Back in the day when I started shot shell reloading, it actually did save some money.
I bought a Mec 600 Jr. and that press is still working as good as it did new. I had my crimp start wear out kept falling off, and got another for like $2 I think from Mec.. In my opinion, for the money no one makes a better press for loading shot shells.
I bought the auto primer thing and used it for a while, but when one flips over, it creates a time consuming operation that often leads to spilled primers. So I quit using that tray set up and went back to priming one at a time by hand.
As for the Lee Load All, I bought one for 20 ga. and ended up selling it after using it for the first time. They are cheesy and very weak, as I discovered after breaking the handle right form the get go. So from now one when someone asks me about loading shot shells, I always tell them to go with a Mec and to steer clear of the Load All.
Now days do to the cost of lead, I load shot shell because I can tailor my loads to my needs, not to save money. And since I haven't been able to find Rem. Nitro magnum copper plated BB since the early 90's for my turkey hunting needs, the Mec has allowed me to continue using that combination for bagging a strutting gobbler. I also like being able to build light recoiling loads for clays and dove season. As for pheasant, I use a 1- 3/8 oz. load of #4's and Longshot. Not a pleasant load to shoot at all, but it will knock those ring necks down with no problem.
GS
