New to shot shell reloading.

[Allen]

I am looking to start reloading shot shells. I don't know anything about the re-loaders used for shot shells. I have been looking at the MEC line. Some of their models have a re-sizer built in and some don't.

How important is a re-sizer for shotguns? Has anyone ever used the MEC line and what are the pros and cons.

If you use something else, what do you use and why do you like it?

Thanks
Allen

[Gil Martin]

I have been reloading on MEC equipment for many years and they make high quality equipment. My preference is the SizeMaster which resizes the brass and the rim. A few of my shotguns require the the rims be resized back to factory specs. I have several MEC 600s and bought a separate MEC SuperSizer and never had a problem. All the best...
Gil

[Rapier]

The MEC does a great job, just do not expect to much from any 410 reloader though, as those little buggers, the shells that is, do not like to be reloaded and resist in any and every way, causing the handle puller to loose a lot of hair and at least some religion.
Ed

[skeet]

I like the Mec machines. Loaded approx 300M on a 600 Jr.. That was all we really had that worked good I used to average 8 boxes an hour..but only did an hour or 1 1/2 at a time. When i finally got a P-W never really looked back. To be honest I just bought a 600 Jr from a lady whose husband died.... and I got a couple of guns too. An older 870 with 3 bbls and a Mdl 54 Anschutz Sporter..22 of course. The 600 Jr hasn't had 2 boxes loaded on it..He got it and 6 days later he died. That sucks. I even have a primer feed that i can put on the 600. I can load all my hunting loads with it. Mainly pheasant and some Bismuth for duckies.. I am actually gettin low on hunting ammo..Cept for hevishot loads

[Dan Morris]

Back when shooting a lot of skeet, my 4 600jrs had years of heavy use....never a problem with them. You will enjoy it.....BTW, in case no one told you...reloading is highly addictive!
Dan

[Mr. 16 gauge]

MECs are probably the #1 reloading tool sold for shotshells, and the reason for that is because they are of good value, last a long, LONG time (35+ years for one of mine), and are simple to use. As far as resizing the shells, it is my understanding all MECs will resize the brass down to the rim.

[fabsroman]

I have used MECs since I started reloading, which was about 20 years ago. I started on a MEC 600 jr but when the clay shooting got pretty heavy I went to the 9000G. I have been lusting for a P/W, but cannot justify the expense right now since I am hardly shooting clays anymore and I have nowhere to set it up. Haven't even reloaded in quite some time now. Kind of sad. I'm hoping it changes when we move, but who knows.

The reason to resize brass is so that it is interchangeable between guns. If you are shooting the same shell out of the same gun, then you should not have a problem with the shell chambering because the brass has been formed to fit that chamber. If you are going to be using the shells between several different guns or passing the reloads amongst friends, then you need to size the brass.

[dovehunter]

I too have used MEC 600 JRs extensively. I have three: a 12, 16, & a 20. I have loaded thousands of shells on each of them without ever having any problems of note. I personally have never seen any need to upgrade to better presses. My 600 JR reloads always function flawlessly in all my guns whether they be doubles, pumps, or autoloaders. I will make one recommendation though and that is not to even consider the Lee LOADALL shotshell loader. Normally I am a great fan of LEE products, but that thing is absolutely the biggest piece of junk I have ever used. Fortunately I was able to sell it at one of my wife's yard sales.

[Allen]

Thanks for all of the info. I will be going with a MEC. Still have not decided which one yet.

Birthday coming up soon, will make a nice gift for me from me.

Allen

[dovehunter]

Originally Posted by Allen

Thanks for all of the info. I will be going with a MEC. Still have not decided which one yet.

Birthday coming up soon, will make a nice gift for me from me.

Allen

I think I can safely say that you won't be disappointed!

One thing I have noticed with all my MEC powder bushings is that they all throw lighter charges than that for which they are rated- fairly significant in some cases. You may want to check yours with a good powder scale once you get your press. If your bushing throws light charges you may want to go up to the next larger size and check it as well. I have accumulated a good supply of them over the years. Accessory bushings are fairly cheap. Another option would be one of the adjustable charge bars. I have one and, even though I don't like it all that well as it is cumbersome to use, they do work. Good luck with shotshell reloading.

[Allen]

Found a MEC Grabber with a lot extras on ebay. To buy everything new would be over $600.00. Seems to be in very good condition. Paid $240.00 to my door and ready to use.

Now to study up and get started.

Allen

[Duffy]

Congratulations, Allen. I stated reloading a couple years ago, and I absolutely love it. You'll have fun. I have a 600 Jr and it works great.

People say to get the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Manual. Good advice: I have it, but I have found Reloading for Shotgunners by Rick Sapp to be a much better book. Get both. I suppose there is nothing wrong with the Lyman book per se, as people have been using it sucessfully for years. But I have a problem with manuals that people depend on for their accuracy that are also rife with typographical errors (text areas only). Anyway, good luck and have fun.

BTW, in addition to published reloading data from powder manufacturers and others, a great online resource for reloading advice is on the reloading form on shotgunworld.com. Obviously, be careful with whatever you see online, but there are a few very knowledgeable guys on that forum, especially Curly, who really know their stuff and can offer great advice and tips.

[Rottweiler]

I used a MEC 900G for about 15 years. Good machine but was a bit temperamental with larger shot. Loaded thousands of rounds with it.

Last Father's Day I got a Dillon SL900 as a gift. WOO HOO. All I can say bout is it HOLY S#^T ! it puts the MEC to shame. With the auto case feed and bigger powder and shot holders it will easily double the output of the MEC. Keeping everything full on it is about the hardest part of operating it. The Dillon machine is built like a tank compared to it. The MEC uses a lot of stamped parts. The Dillon uses castings and machined parts.

The Dillon is much smoother,BUT remember the MEC is also 15 years older. Comparing a 15 year old car to a brand new one isn't fair either.

If funds aren't an issue and you need to load lots of shotshells the Dillon is the way to go

[skeet]

Rottweiler..your assessment of the Dillon is right on. I have a 12 and a 20/28. Unfortunately I can't get the 28 to make shells acceptable to me. Doesn't matter whether the Mec is 15 yr old otr a new one..still a stamped out machine. But if you want the ultimate in smooth etc..try a Spolar. I also have 2 of them and they make 'em all look bad. Only loader to load 410s on for certain. Talked with Dillon and they can't make a SL900 to load 410s so they don't sell one. I keep one of the Spolars set up for 410 only the other is set up in 28 and occassionally 12 ga. It has a hydraulic unit on it. I do almost all my 20s on the Dillon and will probably sell the 12 ga Dillon along with a couple of Ponsness Warrens. Have wayyy too many shotshell loaders here. Metallic too for that matter. In fact one is going on Swap and sell today

[Rottweiler]

Spolar huh? never heard of one of those before. Maybe when I wear out the Dillon.