A method and apparatus for transferring a web wound about a loaded core. The steps include providing a core shaft axially extending between a core shaft first end and a core shaft second end, providing a web wound about a loaded core, the loaded core coaxially related to the core shaft, axially supporting the core shaft by a first axial support operatively engaged with the core shaft first end and a second axial support operatively engaged with the core shaft second end, axially moving the loaded core from the core shaft to the second axial support, and removing the first axial support and the second axial support.