Let’s Dive into Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20, more specifically the MEC Mayville #20 Powder Bushing, is a small but crucial component for shotgun reloaders. This unassuming aluminum bushing plays a significant role in dispensing consistent powder charges, which is the heart of any accurate and safe reload. This isn’t a flashy gadget; it’s a foundational piece of equipment for anyone serious about rolling their own shotgun shells.
As an experienced reloader, I was drawn to this product because I needed to fine-tune my powder drops for a specific load I was developing for sporting clays. My existing bushings were either throwing too much or too little powder. The promise of a specific bushing size, and the ability to incrementally adjust my powder charge, seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon receiving the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It’s a small, machined aluminum piece, and the build quality seemed robust enough for its intended purpose. Compared to adjustable powder measures or universal charge bars, this bushing offers a dedicated, theoretically precise, powder dispensing solution for MEC reloaders.
I considered a universal charge bar, but for this particular load, I wanted the consistency that a dedicated bushing is known for, at least in theory. While a universal bar offers versatility, dedicated bushings should provide more consistent throws once the correct size is identified. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if it lived up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20 was at my reloading bench, naturally. I was loading 12-gauge shells for sporting clays, using Hodgdon Clays powder. I carefully installed the bushing in my MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 and ran a series of test drops, weighing each charge with my digital scale.
The performance was… interesting. The bushing did drop powder, but the charges were significantly lighter than the MEC bushing chart suggested. It required several adjustments and comparisons to my existing bushings to establish a baseline. While consistent in its own throws, the deviation from published data was a surprise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I found that the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20 is consistently inconsistent with the MEC published data. This isn’t a fatal flaw, but it necessitates meticulous weighing of each powder charge to ensure accuracy. The bushing itself shows no signs of wear and tear and functions smoothly within my MEC reloader.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe with a clean cloth is all it needs. Compared to other powder dispensing methods, like adjustable charge bars that require more frequent cleaning and calibration, the bushing requires very little upkeep. However, its deviation from published powder charts makes it no better, or even worse, than other options.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20
Specifications
- Manufacturer: MEC (Mayville Engineering Company, Inc.)
- Quantity: 1
- Additional Features: Powder Bushing
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Gun Type: Shotgun
These specifications are straightforward. It is a single aluminum bushing designed for dispensing powder in MEC shotgun reloaders. The aluminum construction is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, essential for handling various powder types.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20 is to dispense a specific volume of powder. The performance, however, relies heavily on comparing the actual powder dispensed with the charge weight you are trying to achieve. Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of installation within a MEC reloading press.
The weakness is the aforementioned inconsistency with published data; the actual powder drop can vary significantly from the MEC bushing chart. Therefore, you must use it with an accurate powder scale, and be prepared to “bracket” your bushing choice until you achieve your desired charge weight. It barely meets expectations, assuming you calibrate it carefully.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is extremely simple: a small, precisely machined aluminum cylinder. Its light weight doesn’t affect the reloading process, and installation is effortless. There’s no learning curve; it’s a drop-in replacement for existing bushings.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction should ensure a long lifespan. There are no moving parts, minimizing the potential for failure. Maintenance is minimal; just keep it clean and dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no accessories that come with the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20, nor are there any customization options beyond selecting the appropriate bushing size. However, it is compatible with any MEC reloading press that uses interchangeable powder bushings. You can also buy a whole range of bushings to try and get the powder drop you want, but it can get expensive.
Pros and Cons of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20
Pros
- Easy drop-in operation for MEC reloaders.
- Simple and durable aluminum construction.
- Potentially consistent powder drops once calibrated.
- Low maintenance requirements.
- Inexpensive compared to adjustable powder measures.
Cons
- Can have substantial variations from published powder drop charts, requiring meticulous weighing.
- Requires purchasing multiple bushings to “bracket” the desired charge weight.
Who Should Buy Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20?
Perfect for: Experienced shotgun reloaders using MEC presses who understand the importance of precise powder charges and are willing to meticulously weigh each drop. Also beneficial for those who are developing new loads and need to experiment with powder charges to achieve optimal performance.
Who should skip this product? Novice reloaders who are unfamiliar with powder scales and the importance of verifying powder charges. Also, reloaders looking for a “set it and forget it” solution, as the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20 requires careful calibration.
Must-have accessories or modifications? An accurate digital powder scale is absolutely essential. Also, consider purchasing a range of bushings, both larger and smaller, to fine-tune your powder drops.
Conclusion on Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 20 is a mixed bag. While simple and durable, its inconsistency with published data is a significant drawback. Its value proposition hinges on your willingness to invest time and effort in calibrating each bushing to your specific powder and reloading setup.
The price is low, but the cost can quickly add up if you need to purchase several bushings to find the right one. Would I personally recommend it? Only with a significant caveat: be prepared to weigh every charge and don’t rely on the bushing chart.
If you understand its limitations and are willing to put in the work, it can be a useful tool. But if you’re looking for a precise, hassle-free solution, there are better options available. So, proceed with caution, reload safely, and always double-check your powder charges!