The DL 105 is a good press that is comparable to the MEC 600 Jr. If all parts are there it is a good way to start. Even though it has been discontinued for a long time, it is a quality machine. The powder bushings are available from Hornady of RCBS, so you can tailor the load to your preference. Something I like more than the MEC is that the DL 105 uses shot bushings. Instead of having to buy another shot bar to change shot weights just buy a new bushing which will be cheaper than a new bar.

 

If you will find a manual for the DL105 and assure that ALL parts that you will need are present and operate as designed, then it may be worth your while to both RENOVATE a loader and LEARN how to reload shotshells simultaneously. Assuming that free loader is set up for the gauge that you need to load for your shotgun(s).

The manual is still available online at Hornady:

User Manuals - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

mediatypearr = {4:'4'}; categoriesarr = {99:'99',100:'100'}; linesarr = {}; pagetitle = 'User Manuals'; initializing = true;...

www.hornady.com

will get you to an archive of all their manuals. Put "105" into the search box and you will get to the DL 105 manual itself. Download that and print it out.

Bushings (powder and shot) are still generally available. The original design bushings are still in production for the Hornady 366 loader, the recently discontinued RCBS Grand loader, and Ponsness Warren shotshell loader line. In fact, PW has a convenient starter kit of both powder and shot bushings available. And, now adapters are available to use MEC style powder bushings, too. So, although it will take some hunting down of bushings that can be purchased right now, it should be possible.

Yes, the Lyman Shotshell Loading manual has great instructions in it. It will answer SO many of your future questions. The latest version was written 17 years ago, and many of the loads found in that manual call for components that are no longer made, so the loading data is only partially useful. But what is there is still safe and accurate. It still is the single best instruction manual for general shotshell loading. That plus your DL 105 manual would be enough to get you started.

Most parts that you might need to replace will have to be found on eBay or an auction site or by buying other DL 105 loaders to use them for spares. So, if you are looking for a hassle-free introduction to shotshell reloading, this may not be it. But with patience and a little hard work, it can be done.

good luck, garrisonjoe

 

I have an old Honey Bair loader I load on every now and then. It is a sister to your 105 more or less. You can get a 3d type bushing adapter for yours to use MEC powder bushings in your 105. Bair, Pacific and Hornady bushings are the same and available. Load on that old girl, she will do just fine.

 

same, only issue I have (I have 7 of them) is the final crimp die plunger can get frozen in the final crimp die. Both are aluminum and can corrode. A penetrating oil or similar can be used, let it soak, don't wind on the plunger screw slot, in a day or two it will loosen. You can drill a second hole in the wad guide 1/4" higher, rotate wad guide 90°, forget the thread #, and convert it to 3" hulls. Just reset starter and final crimp dies upward. Hornady has no parts left other than standard parts, bushings and wad fingers, check bolts for wear, hardware store is your friend. They're good loaders, ebay ones a bit pricey, if you can get into it for 50 bucks, like I say, I have 7 of them. Same as above 12 or 20 gauge 3". Mec powder bushing adapters are your friend. Try to get Hornady starter crimps. X-fold and smooth. Only funky part is the mainspring, but that can be cobbled.

 

Thanks guys
I haven't picked it up yet so I'm not totally sure what condition it's in but he has loaded just a bit with so it must have all the necessary parts. I was worried that bushings wouldn't be available but I have now found some.

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