Sanity Check

[daboone]

You don't want to prime on the Co-Ax press.
Would suggest the RCBS hand primer.
Co-Ax is GREAT press.

I agree there are faster ways to prime like like the RCBS bench primer. On the other hand once the CO-AX presses primer seating system is set up for a specific cartridge it is probably one of the most precise for seating depth. That's is important for autoloaders like the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, SKS, etc. If you like the pace of reloading on SS press then you can't beat the CO-AX press for for both reloading and primer seating.

 

[MAJPATT]

I agree there are faster ways to prime like like the RCBS bench primer. On the other hand once the CO-AX presses primer seating system is set up for a specific cartridge it is probably one of the most precise for seating depth. That's is important for autoloaders like the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, SKS, etc. If you like the pace of reloading on SS press then you can't beat the CO-AX press for for both reloading and primer seating.

Daboone, I watched a great demonstration on youtube of the priming process on a CO-AX. My impression mirrors your thoughts. Slow but very precise.

 

[Rule3]

Gents,

Thanks for the additional information. You guys have given me a lot to think about. A couple of thoughts:



At first I thought that reloading would just be a minor supplement to my hobby of shooting. Now I understand that reloading is a world unto itself, a minor manufacturing enterprise in my basement.

Which is why I suggested Baby Steps

As with most new reloaders you are suffering from info overload. You also have to much on your plate and trying to accomplish too much at one stroke.

All your listed items are good stuff but learn the craft first and add to it,

Not saying it's for you but say buy the RCBS kit I suggested. It has about all you need minus a few things, get some powder and primers and actually load a caliber whatever handgun you shoot the most. The Press will never go to waste, you can keep it or sell it,

The APS system is actually very good but did not catch on. You can load your own strips and it's safer than explosion tubes But RCBS has phased it out on their new press,

You do not need a sonic cleaner. If your brass is sanding and dirty, wash it in a 5 gal bucket, then tumble it, Just saved a few hundred bucks. You can go crazy buying "stuff"

Regardless there are many ways to prime, the kit has it

How to eat a Whale? One bite at a time.

JMHO Good luck!

 

[bwxmas]

I am just going to say one thing, and I am out, as I think we ALL are just confusing someone that is new.
If you have to buy a second machine, because your first machine will not prime unless setup perfectly, then I have to assume for a new reloader, it is not the right machine. When I can take A T7 out of the box, and start loading with it right now. I think you guys have some sort of competition to see how many different machines you can have to do a reload.
I get it, its fun to collect toys, I have a bunch myself., but new guys, are new guys, and need it simplified first.
NEW reloaders need things simple. which is why I recommend what I did.
I load perfect ammo out of a 1960's Pacific, with 1960's dies, using a 10.00 pacific trimmer, when I work at my fathers place, it is not brain surgery.
Shawn.. Keep it simple for YOU. Make yourself Happy, and PM me, if I can further assist.

 

[M29since14]

My final advice on the subject.

BUY THE WILSON TRIMMER! Forget about the cost of the bushings. If you buy anything that uses a collet and not bushings, soon enough you will realize your mistake!

Good luck to you - and have fun!

 

[MAJPATT]

My final advice on the subject.

BUY THE WILSON TRIMMER! Forget about the cost of the bushings. If you buy anything that uses a collet and not bushings, soon enough you will realize your mistake!

Good luck to you - and have fun!

Seriously? You guys are killing me with this Wilson trimmer. It certainly may be the best trimmer. When I price out the Wilson with all of the stuff needed to get it set up and going, it is basically twice the cost of the Forster.

Here is the bottom line: I don't know enough about trimming to justify the additional cost.

At least no one recommended at Girard? to me yet.

Reloading is a crazy world.

 

[Rule3]

With all the things on your "plate" the trimmer is one of the least of your mediate concerns. They all trim well. Get a RCBS trimmer, or the Forester or the Lyman what ever.

One last time,learn to load some straight wall cases (no trimming needed) learn what you are doing, then deal with all this other stuff.

I ask every new reloader, What caliber do you plan on shooting the most? How much ammo do you REALLY need? Start there.

That will help define what YOU should buy.

