Let’s Dive into Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36, specifically the Mayville #36 Powder Bushing, might seem like a small and insignificant piece of reloading equipment, but it’s a crucial component for any serious shotgun reloader. Made by MEC, a trusted name in reloading, this aluminum bushing is designed to precisely meter powder charges, ensuring consistent and safe loads. This seemingly simple part plays a huge role in consistent shotshell reloading.
My journey to this particular bushing started with frustration. My shotgun loads were inconsistent, leading to varying patterns and unreliable performance on the clay range. I needed a reliable way to meter my powder, and after reading countless forum posts and consulting with experienced reloaders, the MEC powder bushing system emerged as the best solution.
Upon receiving the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36, I was immediately struck by its simplicity and solid construction. It’s a small piece of machined aluminum, but it feels precise and well-made. Compared to using adjustable powder measures, which can be finicky and inconsistent, the MEC bushing offered a promise of repeatable accuracy. I’ve used universal adjustable powder measures before, and they never felt as reliable as dedicated bushings.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it could truly solve my powder metering issues, but also slightly skeptical that something so simple could make such a big difference. The initial cost seemed small, but I worried about purchasing additional bushings to get the loads I wanted.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36 was at my home reloading bench, preparing shells for a weekend sporting clays event. I was using Hodgdon Clays powder and aiming for a consistent 1 1/8 ounce load. The bushing was easily installed into my MEC reloader.
The performance was immediately noticeable. The powder drops were consistent, within a tenth of a grain of my target weight. The ease of use was also a major plus, no more fiddling with adjustments or worrying about powder bridging. Even in the slightly dusty environment of my reloading room, the bushing performed flawlessly.
The only surprise I encountered was that the powder drop weight didn’t exactly match the bushing chart for my powder. However, this is common, and I simply adjusted my recipe slightly to achieve the desired velocity and pattern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36 has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There are no signs of wear and tear. It is made from aluminum, so I expected wear, but it has held up well.
Maintenance is minimal, simply wiping it down with a clean cloth after each reloading session. Compared to my previous experiences with adjustable powder measures, this bushing has been a game-changer. It’s faster, more consistent, and requires far less attention. I have reloaded over 1,000 shells with this bushing and have not noticed any performance degradation.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36
Specifications
- Manufacturer: MEC.
- Quantity: 1. This is a single bushing.
- Additional Features: Powder Bushing. Designed for dispensing powder in reloading shotshells.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum. The aluminum construction provides durability.
- Gun Type: Shotgun. Intended for shotshell reloading only.
These specifications are crucial for reloaders because they directly impact the accuracy and consistency of their loads. The aluminum construction ensures the bushing is durable and resistant to corrosion, while the precise dimensions guarantee consistent powder drops. This allows reloaders to create safe and reliable shotshells for various shooting disciplines.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36 performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently dispenses accurate powder charges, leading to more uniform shotshells and improved shooting performance.
The strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. There are no moving parts to fail or adjust, just a precisely machined hole that meters the powder. While it requires purchasing multiple bushings for different powder weights, the consistency makes it worth the investment.
It meets my expectations and has improved the uniformity of my shotshell loads and reduced standard deviation in velocities.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36 is a small, cylindrical piece of aluminum with a precisely drilled hole.
The build quality is excellent, and the aluminum construction feels robust. There’s no learning curve; it’s simply a matter of inserting the bushing into your MEC reloader.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction ensures a long lifespan with proper care. Expect this bushing to last for thousands of reloads.
Maintenance is straightforward, a quick wipe-down after use to remove any powder residue. This minimal maintenance guarantees consistent performance over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36 itself doesn’t have accessories, but it’s part of the larger MEC reloading system. You can purchase a variety of bushings to achieve different powder charges.
The MEC system is widely compatible with other reloading components and accessories, such as powder scales and shotshell presses from various brands. While this isn’t customization in the typical sense, the ability to swap bushings to find the perfect load is extremely useful.
Pros and Cons of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36
Pros
- Highly consistent powder drops. Provides repeatable accuracy, leading to uniform shotshells.
- Simple and reliable design. No moving parts, reducing the chance of failure.
- Durable aluminum construction. Ensures a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.
- Easy to use. No learning curve, simply insert into your MEC reloader.
- Affordable. A cost-effective solution for accurate powder metering.
Cons
- Requires multiple bushings for different loads. You’ll need to purchase additional bushings to accommodate various powder weights.
- Powder drop may vary slightly from charts. Fine-tuning may be needed to achieve desired results.
Who Should Buy Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36?
Perfect for: Shotgun reloaders seeking consistent and accurate powder metering, competitive shooters needing uniform loads for improved performance, and hunters who demand reliable shotshells for ethical hunts. This is a great upgrade for anyone serious about consistency in their shotshell reloading.
Who should skip this product? Those who only reload occasionally or prefer the convenience of adjustable powder measures, even if they sacrifice some accuracy. If you only load a box of shells once a year, the investment might not be worth it.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A MEC shotshell reloader, a powder scale for verifying powder drops, and a variety of bushings to cover different powder types and load weights.
Conclusion on Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36, the #36 Powder Bushing, is a small but essential component for any serious shotgun reloader. Its consistent powder drops, simple design, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for achieving accurate and reliable shotshells.
The price is justified by the improved consistency and reduced variability in your loads. The bushing significantly contributes to better performance at the range or in the field.
I would personally recommend the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 36 to anyone looking to improve the quality and consistency of their shotshell reloads. Upgrade your reloading process with this simple but powerful tool and experience the difference it makes in your shooting! Stop settling for inconsistent loads and start reloading with confidence today.