Coax press

[scoot]

Does anyone have an opinion re: forster coax vs frankford arsenal m press. Most debate I can find about the two is by patriotic muricans who despise Chinese knockoffs. Curious if the price difference is justified through features, finish, function, etc. or weather it's just a personal preference call.

[No1Mk3]

Does anyone have an opinion re: forster coax vs frankford arsenal m press. Most debate I can find about the two is by patriotic muricans who despise Chinese knockoffs. Curious if the price difference is justified through features, finish, function, etc. or weather it's just a personal preference call.

Many of the worlds best shooters, holders of Local, State, National and International records, use a Forster press. None of them use a Frankford Arsenal Press. There is a reason for this.

[Jorlcrin]

Does anyone have an opinion re: forster coax vs frankford arsenal m press. Most debate I can find about the two is by patriotic muricans who despise Chinese knockoffs. Curious if the price difference is justified through features, finish, function, etc. or weather it's just a personal preference call.

I've bought 2 Forster Co-Axials the past 12 years; couldnt be happier with them.
Lots of options available aftermarket, and usually easy to source spares/upgrades for them.

Mate bought a FA co-axial early this year.

He's had problems with getting it up and running:-
- Stuck cases early on, despite proper lubrication on cases; sounded like he might have had a mis-alignment of the shell-holder and the die.
- (possibly related to first) he found the shell-holder was coming apart, and had been bent during use.
Online searching suggests that if the shell-holder isnt screwed down properly before use, it will deform.
He's adamant he checked all this, but cant rule out operator error.

I believe he has it now working reliably, but I dont think he's had time to verify his results on the range.

I've also read about people getting frustrated with FA presses having insufficient room for tall dies(ie micrometer benchrest), and photos of the FA press suggest it mightnt have as much clearance as the Forster.
But hard to say for certain, without looking at one in the flesh.

The FA presses are just over half the price of the Forster(~$590 vs ~$1090).
I do like the incorporated LED light on the FA for ageing eyes, but you can do same with aftermarket kits on most presses, these days.
My preference is to spend the extra cash on the Forster, if you are wanting a co-axial.

But everyone's needs for a reloading setup is different..

[wanneroo]

If Forster makes a press as good as their dies, then I would say it's good to go. I hear nothing but good about the Forster Co Ax press.

Frankford Arsenal in my experience so far I have found to be like Lee, hit and miss, sometimes a big hit and well executed and then sometimes hardly functional with some of their stuff.

[scoot]

Thanks guys, reinforces what I suspected might be the case.