Anyone try this "M" press?

Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
A quick internet search indicates that single stage presses are starting to reappear on the market. We're not out of the woods yet, but there seems to be some daylight. If you're looking for a real Forster Co-Ax, you may have to wait a little longer. If you're looking for a single stage press - there are some good ones now available.
 

JonB

Halcyon member
I'm in the Lee "Classic Cast" fan club.
I have a couple single stage and one 4 holer.
The 4 holer is my second, I wore the first one loose and replaced it (I have since learned to take better care of cleaning the ram and freshly applied lube), then one day someone was asking for a used 4 holer and they were happy to buy the first and worn press, even after full disclosure. Then I started buying vintage 3 holers, but never really fell in love with them, so that small collection of vintage 3 holers got sold during this current feeding frenzy (since their price got inflated to silly levels), I decided to unload them all, and when normal returns, I have plans to buy another classic 4 holer as a backup. I've looked at the current econo 4 holer with the new steel base, as they've become available, now around $100...But I think getting the tried and true, Classic Cast is a wiser move for me.
 

Ian

Notorious member
The economy 4-hole is based on the Pro-4000 frame. In my honest opinion, having had and used over a dozen Lee presses (15 I think), the original pot metal turret press is superior to the newest iteration in every way except spent primer collection.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I also have a well worn AMMO
MASTER I was hoping this FA would replace.
I spoke with RCBS and they didnt seem to think I had excessive wear... if it wasnt so heavy Id just send it in!!
I also broke a Summit press couple years back sizing 338 i to 358. Maybe it was 375... I do t remember 100%. But they did replace the toggle prts.

Im gonna try it... (the M press)

CW
 

Ian

Notorious member
If you wore out an Ammomaster and broke a Summit.....well at least you have a real good idea of what NOT to do with the FA unit.

One thing that drive me nuts...and away from...RCBS presses and many other brands too, is the spent primer exit hole in the side of the ram. This spits cups, anvils, and toxic lead compounds all over the place and coats the ram with an abrasive slurry of oil and spent priming compound grit. This constant wash of abrasive cutting fluid wears out the rams and ram bores over time. LEE Presses used to be made this way as well, but then they started drilling the rams through and attaching catch tubes. I bought Paul's old Classic Turret press which has loaded tens of thousands of rounds at four pulls per cartridge and the linkage is worn slap out....but the ram is still a good fit in the base because all the primer grit falls completely through the ram and into a catch tube, never getting onto machined surfaces.
 

JonB

Halcyon member
I sent Midway some money yesterday.
They had the Lee classic turret press in stock for a reasonable price ($135), and well as turrets ($11).
I had a bunch of extra turrets(long story), but couldn't resist selling 12 of them for the stupid high prices ($45) 9 months ago, at the same time I sold the old 3 holers.
 

Mowgli Terry

Active Member
I have gotten the conversion from three to four hold press. I works very well. I use the press for cast rifle bullets. The progressive feature is not used. Before trashing the three hole press, I'd suggest investigate converting. In this case it worked out very well. A friend had give me the three hole press.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
The M Press arrived at the post Saturday. But I was 8miles iff shore... SO, tomorrow I should be able to pick it up.
I am also enjoying the Lil Lee turret. Last night was last straw on there priming system tho... dead primers drop into the trash nicely... as do live ones all too often. So it came off last night. It works quite slick I was likin it but then it started stickin a bit pullin the primer back up outta the cup... down the seater and into that trash can with thousands of dead primers... SURE I could just grab it, IF I could see which it was!!! GRRR nope lil patience for such BS.
But the press is a winner pis making fine ammo efficiently. Plus with primer off I have ore room for my large hands.


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Ian

Notorious member
You may have to shim the mount for the safety prime so it deposits the primer in the cup without dragging and flipping it back out when you retract it. Also, if you install 18" of vinyl tube with a plug in the end on your ram instead of sticking a catch can under it, any live primers you drop will end up on the floor instead of getting mixed. Just remember to empty the tube before the spent primers start backing up into the ram because they're a buggar to dig out once they start packing into the ram.

EDIT: sorry, I forgot you have the NEW turret press with the small ram and it looks like you had to remove the clip-on plastic primer tube adapter so the press would fit your bench. The Classic Turret with the big ram and thick base has a nipple machined on the BOTTOM of the ram for the primers to exit and would mount against your bench without interference.
 
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CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
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Have. Yet to use it but its smooth and fits well on my riser. The light wouldnt work... I disassembled and found a wire poorly soldered. Its quite brite now! I drilled a hole in the bench top under the outlet and ran the USB wire under the bench then back up @ the press and zip tied the wires.

I then lubed the bores and the shell plate as it was quite stiff. Slightly better. Might disassemble and debur/polish contact surfaces.
Its quite smooth first test will be run out!

CW
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I posted a quick video loding 5 450 Bushmasters on this press. Aside from allignment (fat straight case) it works very nicely. I did check straight ess and found it was quite good!!

(Sorry uTube deleted the video)
 
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CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I have used this press a few times now. So far so good.
I have used my Mighty universal decap die successfully. (Not needed on this press as the APP does this duty Dutifully.)
I have used the RCBS collett bullet puller sucessfully as well. Lil More difficult but it worked just fine.

Last night I sized 20 pieces of 7mag brass and searched for my shoulder gauges.... Nope So I ordered another set.
CW
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I also made up a powder stand for the LEE Turret press. As well as a new handle

More uTube deleted Videos...
 
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Mowgli Terry

Active Member
My problem with anything from Midway is the short life if it works at all from the get-go. If you want a co-ax press go with the real thing.
 

Mowgli Terry

Active Member
Been there done that Terry!! I was not satisfied. Mine was bought thirty years ago, so older model.
My experience and opinion: I have an old Bonanza Co-Ax that's pretty much the same as today's Co-Ax. It's a quality press that is grossly over-advertised. One bozo/guru elsewhere claimed the Co-Ax is stronger that a Rock Chucker. I can't tell from testing run out that one press is any better than the other. Your YMMV. I don't use the Co-Ax anymore. It's a good machine but not a miracle worker. I stand by what I say on Midway.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I had a early Co-ax press. I sold it. Dont remember what I disliked. It was before they offered the universal ahell holder.

I have now used this Frankfort for 5 maybe siz calibers. Sizing 6.5 Grendel, 7 mag & 300 bo I have been able to maintain better then .0035 shoulder bump. Its surprising to me with all things that jiggle and move... But Its been good so far. Die blocks are a tiny issue as lock screws dont really lock. But I have been able to use my RCBD collet die. Hornady match dies work Forester seaters do not.

Watching Johnnys loading bench. He got a reg shell holder to work by removing the separator pin. "Dingus" as he called it. This allows taller and some dies that where too short now work. But cradle actuating arm is still issue on very tall die bodies.

Overall I like it.

CW