[dak0ta]

My other thread got off topic so I decided to start one on topic.

I've been looking into MEC presses, but I have found some used ones by Pacific and Bair.

The ones I've seen are a Pacific DL-105 and a Bair-Cat model. Does anybody have experience with these presses and if they are on the same level as MEC?

[loadedround]

Mec makes a very good press and I used the manual operated Mec Grabber for many years until I upgraded to a Dillon SL900 press which I consider the best shotshell reloader on the market today. The Bair Co is out of business having sold out to Pacific, who in turn sold out to Hornady. Either of those presses seen used are probably discontinued models with replacement parts problems.

[jmorris]

I have an RCBS, MEC and two Hornady's, they are setup for 12, 20, 28 and 410. The 366's are a lot faster and work well. If I shot more I might get the Dillon as I have all of their other presses but the Spolar gold is the Dillon of shotgun presses.

[Red Cent]

Probably can't beat the Dillon. Although if I had it to do again I would have bought a 9000 series Mec.
Instead I sprung for a Ponsness/Warren 800 Plus. Got an old Mec 600.

[Black Knight]

I don't handload shotshells but MEC has been around a long time. I remember seeing their ads in gun magazines back in the 1980's. I would trust them based on the fact that in the shooting sports industry if your product is bad you don't last long.

[oneounceload]

If money was NO object, then Spolar would be on the bench

Hornady makes great stuff, as does RCBS, Dillon, Ponsness-Warren, etc................but 90% still use MEC, whether a 650 Jr to a 9000 with the electric drive.

While some of those old presses were built like WWI battleships, the availability of parts is also the same

[dmazur]

I have a Hornady (Pacific) 366 and it is a great press.

I looked at Dillon, but no joy in .410...so I went with the Hornady.

[Rottweiler]

I just upgraded from a MEC 9000 to a Dillon SL 900 (father's day gift). All I can say is HOLY CHIT. That was one serious upgrade. After the first 100 loads on the Dillon, I'm almost ashamed to say a MEC sat in the same spot as the Dillon now sits

[dak0ta]

What does Dillon and Hornady do that is so much better than MEC?

[Rottweiler]

First and foremost is what it doesn't do...spill shot and powder. The Dillon is WAY smoother in operation. I do have to qualify that statement the Dillon is brand new and the MEC was much older and there should be some wear consideration, but even when it was new it was not as smooth as the Dillon is. Also,the primer feed actually works as designed, a primer, right side up, in the right place, every time.

[loadedround]

The Dillon SL900 press is not that new. I have had mine for over ten years. :)