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What is a goog 12ga.reloader (not progressive)

4K views 24 replies 22 participants last post by  870smokim 
#1 ·
I was going to start with a Grabber or sizemaster but I think I want to go the inexpensive way & start with non progressive press.
Anything other then MEC I should look at?
I am leaning towards resizing & taper crimp...

I'm just starting to shoot & cannot see shooting more then 500/month.
Is this being realistic?

I figure I can resize, deprime & prime all the hulls at one sitting.
Then go back & load them later.
Does anyone do this?

Does anyone have an opinion (LOL) ??
 
#6 ·
Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish. To buy two loaders (single-stage and ultimately a progressive) is a waste of money and more importantly your time.

I started with a single stage (Lee Load All II), machine costs nexts to nothing has everything and it makes a decent shell. But to load a few boxes an hour, you're talking 5+ hours a month/500 shells. You will get tired of that (both physically and mentally) relative quick.

Buy a clean used progressive machine that can index, even if you use it initially as a single stage to acquaint yourself... make a wise investment of dollars and maximize your effectiveness in using the time you will have to load as many shells as quickly as you can... you'll never get those minutes back!

regards all,

Jay
 
#8 ·
I'm with short shucker on this one. I also have two Pacific 266 loaders. They are great quality. I bought my first one in 1968, and it still works great. They do turn up on eBay once in a while. I bought my last one from rollie on this site. Be aware that some parts are no longer available if you find an incomplete used one. Check with Hornady when in doubt. They still use the current Hornady powder and shot bushings.
 
#10 ·
My single stage Pacific 250 is all I need. It makes GREAT reloads and the hand coordination to load is very user friendly. I inherited mine from my dad who bought it in the 60's. Single stage loading allows me to feel the primer going in. Also, I've found bad shells before they get into my barrel from the handling vs a progressive. With that said if I was buying today I'd spring for a nice progressive. Most people are in a hurry which a progressive serves better. And if the day comes you want to leave the sport resale will be better. Jim
 
#16 ·
Ross:

I am not claiming to be an expert on the 266 loader, however, I believe they were all set up for the auto primer feed. The original Pacific reloading tools book I have from 1968 shows them with automatic primer feed that was included at that time. The primer tube on my Hornady 366 will also fit the 266.
 
#17 ·
The question was---NON progressive??????----

How much loading do you plan on doing?

I started loading for "one",ended up loading for"three"wife,daughter,and myself--at that point I went to a progressive(now have a 9000H)

The Mec 600jr is a great "Single Stage" press---at the local(Indiana)gun shows,they are 50-75 dollars- used ---parts,and guage changes are readily available for this press.........

Tom
 
#18 ·
Get a size master, when you decide to go to a progressive loader--the sizemaster becomes a resizing & depriming tool. Saves wear & tear, & reduces maintenance on a 9000 or a grabber. I use a sizemaster & a 650. If I decide to start loading again.

Phil Berkowitz
 
#19 ·
Every reloader can use a single stage press.. sooner or later.. If you wanted to try a new load.. or a new wad.. It makes things very easy.. The sizing ring on a 155/266/366 is the same part..same part number.. So.. they all resize the same.. If you have problems with a steel headed case.. polish the sizing ring.. or get a friend with a lathe to open it up a weeee bit and polish.. The sizing ring COMPLETELY resizes the case back to factory specs.. I find them to be the best in the industry for a total resize of ANY hull..

Now.. any trapshooter will need a progressive reloading press.. But.. the usefullness of a single stage will never be lacking.. and for a new reloader..he'll learn much more than with a progressive because he's handling the case more.. He can feel more.. and especially when something is wrong..
 
#20 ·
2barrelpa:

You asked for advice and have received good but sometimes conflicting opinions. Which opinions are 'correct' depends on how you actually load. Here's my take on the subject.

I started with Mec 600 JR. roughly 25 years ago. It didn't take long to reach a loading volume where progressives (now four of them) became necessary. However, I still have the old 600 Jr and I still use it to correct occasional screw ups. The hardened steel ring resizer on the 600 Jr. is also unarguably superior to collet resizers. This is particularly true if you intend to load any of the steel headed hulls.

There's nothing wrong about starting with a single stage. Buy a decent one used and if/when you move up to a progressive loader, you can always sell the single stage... or keep it like I did.

sissy
 
#21 ·
2barrelpa, regardless of what some say, I've been using prgressive loaders since 75 and still love loading on single stagers. Now that said, one of the single stages Iam still using is one that I bought in 72. Its a 600 Jr. I've had 155's (still have one), 266 (good loader), Texans, Lee and a 375. For the money the 600 Jr is the best for the money unless you prefer a collet sizer.

If your interested I have the following Iam willing to sale. A Hornady 155, Mec 600 Jrs, Mec 650 (12 and 20 ga), Grabbers.
 
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