Forster Co-Ax Shell holder conversion

deepcore · May 14, 2011, 09:25 PM

Aside from the obvious loss of the ability to not need a set of shell holders for all the calibers you load for.
Is there any other "disadvantage" to converting a Forster Co-Ax to use "conventional" shell holders.

bbqncigars · May 15, 2011, 11:24 AM

Using 'conventional' shell holders can result in an off center condition unless properly set up. In the few cases I need to use a fixed shell holder, I reduce the bottom rim thickness so the press jaws can grip it.

deepcore · May 15, 2011, 12:09 PM

The off center condition can exist even if you use Forster conversion plate?

Is taking material off of the shell holder a lot of work? I'm thinking you have to make sure you get it the same level all around.

Clark · May 15, 2011, 12:50 PM

I have fabricated the shell holder jaws, fabricated the wear plate, and fabricated the shell holder jaw housing.

Last year I came up with a system of two assemblies that I can swap large to small in 10 seconds while blindfolded. That was simply capturing the jaws and springs between the housing and wear plate with a screw.

This year I came up with an improved housing that is stronger, clears the jaw adjustment screw, and captures the springs. I made a dozen and sold them.

In all that time I was never tempted to make co-ax jaws that capture an X shell holder, but you might enjoy doing that.

bbqncigars · May 19, 2011, 07:56 PM

Now that's just easy on the eyes. I wish I had the space for a vertical mill. Why do I have the sudden urge to sniff some Dykem?

May 14, 2011, 09:25 PM	#1
deepcore Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2010 Posts: 364	Forster Co-Ax Shell holder conversion Aside from the obvious loss of the ability to not need a set of shell holders for all the calibers you load for. Is there any other "disadvantage" to converting a Forster Co-Ax to use "conventional" shell holders.

May 15, 2011, 11:24 AM	#2
bbqncigars Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 525	Using 'conventional' shell holders can result in an off center condition unless properly set up. In the few cases I need to use a fixed shell holder, I reduce the bottom rim thickness so the press jaws can grip it. __________________ "Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most." A. Brilliant

May 15, 2011, 12:50 PM	#4
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	I have fabricated the shell holder jaws, fabricated the wear plate, and fabricated the shell holder jaw housing. Last year I came up with a system of two assemblies that I can swap large to small in 10 seconds while blindfolded. That was simply capturing the jaws and springs between the housing and wear plate with a screw. This year I came up with an improved housing that is stronger, clears the jaw adjustment screw, and captures the springs. I made a dozen and sold them. In all that time I was never tempted to make co-ax jaws that capture an X shell holder, but you might enjoy doing that. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

May 19, 2011, 07:56 PM	#5
bbqncigars Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 525	Now that's just easy on the eyes. I wish I had the space for a vertical mill. Why do I have the sudden urge to sniff some Dykem? __________________ "Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most." A. Brilliant

May 15, 2011, 12:09 PM	#3
deepcore Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2010 Posts: 364	The off center condition can exist even if you use Forster conversion plate? Is taking material off of the shell holder a lot of work? I'm thinking you have to make sure you get it the same level all around.