If it's your first press I recommend the MEC 8567 Grabber. It can be used to load one shell at a time with manual indexing while you learn the loading process. Once you've learned the process and gained confidence in your skill you can use it as a progressive press. Making it the best of both worlds.

 

Thanks for the advice, now I'm going to watch a few videos around the web and evaluate all the option!
Because now I use a simple drill.

 

In my opinion MEC is the way to go. The model would depend on your volume. I load around 2K per year and the 600 JR MK IV fits the bill. It takes me around 10 minutes to load 1 box.

 

I think i’m in about the same range of reloading as you are on quantity. Yes, i agree MEC is the way to go. I have a MEC 9000E 9 (with automate) with it I save about 8 minutes a box. At 82 years old that gives me a little more time for other things...

 

I have a MEC Sizemaster. I understand the diff between the SZM and the 600 is the collet resizer on the MEC; some have the 600 and a separate MEC Super Sizer. Either would be a better tool for reloading than the Lee. When using the SZM by itself, I can do 4 to 6 boxes an hour. Re Lee. This might be ok if you are only doing a "few" boxes a year. Its not very adjustable, e.g., the crimp station uses "feel" rather than settings. I don't think it has a resizer.

One possibility is to have the Supersizer, load the shot and powder with the Lee, crimp with GAEP tools. Overall this would be less expensive than a new Sizemaster, but you can get a used Sizemaster on Ebay for ~200. A few people who post on SGW do this.

At the moment I am using my Sizemaster to size/reprime, prime, load powder and shot. I do crimping with some of the GAEP tools, I am able to use them to get a better crimp than I can on the Szm. It takes more time to do this (like 3 boxes an hour), but the result for me are factory-looking-crimps with a variety of hulls.

Search SGW for the Lee. Sounds like a lot of dis-satisfaction with it.

 

I also use Gaep the crimper and noticing on their site I saw that they also have presses do you know them?
I talked to one on facebook who has it and said that it is very beautiful and efficient.
in particular I looked at this ... FALCON 750/3
I want to increase my production ...

 

Can't beat a mec 600 jr. I have 1 for each gauge and have loaded 1000's of rds. They take a little adjusting now and then but it's part of the reloading process I enjoy. Good shooting.

 

The Lee is good for inexpensive, low volume, in a pinch, hunting ammo loader. I started off with the Lee in 20 and 12. I now have 3 Mec 600 Jr. set up for different gauges. Much better press for a variety of reasons. Check the for sale section. Andrew makes 3d printed bushings for a fraction of the cost.

 

My advice is to stay away from the Lee loader and get a MEC 9000GN (if you plan to load a lot). Disconnecting the auto advance feature, which is extremely simple, will allow the user to load in the same manner as an 8567N Grabber. Once you're comfortable with it you reconnect the auto advance feature and away you go. The 77 Sizemaster is a great option as well if you opt for a single stage loader. Good luck.

 

Mec is better, period. Only thing I still use my lee for is loading a few boxes of steel.

 

And instead move on to something bigger like the Gaep press?

 

I would definitely recommend skipping the Lee and start with a MEC.

Find a deal on a used 600 or Sizemaster. If your volume goes up from there, then move on to a progressive (650, Grabber, 9000).

 

I started out with a Lee loader trying to save some money. I was mistaken the time that I spent trying to get a decent crimp ( not saying perfect crimp) just enough to keep the shot in the shell was not worth the savings. I immediately started looking for Mec Jr and have not looked back onmy decision to go the Mec way. I currently use Sizemaster and 9000 loaders but still have Mec Jr in the mix. Just my two cents.

 

Get the MEC. I had a Lee. Not a very good reloader.

 

ok many thanks

 

The Lee isn’t worth it in my opinion. Buy the Mec, if you don’t like it sell it on marketplace or here. There’s no point in buying the Lee like I and others have done.

 

IMO.... The Lee doesn't even make a descent door stop much less a good press to load shotgun shells.

 

I am an MEC user and I think they are a better press for a not unreasonable amount additional cost when compared to the Lee but that statement is simply not true. Many folks produce excellent quality reloaded shells using the Lee equipment. Not only that but it would make a good doorstop for any door in my house.

 

I highly recommend a progressive versus single stage. The 9000GN is cheap enough. You can start loading single stage with the 9000 until you get it down, and then move to progressive mode. I was thinking last night how sweet it is to see a finished shell with every stroke of the handle.

 

MEC, without question.

 

Owned both, threw the Lee away as I would never pass that curse on to another reloader. And I am an absolute fan of Lee’s center fire reloading equipment.

 

I know a sister of the Lee Family, I sold her a Grabber.

Steve

 

Did she like it or was the guy arrested.

 

I think most folks started out with a 600 Jr. - They then progressed to other presses. The good news is they can be found on the used market at a reasonable price. Many keep the press and use it for another gauge or to load hunting loads.

 

I've been using a steel based lee load all for 40 years.
My advise? Get the MEC.

 

If you buy a Lee first you will either give up reloading or you will buy a MEC.
If you buy a MEC first, you will never buy a Lee but you might buy more MECs.

 

Mec.

 

I started on a MEC 600 Jr V5. Sold it and purchased a Ponsness Warren Dup Matic 375. That and my MEC Super Sizer in 12 gauge is also a very good reloader. I have both PW 800 + and the MEC 9000G a 1985 model that will not quit and 9000GN 2022 model that I need to send to MEC or Steve or make a boat anchor out of. It will not stay in tune.The PW 800+ stays in tune and super easy to adjust if you need. I load the same hulls and load on it most all the time. You can find used Ponsness Warren Duo Matic 375 out there also. It is good to have a back up. Keep your Lee. I have never used one. Be safe and shoot well, Jack

 

I like the boat anchor idea, I was there once upon a time. I eventually got it set up properly. They are in need of redesigning but it is what it is. The 28 ga. was a bear to get set right, my 410 came ready to use out of the box. Keep fighting with it, eventually you will get there.

 

Gauge?

To do what?

Why?

How many per week, month, or year?

 

This is the question that is most important. If you want to do low volume multiple gauges I would recommend a Posness Warren 375. If it’s one gauge and under 100 rounds a week I would say MEC 600 jr. Over 100 rounds a week MEC progressive. You can save money by buying used, but be ready to tinker and research.

 

Also, customer service of these two companies is night and day in my experience, with MEC being day!

 

I used a lee, you need a powder scale as the bushings are way off. MEC bushings are pretty close, usually one up or down.
Lee will get the job done, but pretty much a light hobbyist thing. Not going to last for thousands of rounds.
Ive settled on MEC Progressives, but they make a good single stage loader too.

 

MEC