BigSlick
Member
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
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