Let’s Dive into Mec Grabber Primer Catcher
The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher is a simple yet potentially invaluable tool for reloaders, particularly those using progressive presses like the MEC Grabber. It’s designed to capture spent primers, preventing them from scattering across your reloading bench and creating a mess. For a modest $7.49, it promises a cleaner and more efficient reloading process.
I was perpetually frustrated with spent primers bouncing off my reloading press and ending up on the floor, under my bench, and seemingly everywhere. Tired of the constant cleanup, I went in search of a dedicated primer catcher. The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher seemed like a straightforward and economical solution.
Unboxing the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher was uneventful – it’s a simple molded plastic piece. The plastic felt a bit lightweight, but I hoped it would be durable enough for the task. It was black, as the MEC specifications state, a color choice that blends in with most reloading setups.
I considered other primer catchers, including some DIY solutions, but the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher’s promise of compatibility with automatic presses, along with its low price, made it the most appealing option. Other catchers seemed over-engineered or specific to certain press models.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed a bit flimsy, but if it worked as intended, the build quality would be a non-issue. I was eager to see if it could live up to its promise of a cleaner reloading bench.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Grabber Primer Catcher to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher while reloading 12 gauge shotgun shells on my MEC 9000GN Grabber. I was loading target loads for an upcoming sporting clays competition. The press is mounted to a sturdy bench in my garage.
The garage can get dusty, and temperature fluctuations are common. Even with the door closed, primers sometimes found their way outside of my reloading bench area! The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher seemed to handle the dry, dusty conditions without issue on the first try. There were no signs that temperature affected the cheap plastic used.
Installation was quick and easy, requiring only a few seconds to slip it into place. Once installed, I immediately noticed how much cleaner the reloading process was. There was a minimal learning curve; it was immediately intuitive.
Initially, the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher worked as expected. However, I did notice that occasionally, a primer would bounce out, especially when I was working quickly. This was more of an annoyance than a deal-breaker, but something to watch out for.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of reloading, the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher continues to perform adequately. It still catches the majority of primers, but the occasional bounce-out persists. The convenience of reduced mess outweighs this minor inconvenience.
So far, there are no significant signs of wear and tear. The plastic shows no cracks or stress marks, despite being subjected to repeated impacts from spent primers. The simple design also has proven to be robust.
Maintenance is a breeze: I simply empty the collected primers every few hundred rounds. There’s no cleaning required. I occasionally give it a wipe with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated dust.
Compared to my previous, primer-scattering experiences, the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher is a definite improvement. It may not be perfect, but it significantly reduces cleanup time. This lets me reload faster and with less frustration.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec Grabber Primer Catcher
Specifications
- Manufacturer: MEC
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Compatibility: Designed to fit the majority of popular automatic and semi-auto presses.
- Function: Catches and retains spent primers.
The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher‘s key specification is its compatibility with most automatic presses. This wide compatibility means it will work for a broader range of reloaders. The black color is purely aesthetic and helps it blend in with reloading equipment.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher is to contain spent primers. It achieves this with a reasonable degree of success. Its effectiveness drops slightly when operating the press at high speed.
Its main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. It’s a basic plastic cup that attaches to the press and captures the majority of primers. The weakness is that it doesn’t capture all primers.
The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher meets the basic expectations of a low-cost primer catcher. It reduces mess and saves time, but it’s not a perfect solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher features a very basic, functional design. It is lightweight and fits snugly to the press, not obstructing the operation.
The plastic material feels a bit cheap, but the overall design is straightforward and easy to understand. There is virtually no learning curve when installing and using it.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its plastic construction, the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher‘s long-term durability is questionable. However, it has held up well to several weeks of use so far. It has also survived my occasional trips out to the range.
Maintenance is minimal; emptying the spent primers is all that’s required. Occasional cleaning with a damp cloth will keep it free of dust and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher does not come with any accessories. It’s a standalone product designed to work with existing MEC presses and other compatible models. Due to its simple design, customization is not really an option.
Pros and Cons of Mec Grabber Primer Catcher
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all reloaders.
- Simple and easy to install and use.
- Significantly reduces the mess associated with spent primers.
- Compatible with most automatic and semi-auto presses.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
Cons
- Doesn’t catch all primers, some bounce-out still occurs.
- Plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy.
Who Should Buy Mec Grabber Primer Catcher?
The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher is perfect for reloaders using automatic or semi-automatic presses who are tired of chasing spent primers across their reloading benches. It’s also ideal for those on a budget who want a simple and effective solution to reduce mess. This includes casual reloaders as well as competitive shooters.
Those seeking a perfect, 100% effective primer-catching system might be disappointed and should explore more elaborate or expensive alternatives. Reloaders who primarily use single-stage presses may not find it as beneficial, as primer containment is less of an issue with those machines.
A must-have “accessory” is simply a regular emptying schedule. Overfilling the catcher will certainly lead to more primer spillage!
Conclusion on Mec Grabber Primer Catcher
The Mec Grabber Primer Catcher is a basic but useful accessory for reloaders using progressive presses. It’s not perfect, but it significantly reduces mess and saves time for a very low price.
At $7.49, the price is definitely justified. It offers a good value proposition for reloaders seeking a simple and affordable solution to a common problem.
I would personally recommend it to anyone who is annoyed by scattered primers. It’s a worthwhile investment for a cleaner and more efficient reloading experience. If you’re looking to take a step toward a cleaner reloading setup, give the Mec Grabber Primer Catcher a try!