-oXo- Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 (edited) Hello, I have been thinking about reloading my own cartridges for awhile and would like to ask some opinions of the available options. I have a couple to choose from and they are the, Lee Loadall 2 and the MEC 650N or maybe the MEC 9000. I like the look of the MEC range as they seem to look a bit better made then the more plastic looking Lee loaders but I have yet to see either in person to be honest. But does anyone have first hand experience they can share? Reliability? Usability? Ease of use? Good quality? General pros and cons. Thanks a lot. #EDIT: Sorry was suppose to be posted in the reloading section I clicked the wrong tab Edited November 8, 2012 by -oXo- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedd-wyn Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 I'm going to jump on board on this thread, I'm in the same boat as you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super sharp shooter Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 I've just bought a mec steel master and I must say it is well made with no cheap plastic parts so should last a life time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian28 Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Got a mec sizemaster and a 9000 , use the single stage for first time reloading of a recipe then once tested for fit etc,load them on the 9000. Would recommend a single stage loader to start on at first. When it goes wrong on a progressive it goes wrong fast. single stage also have die sets to change gauge but both mine are set to load 28gauge. the aim is to produce better than factory or not much point in doing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-oXo- Posted November 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Thanks for the replies guys. Anyone else feel free to post good or bad. Ill put a wanted post in the sales section for a used mec I think for a few days before I buy a new one. Brian could you pm me with some good sources for the consumables used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super sharp shooter Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Clay and game Shotgun reloading.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian28 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Good sources for consumables ? Afraid that can be a minefield, refuse to use clay&game prices there are a rip off, there reload data for 28 guage mostly non aplicable. Peter Lawman cant be bothered because does not get back to me . Siarm great for wads primers new cases shot if you need it and a selection of presses roll turnover tools etc. Siarm do some nice crown crimpers look same as a roll turnover tool made by GAEP . Tend to buy powder in about 4 lots when near a gunshop that sells it. Bought a bit of stuff from midway uk in the past also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 i would recomend a mec or a pw375. both machines are better than lee. i have had a 600jr and a sizemaster, both do the same job just as good. the sizemaster has primer feed and colet resizing die. with all reloading machines, they have their quirks, but none will have butch bearing on the final product. thats due to powder / shot / wad combinations. you can make god awful cartridges on a fantastic machine. i`ve done it. i prefer the mec, but i`ve heard nothing but praise about the pw375 machines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-oXo- Posted November 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Hi CookOff thanks for the reply. I'm on my phone at the mo so cant google properly. Who makes the pw375? I would like to take a look at that as well. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanky Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 I started off with the Lee loadall many many years ago, cheap but " did the job " slowly, then had a Texan - that was " OK " and did the job better but then went on to the MEC, fantastic macine for the money and can still get spares easily and the adjustable charge bar, saves all the messing about with bushes, start off with the 600 jnr and you wont go far wrong, plenty of secondhand ones about, then if you get the hang of it and intend to continue try the MEC 650 or better still the 9000,mine is a very early version of this, I have got them all and you certainly can produce some quality cartridges on the 9000 very quickly but can fudge it all up as quick as well, the Sizemaster is a good buy as well, my mate has one and is ok, the PW is the Ponsness Warren this is the Rolls Royce of loading machines and the price matches the name, very expensive but if you are lucky enough to find a second hand one at the right price grab it quick !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dipper Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Hi Ive got a early pw 375 got it new long time ago cost 80 clay game selling them for 495.Just seen a new price list AS powder up from 39 to 46 .Dipper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian28 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Lots of people knock the lee load all, ok its a tad slow. But with the addition of a drill press and a crown crimp, nice cartridges can be made. Finding a recipe that fits the case helps. ,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharf Rat Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 I only started to reload recently. I use a MEC 600 with charge bar and powder baffle for 20g and a Lee for 12. The Lee is capable of making just as good a cartridge as the MEC, but the MEC's charge bar makes adjusting powder throws within published limits very easy. The wad pressure can be set on the MEC which you cannot do on the Lee except by feel. Thee Lee cannot do 3 1/2" carts either. I think you get what you pay for really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabbers Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 My reloading experience began with some kit costing £25 from a carboot sale, powder, primers, shot and a Lee Load All. I like Lee Load Alls, they work fine, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye Posted November 10, 2012 Report Share Posted November 10, 2012 'dipper' Hi Ive got a early pw 375 got it new long time ago cost 80 clay game selling them for 495.Just seen a new price list AS powder up from 39 to 46 .Dipper. [/quote I was there yesterday powder Vectan AS is down from £46 to £39 you have been looking at the price list i did the same but look around and you will find the new one with the right prices... