Hey fellas, new to site, new to metallic cartridge reloading. I have reloaded shot-shells for many years but this requires a little more attention to detail. I need a press. I know everyone has their favorite but I’ve been looking at the MEC single stage. Mostly because MEC is top of the line in shot-shell reloading in my opinion. Any input will be appreciated. Good or bad. Thanks
Answer these questions first:
What do I want to load, pistol, rifle, or both?
What kind of shooting will I do, long range, competition, hunting, or just recreational target shooting?
How much am I going to load?
What kind of variety in calibers am I going to load, just 2 or 3, or do I want to load 20 or 30 calibers?
Will I embrace reloading as a hobby unto itself, or do I just want to punch out as much ammo as fast as I can?
Some examples of how those answers might influence you:
"I shoot 2000 rnds a month of 9mm for competition, but also some 223 and 308." = Dillon 750 or Hornady progressive with a case feeder
"I shoot 20 different calibers, but want to load a couple hundred at a time, and maybe once in a while, 5 or 6 hundred 45 ACP" = Dillon 550 or some turrets.
" I shoot 20 different rifle calibers, but will usually only load a few at a time, accuracy for hunting is more important to me than volume. I don't shoot a lot of handguns, but maybe once in a while I'll load 50 for my old 45 Colt" = Rockchucker or Turret style press
"I shoot 10K rounds a month of 5.56, 9, 40, 38, and 45. I just want to make ammo". = Dillon 1050, Apex 10, etc with bullet feeder and case feeder. If money is no object, add a autodrive.
In my humble opinion, the basic Rockchucker Kit is the finest complete product based on what's included and it's price on the market to get started with reloading. You can buy the kit, primers, powder, and bullets....and if you have any saved brass, you can roll out some respectable ammo a few hours after unboxing it. Assuming you're not "basic life skills challenged", but we'll assume that isn't the case because you were smart enough to find The Highroad and ask! LOL