Shotshell loading - The Firearms Forum

bikeryoda · 05-27-2009, 06:30 PM

I'm thinking about starting to load 12ga shotshells and am leaning toward using a Mec Steelmaster. Is anyone out there familiar with this press? Opinions? Sites to find it cheap?

OBrien · 05-27-2009, 07:47 PM

I have the 600 jr and have loaded thousands with it. I like it it works well and for the price I have absolutely no complaints.

Freebore · 05-27-2009, 08:49 PM

The MEC Steelmater comes setup for loading steel shot. The comparable press to the Steelmaster is the Sizemaster, which is the lead version. Both of these presses are excellent choices and easy to use.

If you need higher volumes of ammo, you may want to look at the Hornady 366 or MEC 9000G progressive presses, these can turn out a lot of shells in a single evening.

(I currently have a Hornady 366, two Pacific 300's, and a MEC Sizemaster, all loading 12 GA.)

If you don't need to load steel shot, I would go with the Sizemaster, it easy to use and turns out excellent shells. If you don't need high volume, the MEC 600 Jr is also a nice press.

Good luck.....

bikeryoda · 05-27-2009, 11:14 PM

I will probably be loading both steel and lead shot. The description on the MEC website indicates that the Steelmaster will load both correct? I will be starting with a blank slate so to speak with little knowledge of shotshell loading. Also, while I'm on the subject, do you guys know of any good shotshell reloading manuals or data?
Thanks a lot,
BikerYoda

05-27-2009, 06:30 PM	#1
bikeryoda Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 32	Shotshell loading I'm thinking about starting to load 12ga shotshells and am leaning toward using a Mec Steelmaster. Is anyone out there familiar with this press? Opinions? Sites to find it cheap? -->

05-27-2009, 07:47 PM	#2
OBrien Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangor Maine Posts: 554	Re: Shotshell loading I have the 600 jr and have loaded thousands with it. I like it it works well and for the price I have absolutely no complaints.

05-27-2009, 08:49 PM	#3
Freebore V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Midwest USA Posts: 265	Re: Shotshell loading The MEC Steelmater comes setup for loading steel shot. The comparable press to the Steelmaster is the Sizemaster, which is the lead version. Both of these presses are excellent choices and easy to use. If you need higher volumes of ammo, you may want to look at the Hornady 366 or MEC 9000G progressive presses, these can turn out a lot of shells in a single evening. (I currently have a Hornady 366, two Pacific 300's, and a MEC Sizemaster, all loading 12 GA.) If you don't need to load steel shot, I would go with the Sizemaster, it easy to use and turns out excellent shells. If you don't need high volume, the MEC 600 Jr is also a nice press. Good luck.....

05-27-2009, 11:14 PM	#4
bikeryoda Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 32	Re: Shotshell loading I will probably be loading both steel and lead shot. The description on the MEC website indicates that the Steelmaster will load both correct? I will be starting with a blank slate so to speak with little knowledge of shotshell loading. Also, while I'm on the subject, do you guys know of any good shotshell reloading manuals or data? Thanks a lot, BikerYoda