[owen]

I set aside a few hours for reloading some 9mm this evening, when I uh, broke my Dillon 550. It seems some idiot stripped the tapped holes that hold the automatic prier feed onto the machine. As soon as I figure out who did it...

Having 2 hours and 45 minutes left of the 3 hours I had set aside, I decided to try reloading some shotshells. I broke out the Lee Load-All 2. Keep in mind that I haven't reloaded shotshells in 14 years or so. I've recently bought fresh components, but hadn't had a chance to give it a shot.

I think I have been seriously spoiled by my dillon stuff. I appreciate the simplicity of the Load-All, but its a little too simple. The powder charges for some powders aren't even close to what the chart says they should be. Then to change bushings, you need to empty the hoppers, so your shot and powder don't dump all over the floor. Whatever happened to the handy dandy adjustment screw?

I think it may be time for a new loader. The Dillon is a little pricey for my blood. How are the MEC's? Easier to adjust?

[Oscar Orum]

Owen I have 3 MECs in use for 30 years. They are a good products, parts are available if needed, easy to convert, maintain, and adjust, if needed. Adjustments are pretty much move from one hole to another.
I will recommend the product.

[HSMITH]

I have a MEC 9000G in 12 guage that has had about 250,000 rounds through it. I have replaced exactly ONE wad guide, that is it. It isn't the best machine out there, 2 minutes on the handle of a Dillon SL will convince you of that but for $300 VS $800 the MEC is pretty attractive. I have 4 other MEC presses and all work just fine but with much lower round counts through them, so I know my 9000G isn't a fluke.

[Babalouie]

I have a MEC 600, I think that's the model number, I know its not the Junior, and I love it. I also own a Dillion 650, I'm sure of that model number and load a lot of pistol rounds. My Mec is just as effective loading shotshells as my Dillion is for cartridges. I've used MEC for 10 or 12 years and its still going strong. Very affordable, especially compared to Dillion products. I'd buy another MEC in a heartbeat if I needed to.

[owen]

Do all shotshell reloaders use the bushing system for shot and powder charges? My biggest beef was that I had to unload the hoppers to make adjustments. If you remove the charge bar from the machine with the components in the hoppers, you components end up on the floor.

Wonder if my old roomie will let me use his SG to test these loads out :evil:

[SASS#23149]

to get in 'on the cheap'there is an after-market adj. charge bar for the jr. costs 35.00 IIRC,but a nice addition fer sure.
Which mec depends on your needs(volume) and wallet.That 9000g sounds mighty nice.

[Oscar Orum]

Owen, The MEC charge bars can be removed without any spilling of shot or powder. Be sure the stoppers are secure in both bottles and tilt the entire assemble rearward. Then, take our your charge bar or make adjustments if the bar is adjustable.

[HKGuns]

Nothing at all wrong with MEC for shotshells. Mine works flawlessly.