First Impressions of MEC EZ-Pak
The MEC EZ-Pak aims to solve a common frustration for reloaders: the tedious and time-consuming task of manually loading finished rounds into shell boxes. MEC, a name synonymous with quality reloading equipment, promises a faster and more efficient way to package reloads. This little device seemed like it could streamline my reloading process.
For years, I’ve been reloading shotshells for everything from clay target shooting to upland bird hunting. The biggest bottleneck was always boxing the finished rounds. Stacking shells neatly and quickly seemed like a pipe dream until I saw the MEC EZ-Pak.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The MEC EZ-Pak feels sturdy enough for its intended purpose. It’s primarily constructed of what appears to be a very durable polymer, and the compact size is a welcome change from some of the bulkier reloading accessories I own.
I considered other shell loaders, namely those from Frankford Arsenal and Hornady. Their approach seemed overly complex and more expensive. The MEC EZ-Pak’s straightforward design won me over with its promise of simplicity and reliability, plus the trusted name of MEC.
My initial impression is cautiously optimistic. I’m eager to see if the MEC EZ-Pak can truly live up to the promise of faster, easier shell boxing, but I’m not totally convinced yet. It’s got a lot to prove to justify its place on my reloading bench.
Real-World Testing: Putting MEC EZ-Pak to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the MEC EZ-Pak was at my home reloading bench. I had just finished reloading a batch of 12-gauge shells for an upcoming sporting clays competition. The bench was clean and ready, and I was primed to test this product.
The operation was simple enough, but took a bit of getting used to. It was easy enough to fill and slide the reloads into the shell box, but took a few tries to pull the EZ-Pak off without dumping the rounds. It took approximately 15 minutes to load 250 shells.
There were no major issues, but I was surprised at how long it took to get the hang of. It wasn’t difficult, just not as intuitive as I initially thought, but I’m sure I will get better with it over time. I was expecting a faster learning curve, but I also felt like it had great potential.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and a few thousand reloaded shells, the MEC EZ-Pak has become a regular part of my reloading routine. The process has gotten significantly faster. The more I use it, the smoother and quicker the whole boxing operation becomes.
The MEC EZ-Pak is showing no signs of wear or tear, which speaks to the quality of the materials. Clean-up is a breeze, requiring just a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue. It’s holding up great and I see no need to replace it any time soon.
Compared to my previous method of manually stacking shells, the MEC EZ-Pak is a significant improvement in speed and convenience. The device more than earns its keep. Although, I would say that I am still faster at it with bare hands, but this tool keeps the mess to a minimum.
Breaking Down the Features of MEC EZ-Pak
Specifications
The MEC EZ-Pak is a simple device designed to assist in loading 25 reloaded shotshells into a standard shell box. It’s made from a durable, lightweight polymer. The dimensions are approximately 6 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 2 inches high.
The simplicity of its construction is its strength, allowing for quick loading and unloading of shells. There are no moving parts, reducing the chance of breakage or malfunction. The design focuses on efficiently transferring shells from the loading tray to the box, minimizing handling and potential for dropped shells.
Performance & Functionality
The MEC EZ-Pak performs its intended function effectively, though not perfectly right out of the box. It helps to load shells into shell boxes more quickly and efficiently than manually stacking them. With practice, the user can significantly reduce the time spent boxing reloads.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use, but it does require some practice to master. One potential weakness is its dependence on standard shell box dimensions, so non-standard boxes may cause issues. It does meet expectations and is a welcome addition.
Design & Ergonomics
The MEC EZ-Pak’s design is straightforward and functional. The polymer material is lightweight and feels durable enough for regular use. The tool fits comfortably in the hand, and its simple design minimizes the learning curve.
It is very user-friendly, although there’s a slight learning curve to the extraction process. Its lightweight design makes it easier to maneuver and position. I’d have liked some rubberized grips for some added control.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its simple design and robust polymer construction, the MEC EZ-Pak should last for many years with proper care. There are no delicate parts to break or wear out easily. I suspect it should last through thousands upon thousands of loaded shells.
Maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth to remove powder residue. There are no parts that need lubrication or replacement. It does not require any kind of specialized cleaner.
Accessories and Customization Options
The MEC EZ-Pak is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. It also doesn’t offer any customization options. Its purpose is so specific that accessories are not needed.
It works with standard shell boxes designed for 25 shotshells. There isn’t any compatibility with accessories from other brands. I would like to see different sized EZ-Paks in the future, though.
Pros and Cons of MEC EZ-Pak
Pros
- Speeds up the shell-boxing process significantly, especially after some practice.
- Simple and durable design ensures long-lasting performance.
- Reduces the risk of dropped shells compared to manual stacking.
- Easy to clean and maintain, minimizing downtime.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to most reloaders.
Cons
- Requires some practice to master the extraction process without spilling shells.
- Only works with standard-sized shell boxes, limiting versatility.
Who Should Buy MEC EZ-Pak?
The MEC EZ-Pak is perfect for any shotshell reloader who values efficiency and wants to speed up the shell-boxing process. It’s also great for reloaders who want to minimize the risk of dropping shells and making a mess. It’s a solid choice for those who reload in bulk.
This product isn’t for reloaders who only load a few shells at a time or who prefer a completely hands-on approach. It also might not be the best fit for those who primarily use non-standard shell boxes. Those with patience and steady hands might find more joy in the traditional way.
A must-have modification would be the user adding rubberized grips to aid in maintaining grip. This is something I might do in the near future.
Conclusion on MEC EZ-Pak
The MEC EZ-Pak is a simple, yet effective tool that delivers on its promise of faster and easier shell boxing. It is a welcome addition to any serious shotshell reloader’s bench. It definitely isn’t required, but it is sure nice to have.
At $35.49, the price is more than justified by the time and frustration it saves. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to streamline their reloading process. It is definitely a worthwhile purchase that has become a regular fixture of my bench.
If you’re tired of fumbling with shells and want to spend less time boxing your reloads, give the MEC EZ-Pak a try. You might be surprised at how much it simplifies your reloading routine. Get yours today, you won’t regret it.