Universal shot shell press - The Firearms Forum

bizy · 12-13-2009, 05:05 AM

I need a shot shell loader that can be used for 12 and 20 gauge shells. Maybe like a Hornady progressive press for reloading brass. Just change a plate. I have a 20 gauge reloading press but I want to start loading 12s as well. However if I can get a dependable 12 gauge press for around $60 that would be OK to..

The last time I bought #8 shot I had to pay almost $2.00 per pound. Anyone have a good lead for shot #00 to #8 shot?

Thanks in advance...

Freebore · 12-13-2009, 09:15 PM

I think you'll find having a second press is the best way to go, changing dies (and realignment) can be a pain. I have a number of presses that I use for various loading situations (some in the same guage).

If your looking for a nice used 12 ga press for around $60.00, look for a Pacific 155 on Ebay, they are about the equivilant of a Mec 600 or Sizemaster, they also use current 366 Hornady bushing's and produce pretty good shells.

I currently use a MEC Sizemaster, 600 Jr, 2 Dietmeyer 300's, a Pacific DL 155, and a Hornady 366, all producing factory quality shells.

Shot for $2.00 a pound seems a little high, $1.35 is about average today, when I started shotshell loading, 22 cents a pound was the going rate.

bizy · 12-15-2009, 07:49 AM

Ya, thanks freebore.. I think you are right. I have an RCBS single stage and a Hornady AP 5 stage press. The RCBS will turn out the same with every round. The AP I gotta watch like a hawk. I must say I didn't make the right decision when I bought it.

Anyway thanks for the post. I'm gonna stick with the simple single stage press and use 2 presses...

scrat · 12-15-2009, 01:35 PM

Cant beat a mec.

12-13-2009, 05:05 AM	#1
bizy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Marlow, Ok Posts: 344	Universal shot shell press I need a shot shell loader that can be used for 12 and 20 gauge shells. Maybe like a Hornady progressive press for reloading brass. Just change a plate. I have a 20 gauge reloading press but I want to start loading 12s as well. However if I can get a dependable 12 gauge press for around $60 that would be OK to.. The last time I bought #8 shot I had to pay almost $2.00 per pound. Anyone have a good lead for shot #00 to #8 shot? Thanks in advance... -->

12-13-2009, 09:15 PM	#2
Freebore V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Midwest USA Posts: 265	Re: Universal shot shell press I think you'll find having a second press is the best way to go, changing dies (and realignment) can be a pain. I have a number of presses that I use for various loading situations (some in the same guage). If your looking for a nice used 12 ga press for around $60.00, look for a Pacific 155 on Ebay, they are about the equivilant of a Mec 600 or Sizemaster, they also use current 366 Hornady bushing's and produce pretty good shells. I currently use a MEC Sizemaster, 600 Jr, 2 Dietmeyer 300's, a Pacific DL 155, and a Hornady 366, all producing factory quality shells. Shot for $2.00 a pound seems a little high, $1.35 is about average today, when I started shotshell loading, 22 cents a pound was the going rate.

12-15-2009, 07:49 AM	#3
bizy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Marlow, Ok Posts: 344	Re: Universal shot shell press Ya, thanks freebore.. I think you are right. I have an RCBS single stage and a Hornady AP 5 stage press. The RCBS will turn out the same with every round. The AP I gotta watch like a hawk. I must say I didn't make the right decision when I bought it. Anyway thanks for the post. I'm gonna stick with the simple single stage press and use 2 presses...

12-15-2009, 01:35 PM	#4
scrat V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 86	Re: Universal shot shell press Cant beat a mec.