Best magnum rifle reloading press? RCBS Ammomaster2 vs Forster Coax?

[rookhawk]

Which press is best, or is there a third alternative better even yet for nitro express magnum sized cartridges.

 

[Kurt Swanson]

I can't speak to either of the presses you listed, but a third choice that works well for me is the Lee Classic Cast. Plenty of height in the frame for the long NE rounds and I like the hard stop at top. It's maybe not the best but it's good enough, and certainly better than my old A2 or Rockchucker because of the size.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Redding Ultramag is designed for Nitro Express sized cartridges (4 3/4” opening) if you don’t want to go all the way up to a 50 BMG sized press. My RCBS Rebel has a 4.530” opening - might be tight for a 470 NE.

 

[Joker12]

The Redding Ultra mag is very good as are both the big RCBS and the Forester Coax. You can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[neckdeep]

I love the Forster but have only loaded up to 416 Rigby

 

[rdog]

I can't speak to either of the presses you listed, but a third choice that works well for me is the Lee Classic Cast. Plenty of height in the frame for the long NE rounds and I like the hard stop at top. It's maybe not the best but it's good enough, and certainly better than my old A2 or Rockchucker because of the size.

I have one of the Lee cast presses its a good product, just purchased one of the new MEC metalic presses its even better, the Forester press is really used for precision target reloading. The big Redding ultra mag is i believe your best option.

 

[Bonk]

I bought a Forster Coax specifically for large magnum rifle and large magnum pistol calibers. Highly recommend.

 

[Shootist43]

I've recommended the Rock Chucker Supreme to a number of folks that are new to the reloading game and require large caliber capability. I like the concept of the Forster Co Ax presses, but I thought they were limited to 7/8 -14 dies. Dies for some of the "African" calibers are larger than that. Check with Forster to make sure they can handle dies for the largest caliber you are contemplating reloading. BTW welcome to the reloading game.

 

[Christot]

As a 3rd option: the Heavy Präzipress from Turban. It will not get any better

 

[revturbo9967]

I have a forester co ax and have loaded up to .338 LM. It has served me well but I really dont like the spring loaded shell plate. It hasn’t caused any problems but I just feel like it could cause a misalignment.

 

[BeeMaa]

When I was looking into reloading, my first choice for a single stage magnum press was going to be the Redding Big Boss 2. RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme was a very close second.

Full disclosure - I do NOT reload, but I have found some useful data from this guy and his YouTube channel.
https://ultimatereloader.com/2019/04/08/fourteen-reloading-presses-compared-single-stage-shootout/

 

[Challer]

The Coax seems to be the all the rage with the long range shooters. I use an Area 419 Zero turret press which like a turret form of the Prazi - which is also exceptional

 

[Bert the Turtle]

May be hard to get a great opinion on this one as few people are going to own both. I owned a rock chucker and decided to get an ammomaster 2 when I started reloading for 404 Jeffery. I don’t remember if it was impossible to load on the rock chucker but it was certainly enough of a hassle that I bought a bigger press. For what it’s worth, I’m happy with the ammomaster 2 and it’s big enough for anything I’m ever likely to load.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I have been using a Rockchucker Supreme. Loading for .404J, .375 H&H, and my 7mm RM there is plenty of room and zero problems. This press has a lot of leverage - enough to do re-sizing if needed.

 

[Tanks]

I just upgraded to the Zero Press (Area 419 is the manufacturer) from Forster Co-Ax press. I wanted a turret press where each turret could hold multiple calibers and also be robust and precise enough. Probably an overkill, but then that's how I roll.

This weekend I installed it on my bench including a stand for it that has room to store a couple of turrets on the back, and a slits on either side for an Akro bin. It is pretty beefy.

 

[rookhawk]

Nice @Tanks
I don't mean to sound tacky, but I have to ask. Total setup you have there, over $1500?

 

[Tanks]

Just a tad under. I already have a buyer for my Forster Co-Ax though for what I paid for it a few years ago though.

Look at various YouTube reviews of the press. I had heard about it a few years ago, but wanted to make sure it was not too good to be true. It turned out, it was as good as advertised, I had the need so I bought it for myself.

It is a one-time purchase so it should last me until I am done shooting.

 

[Strausser]

I don’t reaload anything bigger than .378 Wby but I have a Co-ax and a Walnut Hill.
No complaints and neither press is going anywhere.

 

[BB416]

I haven’t used the rcbs ammo master, but have been using my Forster coax for about 5 y. Reload 22 hornet up to 416 Rigby. I love it.

 

[CoElkHunter]

The new RCBS Summit press looks interesting? The die is in front of the press so no cartridge height issues. The die moves up and down and the cartridge case stays stationary in the shell holder. The press handle is mounted on the top of the press, so no bench mounting issues. I only have an older RCBS Jr. and the Lott and Rigby cases get real tight in there with a bullet getting ready to seat. I may upgrade to this one?