Right now I use my neighbor’s press for reloading, but am seriously thinking about completing my own set-up since I’m only a few items away. My question is about the beginner (Rock Chucker) and intermediate (F.A.) reloading presses. Jeff Bezos currently has the FA about $50 cheaper than the Chucker, making it seem like a no-brainer to go with the FA. However, I’m reading the FA does not use shell holders. In order for me to get proper (and consistent) should bump, I own the Redding Competition shell holders for the 7mm that I reload for. Will these shell holders work on the FA press?
If this is the press you are talking about, it is shown using standard shell holders.
Good Luck
EW: Frankford Arsenal F1 Press
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Mike, if you are talking about the model that uses basically a lock jaw system to hold the case, then I think it will work fine. I do not have a FA press, but do have the Forster co-ax press which uses the locking plates which hold the shell in place. When you watch a lot of videos posted by premier shooters you will see the Forster in the background a lot. Having said that, it has worked fine for me over the past 4 years, but I would suspect that a press designed along the more traditional route of using a shell holder (that is tight) and ramming the case straight on with the die, is probably a little more precise. I have never heard anyone say that, but anything with a fraction of play in it from a machining standpoint can cause a variation in the results. I do use the Redding competition dies in my Forster press, I do like the ability of the die to float and center on the case which does good things in reducing runnout, and I do like the way the locking plates (jaws) hold a case, it does not wiggle at all when you are working the case. Anyway, I am still not quite sure which model of FA you are talking about, but just wanted to give you some insights. I load 7 REM Mag for hunting.
Good luck
John
The M-press does not use shell holders at all. The lock jaw system replaces it.
I followed Jim’s recommendation for reloading equipment completely, and have had no issues what so ever. That being said all the equipment on his list is single stage meaning everything is done one at a time. This suits my needs well, as I am loading 6.5cm, 6.5prc, and 7prc. So loading a couple of boxes at a time is plenty for my needs.
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