Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 Review

Let’s Dive into Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012, more commonly known as the MEC Sizemaster, is a shotshell reloading press designed for 12 gauge enthusiasts who demand consistent and high-quality reloads. This single-stage reloader boasts a “Power Ring” collet resizer, promising to return your spent hulls to near-factory specifications, regardless of their composition. It also includes the E-Z Prime primer feeder, making the reloading process more efficient.

I started reloading my own shotshells years ago to save money and tailor my loads to specific hunting and sporting clays needs. Factory loads were becoming increasingly expensive, and I wanted more control over the shot weight, powder charge, and wad selection. I was looking for a robust and reliable single-stage press that could handle high volumes and deliver consistent results.

Upon unboxing the MEC Sizemaster, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The cast iron frame felt incredibly durable, and the overall design exuded quality craftsmanship. It had a reassuring weight that promised stability during operation.

I considered the Lee Load-All II and the RCBS Grand shotshell reloaders, but ultimately chose the MEC Sizemaster for its renowned resizing capabilities and the positive user feedback I found online. The Lee is more budget-friendly, while the RCBS is more progressive, but the MEC Sizemaster seemed like the perfect balance of quality and speed for my needs. My decision also hinged on the “Power Ring” collet resizer, which promised better results than the alternatives.

My first impression was one of excitement tempered with a touch of intimidation. I knew that reloading could be dangerous if not done correctly. But I was eager to start producing my own custom shotshells with the MEC Sizemaster.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the MEC Sizemaster at my reloading bench in my garage, carefully following the instructions provided in the manual. I loaded a batch of shells for an upcoming dove hunt. I paid close attention to the powder and shot charges to ensure consistency.

I reloaded in relatively controlled conditions, but the garage can get quite dusty. I found that keeping the MEC Sizemaster clean was important for smooth operation. The reloading process itself was surprisingly straightforward.

The MEC Sizemaster required a bit of getting used to, particularly the priming process. I learned the hard way to ensure the primer was fully seated before moving on to the next stage. I didn’t encounter any significant problems during my first reloading session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the MEC Sizemaster has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve reloaded thousands of shotshells for various applications. This includes everything from target loads for sporting clays to heavier hunting loads for waterfowl.

The MEC Sizemaster has held up remarkably well. There are some minor scratches on the paint, but the internal components show no signs of significant wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining smooth operation.

The MEC Sizemaster far outperforms my previous experience with a much older, less precise reloader. The shells are more consistent, resulting in tighter patterns and more reliable performance in the field. The Power Ring resizing is a noticeable upgrade, making even heavily used hulls reload like new.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012

Specifications

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 boasts the following specifications:

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This is a dedicated 12 gauge reloader, but die sets are available for other gauges.
• Frame Material: Cast Iron. The robust cast iron frame provides exceptional stability and durability.
• Shell Length: Adjustable up to 3 inches. This accommodates a wide range of 12 gauge shells, from standard target loads to magnum hunting loads.
• Resizing: “Power Ring” Collet Resizer. This patented design resizes both brass and steel-headed hulls back to factory specifications.
• Primer Feed: E-Z Prime primer feeder included. The E-Z Prime system simplifies the priming process and improves efficiency.
• Operation: Single Stage. This allows for precise control over each step of the reloading process.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the quality and consistency of the reloaded shotshells. The Cast Iron frame ensures the reloader remains stable during operation, leading to more precise and consistent results. The “Power Ring” Collet Resizer is a standout feature that enhances the reliability of the reloaded shells.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently produces high-quality, reliable shotshells. The resizing is particularly impressive.

The MEC Sizemaster’s strengths include its precise resizing capabilities, consistent powder and shot dispensing, and overall ease of use. Its main weakness is that it is a single-stage press, making the reloading process slower compared to progressive reloaders. However, this slower speed allows for greater precision.

The MEC Sizemaster exceeds my expectations for a single-stage reloader. It’s a significant upgrade from older, less precise models. The reloaded shells exhibit consistent performance and reliable ignition.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 is built with high-quality materials and a robust design. The Cast Iron frame gives it a reassuring weight and stability. It feels comfortable to use for extended periods.

The MEC Sizemaster is relatively user-friendly. It requires some initial setup and familiarization. The included instructions are clear and concise.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential.

Maintaining and repairing the MEC Sizemaster is relatively straightforward. Spare parts are readily available from MEC and other retailers. This ensures the reloader can be kept in optimal working condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 comes standard with the E-Z Prime primer feeder. Additional die sets are available for other gauges (10, 16, 20, 28 gauge, and .410 bore). These dies allow you to reload a variety of different shotshells.

The MEC Sizemaster is compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, such as powder bushings and shot bars. You can customize the reloader to meet specific reloading needs. This also includes various wad guides available on the market.

Pros and Cons of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012

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Who Should Buy Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012?

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 is perfect for reloaders who prioritize quality and consistency over speed. It is ideally suited for hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who wants to create custom shotshell loads tailored to their specific needs. It’s also ideal for those who prioritize single-stage precision, taking their time to ensure the most consistent results.

Those who need to reload large quantities of shotshells quickly should consider a progressive reloader instead. This is because it takes more time to use a single-stage reloader. Novice reloaders may also find the MEC Sizemaster slightly intimidating.

A good shotshell reloading manual and a reliable scale are must-have accessories. These will help to ensure safe and accurate reloading. Also, consider purchasing a variety of powder bushings and shot bars.

Conclusion on Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 is a well-built, reliable, and accurate shotshell reloader. It offers excellent value for the money, especially considering its resizing capabilities. The “Power Ring*” collet resizer alone makes it a worthwhile investment.

The price of $405.99 is justified by the quality of construction and the consistent performance of the reloader. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, it delivers results that are worth the investment. The MEC Sizemaster is built to last.

I would highly recommend the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812012 to anyone looking for a reliable and accurate single-stage shotshell reloader. It’s a great choice for those who value quality and consistency over speed. Take control of your shotshell reloading and experience the difference that the MEC Sizemaster can make!