Reloading Press UPDATE post 114

[fecalguns]

I am getting over going to Walmart trying to find #8 shot for sale as they don't have it in stock lately. What would you all recommend for a reloading press for 12 gauge. I have heard a lot a good things about Mec reloaders. Some recommend a single stage while others swear by a grabber/progressive type.

What say you CG?

[JagerDog]

Volume desired, time devoted, 1 shell for everything or a host of combinations.

[fecalguns]

Volume desired, time devoted, 1 shell for everything or a host of combinations.

I am so new to this I don't even know what to ask. But if I was to guess, I would want to load at least 100 shells an hour. I figure if I can do 4 boxes an hour that will suffice for now. Which makes me think a single stage unit.

[JagerDog]

I am so new to this I don't even know what to ask. But if I was to guess, I would want to load at least 100 shells an hour. I figure if I can do 4 boxes an hour that will suffice for now. Which makes me think a single stage unit.

That's about topped out for a single stage. A Mec Sizemaster would be a good choice in that arena. Primer feed is standard and the collet resizer I feel is superior to a ring sizer. Fairly easy to adjust if you want to experiment.

[fecalguns]

That's about topped out for a single stage. A Mec Sizemaster would be a good choice in that arena. Primer feed is standard and the collet resizer I feel is superior to a ring sizer. Fairly easy to adjust if you want to experiment.

Awesome. Thanks a bunch! Looks great.

[geedavell]

Have you tried LAX ammo?
They have 20 gauge Fiochii for about $65 for 250
Little bit more than Walmart but reloading for shotgun, seems like a lot of work

[beetle]

do you reload (other calibers, pistol, rifle, etc) now? Have you reloaded before? the reason I ask is that for some, reloading is a hobby. I like it, it is enjoyable to go out to the garage and spend some time making quality shells. To others, reloading is not fun, it's a chore. And for the second group the cost of reloading shotgun makes it almost not worth it. Your price per shell will be close to "bargain shells".

If you haven't tried reloading before, maybe start with trying it out with a Lee load-all. It's cheap, like $50 bucks but will give you a taste of what reloading shotgun shells is like.

[JagerDog]

do you reload (other calibers, pistol, rifle, etc) now? Have you reloaded before? the reason I ask is that for some, reloading is a hobby. I like it, it is enjoyable to go out to the garage and spend some time making quality shells. To others, reloading is not fun, it's a chore. And for the second group the cost of reloading shotgun makes it almost not worth it. Your price per shell will be close to "bargain shells".

If you haven't tried reloading before, maybe start with trying it out with a Lee load-all. It's cheap, like $50 bucks but will give you a taste of what reloading shotgun shells is like.

Trying to discourage the guy?

Otherwise I concur. I enjoy the hobby. I can load whatever I want, whenever I want.

[fecalguns]

do you reload (other calibers, pistol, rifle, etc) now? Have you reloaded before? the reason I ask is that for some, reloading is a hobby. I like it, it is enjoyable to go out to the garage and spend some time making quality shells. To others, reloading is not fun, it's a chore. And for the second group the cost of reloading shotgun makes it almost not worth it. Your price per shell will be close to "bargain shells".

If you haven't tried reloading before, maybe start with trying it out with a Lee load-all. It's cheap, like $50 bucks but will give you a taste of what reloading shotgun shells is like.

I have reloaded 9mm using a lee loader. But I have stocked up so much with 9mm on sale that I haven't had to reload lately. Since I have gotten into skeet shooting and loving it, I thought I should start loading 12 gauge as it's hard to find the right ammo at Walmart. Not so much trying to save money, but having the freedom to do more custom loads.

1OZ shot with a light powder charge for skeet sometimes and a heavier charge for trap. For now I will stick with #8 shot, but if I really get into this, I will start experimenting with 9shot and light powder charges for skeet.

[-hanko]

do you reload (other calibers, pistol, rifle, etc) now? Have you reloaded before? the reason I ask is that for some, reloading is a hobby. I like it, it is enjoyable to go out to the garage and spend some time making quality shells. To others, reloading is not fun, it's a chore. And for the second group the cost of reloading shotgun makes it almost not worth it. Your price per shell will be close to "bargain shells".

If you haven't tried reloading before, maybe start with trying it out with a Lee load-all. It's cheap, like $50 bucks but will give you a taste of what reloading shotgun shells is like.

It's gotta' be looked at as a hobby, or maybe a subset of shooting and guns generally. Old saying is you'll not save any money, but you'll have a lot more ammo.

The Lee Load-All is a very basic tool...lots of plastic. On the very high end is a Mec hydraulic-powered press I and two shooting buddies bought while in Texas.

[PoorRichRichard]

I got a Mec single stage (dedicated set for high speed hunting shells and loading buckshot), and a Mec SizeMaster for all other 12 gauge loads- love them both.

Also have a Mec single in .410. Saves me a ton of cash shooting the little bore shottys

[PoorRichRichard]

Also planing on picking up a some used Mec single stage presses in 20 and 28 gauge in the near future due to all the new ammo law b.s.

[fecalguns]

I got a Mec single stage (dedicated set for high speed hunting shells and loading buckshot), and a Mec SizeMaster for all other 12 gauge loads- love them both.

Also have a Mec single in .410. Saves me a ton of cash shooting the little bore shottys

I will say if I get addicted to this, I will get a 410 press as it will save me some dough over time.

[PoorRichRichard]

As others here have stated, reloading is a hobby- which can also turn into an addiction if you're not careful...

[Jet Setter]

OP. I went straight to a progressive. However, I also use an older MEC 600 for sizing and removing live primers. I like faster loads so having a press really helps me to make what I want rather than searching stores for a good deal on a load I like.

I am in it for the long haul so I went big with more than one progressive. I highly recommend PW and the Hornady 366. Both make great shells. However, both have their quirks.

A few of my shooting friends use several variations of the PW press and swear by them. A hand full use only MEC, both single stage and progressive. It is all personal preference.