Shotshell Reloading Equipment Recommendations

[denton]

I just bought a MEC 600, with the micrometer charge bar, on eBay for $51. There are several models available there, usually for half or less of new price.

If you're using the cheapest possible ammo to just casually bust a bunch of clay pigeons with your buds, you'll save $.04 per shell, which isn't anything near the savings you get with metallic cartridges. However, you're shooting much better ammo.

If you're into something a little more serious, the figures change a lot. For magnum, or steel, reloading is very advantageous. (Sizemaster converts easily to Steelmaster.)

Personally, I like AA hulls. They last pretty well.

A new press isn't much more than the price of the goodies to switch back and forth, so most people just leave the press in one configuration.

Sizemaster comes with an automatic primer feeder. 600 does not.

Grabber is a progressive press, but you have to manually advance the shell plate.

The 9000 is quite automatic.

Somewhere in my notes, there is a good reason to not consider the 650.... darned if I remember why.

One more experienced shotshell loader strongly suggested a baffle in the powder jar. Apparently, the amount of powder dispensed gets larger over time if you don't have it. Haven't checked that out yet.

HTH. Good luck!