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye Posted November 10, 2012 Report Share Posted November 10, 2012 I use a MEC 9000gn brilliant machine once you get it set up can make 300 per hour with ease ....... :good: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paladin Posted November 10, 2012 Report Share Posted November 10, 2012 Don't forget Hornady do reloading presses, I've got the Pacific 366 I can usualy knock up about 250 per hour. Nearly all the above can be seen on You Tube. There is a satisfaction off breaking a clay, or bringing down a pigeon with one of your own cartridges. I'd have another. Paladin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super sharp shooter Posted November 10, 2012 Report Share Posted November 10, 2012 lets see your crimp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-oXo- Posted November 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 Well I have found one to get me started until I get a bit of experience behind me, then I can upgrade to something else. I got a MEC 650 progressive reloader in 12 gauge with universal charge bar hopefully it should be here next week. Now I just have to hunt down some good literature and guides and get a load of supplies ordered. Would I be better off using brand new hulls to begin with or just use old ones? I'm not really bothered about the price difference I just want to start off with nice uniform loads to make trouble shooting easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyotemaster Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 On hulls it is best to get a quantity of one maker and stick with it. Inside volume is different say AA vs. Federal. Compression formed casings last longest such as Win AAs and some Remingtons. Discard the casings when the folds start to split, it is false economy to load bad casings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snarepeg Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 The 650 will work fine once you get the hang of it,( you will need a brush and shovel for your mishapps ), i suggest you uncouple the auto powder/shot drop and use it single mode to set it up first then go full mode. As said already, the cases/hulls to our American friends can be the same on the outside but different internally, i find the Kent range 70mm come out nice on mine,(p/w) and the low brass helps for resizing which yours will not do. Pick the empties that have been loaded with plaswads, the crimp will be still there, the fibre ones ussually iron the crimp out and the case will be swelled from where the felt wad sat prior to fireing.Welcome to the loading club. john Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 i would certainly say, find someone local, to show you the ropes.... i usually do for the cambridge / suffolk / herts guys but my reloading area has been ripped apart, my machine is in bits everywhere. so i`m out of action. i`ve a week off soon so will get the old girl humming again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-oXo- Posted November 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 Thanks guys. Snarepeg - I thought the 650 did a resize in one of the steps. Now I know would I be better off getting a resizer as well? How important is it to resize the hulls? Cookoff013 - Finding someone local to show me the ropes would be fantastic and most certainly be very useful. Wish I knew you did that when I was working in Haverhill, spent a month at the meat packing plant then about 3 months at the academy school in Claire. Thanks for all the info and tips guys they are much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 Thanks guys. Snarepeg - I thought the 650 did a resize in one of the steps. Now I know would I be better off getting a resizer as well? How important is it to resize the hulls? Cookoff013 - Finding someone local to show me the ropes would be fantastic and most certainly be very useful. Wish I knew you did that when I was working in Haverhill, spent a month at the meat packing plant then about 3 months at the academy school in Claire. Thanks for all the info and tips guys they are much appreciated. i do try to help, everyone, reloading is my passion, even though i cant shoot for toffee thesedays. i have helped multiple people here and local, a few i got to show reloading never took it up. i have a proofing program where i proof several cartridges, recently i`ve been using a new avaialable powder that no-one has ever looked into. last week i had my first 2 failures at proof, one sailed in at a measly 1000bar ! the others are fine, but will chew the data overbefore it gets distrubuted. i`ve spent in excess of £200 in proofing, because more powders / more loads are needed in europe. i`m hoping at one point to break the 1000 cartridges per kg of powder. i also tried to get a ultra fast cartridge, but fell short (but not by much) i`ve got favoirite wads i like to use too. i have created a steel pigeon load that should help a few guys out. you`d re-size the hulls to allow clean cartridge chambering, to save reloaders you should resize the minimum to chamber. auto`s can bee pickky. i use virgin hulls exclusively, although i am planning to cut the used crimps of these and manufacture 2.5" hulls again. cook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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