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What model of MEC reloader is better?

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#22 ·
I have loaded on a MEC for 43+ years. I like the Grabber with the hydraulic unit. It offers the most control of the up/down movement and leaves the hands free to grab a wad,etc. The hydro part takes the stress off of your shoulder & arm. I do not like the 9000 as it forces certain operations such as turntable movement. I can afford any loader I want. I have 3 Grabbers,2 are hydro set. I also have 2 650's,one for .410 & one for 28. I do not mind the extra step of the Super Sizer,easy to do while watching a ball game,movie,etc. And yes I had the Electric set-up,bought NIB for $300. Sold it to a friend. Would be fun to try a Spolar. And have a Dillon,650 with all the toys. Dillon is a metallic loader for my money.
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
yes, the boy has reloaded with the sizemaster, but as stated It was not mine. I don't want to spend the money on hydoulics. Long story short my friend with the sizemaster bought a 9000 and couldn't get it to work correctly and wanted his sizemaster back. But he has no patience with that kind of stuff. So I don't know if just him or if the 9000 is just tricky. So maybe I would compromise and get a grabber.
 
#24 ·
If you need speed then get the 9000. If you REALLY need speed go hydro MEC. But that being said the Sizemaster is one tough loader! MECs are built like a tank! They do everybit as good a job for a lot less money!
 
#25 ·
Get the 9000! MEC will walk you thru any adjustments you may need. It is not 'tricky'. If you have any slight amount of mechanical aptitude it's simple to use.

Tim
 
#27 ·
Some of the questions that were asked that I did not see an answer to.

The 650 is the only one of the progressive machines that does not resize the brass.

The grabber (8567 or older 761R) machines don't automatically index. You manually rotate the shell holder with your right thumb. It is much quicker than a sizemaster where you have to move the shell from one location to the next.

The 9000 comes in several different forms. The basic has a handle you pull and works exactly like the 8567 except it automatically indexes (rotates) with the pull of the handle. The 9000E (electric) has an electric motor that basically pulls the the handle (no real handle). The 9000H (hydraulic) works the same way but has a hydraulic pump that runs what would have been the handle.

The 600 JR is a single stage like the sizemaster but the resizer slides over the brass instead of compressing the brass the way the sizemaster, 8567, and 9000 do.

The 200 primer feed can be a little tricky to get to work but once you get it set, it works pretty good.
 
#28 ·
I use my 9000G the most, but my 8567 Grabber is almost as fast but more "goof proof". The key to either is make sure you have a successful primer drop and the charge bar travels fully with each pull of the handle. Best Regards, Ed
 
#29 ·
The new grabber comes with the large cap. primer tray. Good shells, but it can be a head scratcher at times. I've often thought there might be a better one out there. Bill
 
#31 ·
IMO, MEC is the best loader for the money. Simply put, they work and customer support is great.

I use a 900G, Grabber and a Sizemaster. MEC makes a jig or adjustable base that allows you to use the same footprint on your reloading bench for different presses. I use the 9000 for a particular Gold Medal reload and the Grabber for some older AA hulls. The Sizemaster is for my "games" loads. I have an adjustable charge bar that I never use anymore as I have multiple bars and bushings for different shot weights and powder drops.

Did I mention that you should always check your powder drops with a scale.

Ed Ward
 
#32 ·
I have three MEC 9000s and I love them. The 9000H is by far the best and my favorite. I went and bought the 9000E and went back to my 9000H - a lot faster and a lot less headaches! MY OPINION
 
#34 ·
A lot of times you can pick up a good used Grabber for about half price maybe even less. But I would go with the progressive instead of the sizemaster if you are going to load any quantity of shells. I have loaded many thousands on both and the progressive is 5 times faster.
 
#35 ·
Thanks fopr the help also this helped my decision.

Someone agreed with my view on the grabber....with the of boxing my own shells right there and the more "goof proof" factor.

I'm in the process of a used grabber 8567 for 200.00

I also have very limited space and the only bench I can fit is like a stand for a belt sander or grinding wheel so I don't have an area for the auto ejection feature of the 9000

If I get a flat an hour I'll be happy. I spend 4 hrs and just grind it out that's enough ammo for me for a month.
 
#36 ·
o.choke and dutchman; I've had both machines and got thousands and thousands from each. However, the 9000 dated back to the 1980s and did have a few hickups here and there including the added complexity of the machine. I don't regret my time with it but the Grabber has been making shells for me since 1974 or 5 and has made many many more shells with fewer dilemmas and it's still functioning well for a neighbor; I'm no longer an active shooter. My Grabber is/was an early model with a rather low frame that was awkward for catching many used primers. I fixed that early on by adding spacer legs and long bolts and mounted it on a piece of plywood so it could be lifted and stored in one place and moved to another for actual operating. I would still prefer the Grabber if only one machine was necessary........breakemall
 
#37 ·
for the money mec is best. I have had a grabber but it's to slow. I bought a 9000h and really like it. sold the grabber and bought another 9000h. In between thoought there might be something better and bought a new hyd. RCBS. Big Mistake! Sent it back and got a refund.
go with the 9000h
 
#38 ·
With the MEC 9000G and 9000H you can stop a partial pull and nothing will happen ... like when you notice you forgot to place a wad. With the 9000E there is no turning back once you push the buttons. I like my 9000H.
 
#40 ·
As I have given my reasons for either model earlier. I would agree with BDodd if I had to pick one.

BTW Bob, the old grabber loaded good shells for the Doubles event in our State shoot. They were good for 100 and a State Championship.

Ajax
 
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