Someone quick, write this down....Judd, JG and RR all agreed on something You can normally find 2 of the three of us agree but you have the trifecta on this one

Pretty weird, huh?

Ok now I see why, RR & JG.

Just got finished watching a few vids of the Co-Ax in action. Suddenly my world may have just gotten a bit bigger.

Don't know why, but in all the years I've been loading I never took a closer look at that press. Pretty darned nifty.

Oh, boy...

.

I can't imagine why people would suggest the Coax is a poor choice. The only regret one could have about a Coax is not getting one. In a separate thread, if anybody cares to, I'd be curious to hear cons of the Coax (for all skill levels but in particular for a newcomer as RiverRider said "I'm not sure I'd suggest a Co-Ax for a beginner").

I think this is as good a place as any to talk about that.

I haven't said the Co-Ax would be a poor choice, but a beginner may find that it makes things more complicated. To begin with, when you look over general basic reloading instructions, they're all oriented toward a conventional press. That could induce some confusion. Like JG, I found that a Grip-n-Pull type bullet puller could not be used. Certain press-mounted stuck case removers can't be used. Some press-mounted primer pocket swagers cannot be used. There may be more stuff that isn't compatible...I haven't tried every accessory available, yet, and I wouldn't be surprised to find more. For that reason I did equip myself with an RCBS Jr press since I gave away my Rockchucker when I bought my Co-Ax.

I guess it all really depends on the individual...how mechanically inclined you are and how well you can visualize, how well you can understand written explanations, even how well you can use the Google-foo, and other factors. Having a mentor can go a long way too. But for the guy who decides to pick up the hobby on a whim, never heard of headspace, and never cracked open a reloading manual, and has no nearby mentor to coach him, it may be the worst choice of all besides a progressive.

All just my opinion, of course.

If money is not an object I would go with firemans list but would start with and stay with a single stage RCBS for rifle ammo and a powder trickler to use with the beam scale. Then later add a progressive press for high volume pistol and AR ammo.
For someone just starting out the rockchucker kit is a bargain. You will need some of other tools to go with it though. Learning the basics with quality but simple gear and learning what you want to upgrade is a good route to take. It will be your bench tailored to your ammo needs then.

The whole thing- # one. But get it a Natchezz or somewhere where it's not $350!

The whole thing- # one. But get it a Natchezz or somewhere where it's not $350!

If he buys a Rock Chucker, and loads for all those cartridges on his list, you know what's gonna happen?

He will end up selling it, when it's as much trouble as it is to swap dies. Lose money, and then buy a Co-Ax anyway.

Y'all remember my list? It included headspace gauges. Skinnerback has already sent me a PM stemming from this thread. I'll be more than happy to answer any questions, as soon as possible, for any other PMs he sends me.

Co-Ax is still the answer.