Reloading questions

[Huskerwannabe]

Finally looking at to start reloading. I'm pretty sure I've decided on the MEC jr Mark V. But before I run out any buy one I just wanted to make sure it'll load everything I want. Primarily looking for upland and waterfowl shot loads but steel and lead. I don't shoot much skeet/trap. Any opinions or suggestions?

Thanks
Brian

[jrebel]

My advise......save your money so you can afford a good attorney when your wife divorces you.   

[Naches Sportsman]

Before you go out and start investing in reloaders, you need to ask yourself if you can reload everything you want given the powder shortages and if it is economical to reload .  Certain powders are still really hard to find.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Yep it will do it all.

[wadu1]

Before you go out and start investing in reloaders, you need to ask yourself if you can reload everything you want given the powder shortages and if it is economical to reload .  Certain powders are still really hard to find.

I would have to agree Naches, unless you plan to load hundreds a round per year it is not economical. I shoot 5K+ a year and I only load hard to find shells (i.e. 2 3/4" 1 1/8oz of #9 at 1250 FS or 28 ga and .410. I do load some 10ga  #4 steel because you cant find it but no more than 2 or 3 boxes a year. 

But if you want to get into loading it is fun, I did 250 today of my #9's. I'm using a P&W 375 for my 12 and 10 gages and MEC Juniors for 28 and .410.

[ctwiggs1]

My press paid itself off in 500rd

Curtis

[wildweeds]

I reload because I'd be broke if I didn't,I shoot alot of clays(I think) 8-10 boxes per week,I shoot a .410 because I get twice the mileage out of a bag of shot 7/16 oz load.I load for my 20 also for clays for the longer shooting at 5 stand.I do not however reload for hunting,it's alot easier to just buy the shells I've always thought.Both of my reloaders are Mec 9000G's it's nothing to crank out 300 per hour,I'll set my mind to it and get in a groove and sit down and go through a pound of powder and load up a months worth of shooting material.

[AWS]

For hunting loads, steel or lead I think you would be time, money and frustration ahead buy buying factory ammo by the flat if you use that much. 

For specialty load, tungsten goose loads,  soft non-toxics, 2.5" shells and coyote loads if #4 Buck won't work for you, you will come out ahead reloading.

[C-Money]

Reloading is a fun hobby. And very rewarding to work up a load that you like and kill game with shells you made.  Like said above, much easier, and probably cheaper to buy ammo. If you want a rewarding hobby, reload!! Also, I believe you have a good choice in the Mec Jr Mark V.

[birddogdad]

Saves lots of money if you shoot often. Modern rules with steel becoming required more and more vs pb make it interesting and requires different equipment/ components too... as much as you can research and standardize/ common load data's makes it not too crazy to get started..


other option to start reloading would be to pick a poison (steel or lead) whichever you mostly use and buy the other till you really figure it out and get into reloading... when you get components, don't just go a Lb of powder or a 100 primers at a time, the stuff is quite elusive out there and a Lb goes fast... I am pretty much 12 GA, like fast loads and try to use Longshot for everything I can (formerly 4756).. (when you can find it)

[Jingles]

I started reloading for a hobby and the fun of working up loads now I reload because I have folks coming to me to reload for them.  I do not charge to reload for others in fact I show them how and them watch them to mke sure they are doing it right. That way if something does go wrong I think I have an out for blame

[huntingfool7]

Finally looking at to start reloading. I'm pretty sure I've decided on the MEC jr Mark V. But before I run out any buy one I just wanted to make sure it'll load everything I want. Primarily looking for upland and waterfowl shot loads but steel and lead. I don't shoot much skeet/trap. Any opinions or suggestions?

Thanks
Brian

Quality hunting loads is a place where reloading can save money.  Steel shot hunting ammo for 6.50 to 8.00 a box depending on components.  For that price, you get round shot.  Unlike Winchester promo steel shells.  If you've never cut open factory ammo, you have no idea how crappy some of that shot really is.

Some of the high end nickel plated lead loads that I used to buy were costing upwards of $20/box off the shelf.  I can load them for about $12 while paying $45 for a 10 lb. bag (nickel plated lead). 

A 600jr will do everything you need.  Large steel pellets and Alliant Steel powder gets hand weighed.  The press is just used for sizing/priming/crimping when loading steel.