 

[Twoboxer]

Great feedback. I think the RCBS primer is the one. Some mitigating information on chronos. I have the privilege of living in Utah. Open desert shooting is only 45 minutes away, so some of the downside in set up isn't a worry. I looked at the magnetospeed. Sure seems like a neat piece of gear. I was honestly just trying to do the chrono on the cheap. Do you ever use the magnetospeed at indoor ranges?

I have the original Magnetospeed V1 . . . bought it on announcement day because I hated the hassle carrying/using my CED M2 lol. My MSpeed does not attach to pistols, even those with rails. However, I have used it on rifles at indoor ranges - that's one of its advantages - just for the purpose of checking velocities.

It flat out works, all day, every day, anywhere . . . as long as you can attach it to *your* firearms. The newer versions expand its reach. But it changes POI which makes some methods of load development difficult.

However, given your shooting venue, the optical chrono is probably the right bet at this moment. With the ability to set it up and adjust it fairly easily, you will be able to run most if not all of your load development work through it.

While not strictly necessary, I find having the data on ALL load development rounds very useful, especially to provide a reason for some unusual spreads lol. Using my MagnetoSpeed, I make extra rounds at intervals to get a small sample of velocities. Helpful, but not as good as I'd like.

That's why I have not upgraded the MagnetoSpeed, and have a LabRadar on order. /fingerscrossed.

ETA: If you consider a progressive press, I'd advise a 5-hole press at a minimum. For practical purposes that limits you to a Dillon 650 or Hornady LnL AP. The new 5 and 7 hole RCBS presses are just out and unproven, and not worth taking a chance on when the Dillon/Hornady work very well.

I have no concern about you starting with a progressive . . . you can clearly RTFM . But there's a lot to learn about reloading and letting your own preferences develop before choosing. At the end of the day, a single stage press is always useful no matter where you go from there.

 

[Rule3]

A chronograph is also something you do not "need" at this time let alone one that doesn't work with handguns. Many, many reloaders do not even own one. I bought one many years after I began reloading, Yes they can provide some useful info but do you really need velocity data never having loaded a round yet.?
Stick with published loads out of actual forearms and it will be pretty close,

Think priorities.

 

[M29since14]

Seriously? You guys are killing me with this Wilson trimmer...

OK, I'll take it back. That wasn't my final word - this is. The Wilson trimmer does seem over-priced. But... it will save you more in frustration than it seems to be over-priced. There is nothing more annoying than trying to do good work with a crummy case trimmer.

The bushings are $12 to $26 at Midway. Buy one when you need it. Don't buy them all at once. Ease into it.

Be SURE you buy the Q-type bushings for your revolver cartridges. Yes, they are slower to use and cost more, but they do a better job with the straight-wall cases, IMO.

There. Now that really is all I'll say on that subject.

 

[Peak53]

+1 on starting with one or two of your favorite straight walled calibers and then go from there. There may not be a need to buy EVERYTHING you may need all at once. Get some experience and then add to your tool supply as your experience dictates. I find reloading to be a great adjunct to the primary hobby of actually pulling the trigger. Not something to obsess over, except for safety, unless you are looking for absolute benchrest accuracy. I now load about 7 calibers, added one at a time, and get very, very good range and hunting loads.

 

[MAJPATT]

Sounds good guys. I think I'm going to start with just 44 special and 45 ACP. Not sure which dies I'll get. I do want to try using a coated lead .452 bullet in in the 45. I'm about 80% sure I'm still going with the Forster Co-ax. But today I looked at everything from a Lee Classic Cast to a CH4D Champion. I'm sure soon I'll be hunting up vintage stuff on EBay.

 

[Twoboxer]

GLHF and stay safe

 

[Doc Hollywood]

I have done a lot of rounds on a lee single stage press. I prime with an rcbs bench primer, I use a Lyman case trimmer and a combination of the rcbs automatic powder thrower and an rcbs double beam scale. I use a lot of the lee factory crimp dies. With 300h&h reloading has allowed me to maximize the cartridges performance while shooting 3/4 MOA in 10 shot strings for less than 75 cents a round. It has allowed me to shoot cast bullets from my .458 Lott and get enjoyment from owning that rifle by shooting it affordably. I am able to go to a range and fire 600 rounds of 357 magnum every other weekend! Reloading is an economic no brainer. As for case cleaning, one of your issue green socks filled with casings and placed in your washing machine on hot with a healthy dose of simple green works wonders. Just don't chamfer first or it will cut the sock to ribbons. And make sure your wife is gone.