seems more precise and intuitive than having the handle to the side. Operation is VERY smooth. I also ordered a dozen of the Forster die rings for use on my Lee, Redding, and Forster dies. One rainy day this weekend I will set up my Lee, Redding, and Forster dies and do some reloading using the optional short handle. I read somewhere that the co-ax comes with a nylon cover. This may have been a special promotion with an internet retailer but mine did not have a cover included. I'll order one today. One of the reason I reload is because I enjoy the precision of the process. My new Forster co-ax is going to add precision and much enjoyment to an already enjoyable hobby.

roadapple +1 My new Forster co-ax press will arrive on Tuesday, Aug. 30. One has the right to expect excellence of construction and operation when he/she pays top dollar for a reloading press. Like many others, I certainly do. If my new co-ax has this kind of obvious defect, whether cosmetic or functional, it will be returned for a full refund. My faith in the reputation of any company will be destroyed if they accept this kind of shoddy craftsmanship as their standard of "excellence". Forster really is a reputable company making a line of excellent products. I just have to believe this non-centered milling is one of their few "lemons ".