Shotshell reloaders

[RoverDave]

I reload rifle and pistol but I want to start reloading shotshells. Any recommendations for a loader? I'm reloading 28 ga and .410 for skeet shooting. (12ga and 20 ga are much cheaper and I'm not going to reload them for now.) I estimate that I'll reload about 1500 rounds per summer. What do you guys recommend?

 

[Ge-mini-gun]

I have a Dillon SL-900 for the 28 and Hornandy 366 for the 410. You can't go wrong with the Dillon, however I would go with a Mec of some sort, from what I've read you can't go wrong. Nice thing about the Dillon is later you can change out for 12 and 20 with the conversions.

 

[RoverDave]

Anyone use a Mec 9000?

 

[Noah Zark]

I have an old MEC 650 set upf ro 12 ga that has never failed me. IMO, MEC equipment is pretty good, and they stand behind it.

The thing to consider about reloading 28 and 410, it'd be a PITA to switch die setups unless the press is build for quick-change, leaving the dies installed and set on a removable toolholder. That feature would save a lot of time, hassle, and reworks/throwaways. The alternative would be two more simple presses, one set up in each of your two chamberings.

Noah

 

[Ge-mini-gun]

Anyone use a Mec 9000?

I've heard great things about it, never used one but everyone I know that does love them. I'm not crazy about the 366 I have, but it was givin to me so the price was right. One thing, 410's are a bitch to load you really have to take your time and not rush things, 28's are easier but not like the 12 and 20.

 

[Cowboy Shooter]

I have a MEC 9000 and a very early 600jr, both in twelve gauge. I've loaded a lot of shells on each and like them both. There are better presses such as the Dillon or Ponsness Warren for those who will be loading REALLY large volume but MEC is probably the best press for the money and more than adequate if huge volume is not in your plans.

 

[Nwcid]

I have a Mec JR (600 or 650 cant remember) but it very easy to use and very easy to load quite a bit of ammo on. I am able to load a round it on as fast if not faster then I do a pistol round on my RCBS 2000 press. I think they are still about $125 so you could easily buy one of each and should be fine for the volume you are loading. If you were doing 1000+ a month I would step up to a progressive.





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[Patriot]

Dave,

I have a Mec "Grabber" Works good. I usually load 3-400 at a sitting with mine. Not a bad press. The Dillon wasn't available when I bought my MEC.

 

[RoverDave]

I forgot about the 650 and the Grabber. Two good options between the 600 jr and the 9000. Looks like the difference between the 650 and the grabber is the built-in resizer on the grabber. Noah, do you resize the base as a separate step or just skip it? I'm trying to minimize my investment since I'll have to buy two for 28 and .410.

 

[coyle311]

Dave, I got a 9000 set up in 12 ga as my first shotshell loader early this year. Very easy to set up and operate(like I said, it was my first time reloading shotshells). I love it. However, I've never tried any other shotshell reloaders, so I can't give a comparison. I'll just say that I've loaded about 2000 shells on it without a hitch.

 

[0331]

I have loaded thousands of shells with a mec 600 and never had to do a damn thing to it after I set it up the first time. Anybody remember 700X powder? I used to buy it in coffee cans from Nobel Firearms in Fort Worth back in the mid 70's. AA hulls were the shit and I would use scotch tape to keep the shot from spilling out the splits in the sides to make them last one more round.

 

[FlaSport]

MEC's

I own reloading setups in all 4 guages - I have all MEC 9000 machines except for the 12 Guage which is Hydraulic. I would recommend the MEC 9000 for the 28 and 410. With the price of new shells in those guages, you will recoup your initial investment quickly. After you get the press setup, you should be able to reload 400-500 rounds per hour at a relaxed pace - including adding powder, shot, and primers every hundred rounds. As with all MECS regardless of model, the hard part is setting the maching up properly. On MECs the primer drop seems to give the most trouble, but once adjusted, should not be a problem. Used machines are available, but check the price of new- if not a substantial discount, may as well buy new. The machines will last a long time with minimal repairs. (an occasional spring, or plastic wad guide may break)