Shotshell reloading progressive ?

[BigSlick]

Hi guys,

I am getting more and more into trap and clays and have finally decided to get into reloading shotshells.

I want a progressive, top of the line (buy once cry once) machine.

I have no experience of loading shotshells except on an old MEC single stage, which I still have. I know it will work, but I am running thru 3-400 rounds a week and a single stage won't get it done. I have my pistol and rifle habit to support on the 550 and 650, so any time spend loading shotshells will be cutting into my other loading time.

The Dillon SL900, MEC 9000G, Hornady 366 and RCBS Grand with hydraulic or pneumatic assist where available are what I am considering.

Questions:

Is the pneumatic or hydraulic assist really worth the extra bucks ?

I haven't seen an SL900 up close and personal, but I would expect typical Dillon fit and finish - excellent. Is this machine everything it is represented to be ? Nearly $900 with everything.

The MEC 9000G - lots of good reviews. Lots of bang for your buck for a sub $400 press.

The Hornady 366 - looks nice, but appears to be an older generation type of machine. Hornady usually makes great equipment, but I have had some less than stellar response from Hornady over warranty issues (although that was many years ago) ~$500 plus the assist

The RCBS Grand - looks like it is built hell for stout in every way and fit and finish is excellent. ~$550 plus the assist

I shoot mostly 12 guage, but will buy a conversion for 20 guage. Are any of these easier to swap calibers than the others ?

Hoping to find some first hand experience with these, especially since the SL900 seems to be stocked only at Dillon. Nobody with driving distance has one set up or in stock.

Thanks for the feedback guys

BigSlick

 

[bearandoldman]

progressive

Have 4 MEC 900G's one each in 12, 20, 28 and .410 andhav eloaded a lot of shells. good buy for the money expended.

 

[esheato]

I had a 9000G and traded up to a Dillon. I know, I know...people will say what they will. I go blue and never look back.

Simply put, I created 41 boxes of 12 gauge casually over two nights just last week. That's over 1,000 shells with hardly an effort. I've got three friends and they all own blue also. As far as I'm concerned, this discussion is over.

Ed

 

[Citadel99]

My progressive shotshell reloading has been limited to MEC 9000G and I think it's great.

Mark

 

[BigSlick]

Thanks for the quick response guys

Can you tell me how your machines handle caliber conversions ?

Does it have collet sizers ?

Handle 2¾, 3 and 3½" shells without a major hassle ?

Shot/powder drain ?

How is the primer feed ? Capacity ? Reliability ? Functionality ?

I am hoping to find the Dillon 650 equivalent (or better) of shotshell loaders.

Thanks

BigSlick

OH yeah, a big WELCOME to bearandoldman.

He has helped MANY among us MANY times. A great addition to THR.

 

[esheato]

Can you tell me how your machines handle caliber conversions ?

Does it have collet sizers ?

Handle 2¾, 3 and 3½" shells without a major hassle ?

Shot/powder drain ?

How is the primer feed ? Capacity ? Reliability ? Functionality ?

Never changed calibers. I shoot skeet/trap and to change between loads takes 2 minutes.

Collet sizers? Huh?

Again, I've never loaded anything except 2 3/4" target loads. Just like the 650, if you're looking to do load development the single stage MECs are much better. If you know the load you need, but need quantity, the Dillon is the reigning champ.

I usually load one shot size until it's empty then start the next size. The shot receptacle does have a drain though... PS. Don't ever forget to close it before dumping the next bag of shot into the machine. Hahaha! Powder drain is exactly the same as the 650.

Primer feed is right in front of your face. You can't miss it. I have a routine where I watch every primer slide under the shellplate so that I don't dump powder everywhere. I believe it comes with the spare primer arm as they had a reputation for breakages. Although, I have yet to break mine loading over 600 rounds a month for the last few years.

Reliability, functionality, capacity? It's a large machine, just like the 650. Expensive. The hull feeder, while it holds lots of auto pistol brass, doesn't hold nearly as many hulls. Not a big deal really. I make a point to refill whenever I add primers to the tray. I do get a slight swirl in the final crimp but it doesn't stop me from shooting 25s.

My brother has a MEC single stage and his shells look immaculate. Perfect crimp every time. Like you, I have pistol and rifle loading to do also. Time is important to me and I went with the speedy machine...I wouldn't do it any differently if I had to do it again.

Sometimes I feel guilty for not using it much, but that's only because it's so darn efficient. Every time I sit down I'm through another bag of shot. Oh, don't forget about the warranty either...you break it, they fix it. What's not to love?

Ed

 

[Citadel99]

The MEC reloaders are guage specific--you'll need a different reloader for each guage.

Mark

 

[Starter52]

Check the auction sites for a Ponsness-Warren 600B reloader. An excellent progressive shotshell reloader. Top quality.

 

[bearandoldman]

shotshell reloaders

Ig I only shot one gage I would probably have a Dillon. I like to play with the toy guns (28 and .410) a lot, so having 4 loaders that just slide into the bracket of my loading bench makes it easy to switch gages. Also do not shoot as much as I used to since I passed 70, I am down to around 150 to 200 shells a week, not 400 or 500 like I used to in my youngetr days. Hey Bear sends all you guys a Woofie and if you are ever in Michigan stop by for a couple dog cookies and a bowl of water.

 

[45auto]

I load and box about 500 rounds an hour of 12 gauge on a Mec Grabber, but I don't resize unless needed.
I rarely load for more than a 1/2 hour, a day's shooting at most.

Overall, my experience with Mec is very good. Well designed, quick, and durable. Cheap enough to have multiple machines is a big plus. I've loaded on a PW before, and I'd still buy Mec.

The Dillon is interesting because of the case feeder, meaning extra speed. The price is very high so the output of shells would have to be very high also IMHO.

 

[TexasTea]

I use the Hornady 366 progressive reloader. It works well, no complain. I don't have experience with other loader so can't give you comparison. But, I would say it is a well built reloader. I will last you any year. I thought I saw it on sale for ~$360 at Sportman Warehouse not too long ago.

 

[Hawk]

Noob perspective (real noob, as in "showed up yesterday"):

Hanging around on THR's shotgun forum does not prepare one for the shock of a Dillon SL900 showing up if you've never seen one in the flesh (my only previous experience was a MEC600Jr and RCBS single)

The shipping weight (without casefeeder) was 54 freakin' pounds. The box almost didn't fit in the car.

I got curious, went to Midway's site, checked the 9000 and learned it was 25 pounds. Aha, says I, Dillon's a bargain, if one calculates on a "per pound" basis.

Anyhow, if you're looking for the shotshell version of the 650, you've found it. The description in the set-up papers says the SL900 in built on the 650. I've only had this thing in the house since last night and it's not set up yet but dang, what a monster.

I'd be interested in the veterans' view of the thing. I haven't even used it yet and I'm impressed. Disclaimer: never saw a MEC 9000 and heard those were real nice, too.