Let’s Dive into Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024, specifically the Mayville #24 Powder Bushing from MEC, is a seemingly simple component with a critical role in the precision of reloading. It’s designed to accurately meter powder charges, ensuring consistency and safety in every round you create. I’ve spent years reloading, chasing that perfect load for everything from competitive shotgun shooting to crafting reliable hunting rounds, so components like this are crucial.
My quest for consistent powder drops, particularly with certain powders that tend to bridge or meter unevenly, led me to explore different bushing options. I was tired of inconsistent loads throwing off my patterns and accuracy. The MEC name is synonymous with quality in the reloading world, so it was a natural starting point.
Unboxing it, there’s not much to see – it’s a small, precisely machined aluminum bushing. It’s lightweight and the finish is clean, promising a smooth interface with the reloading press. Compared to some of the polymer bushings I’ve used in the past, this aluminum one feels like a step up in terms of durability and potentially more consistent metering.
I chose this MEC bushing over others, including some adjustable models, for its simplicity and reputation for consistent performance. Adjustable bushings can be great, but they also introduce more points of potential failure or adjustment drift. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I was hoping it would live up to the MEC name and deliver the consistent powder drops I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 at my reloading bench, using my trusty MEC 9000G progressive reloader. I was loading 12-gauge target loads, a relatively high-volume operation where consistent powder drops are vital for consistent patterns. I used Hodgdon Clays powder, which can be a bit tricky to meter consistently.
The MEC bushing performed admirably, even in the relatively dry conditions of my basement reloading room. The powder drops were noticeably more consistent than with the generic bushing I had been using. I was getting variations of +/- 0.1 grains, which is perfectly acceptable for my target loads.
The bushing was incredibly easy to use, dropping right into my MEC press without any modifications. There was no need for fiddling or adjustments; it was simply plug-and-play. My only initial surprise was how much smoother the powder dropped; I definitely noticed less “bridging” than with my older bushings.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and thousands of rounds loaded, the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 has continued to perform reliably. I haven’t noticed any degradation in performance or any signs of wear on the aluminum surface. The loads are still consistent.
The durability seems excellent; the aluminum construction feels robust and resistant to wear from the abrasive nature of gunpowder. Cleaning is straightforward – a quick wipe with a dry cloth is all that’s needed. Compared to my previous experiences with less precise bushings, this MEC bushing has significantly improved the consistency of my reloads and reduced the amount of time I spend checking each powder drop.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024
Specifications
- Manufacturer: MEC
- Additional Features: Powder Bushing
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Size: 24
These specifications might seem basic, but they are vital. The aluminum construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion from gunpowder. The size 24 designation corresponds to a specific powder charge weight, as dictated by the powder manufacturer’s reloading data.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 excels at its primary function: metering powder consistently. This leads to more predictable velocities and patterns, essential for competitive shooting and hunting. The bushing performs exceptionally well with fine-grained powders, minimizing bridging and ensuring smooth powder flow.
The only potential weakness is that it is a fixed size. If you need to fine-tune your load or switch to a powder with a different density, you’ll need to purchase additional bushings. However, its consistent performance more than makes up for this. The performance has vastly exceeded my expectations, I was expecting a small improvement but its greatly improved the consistency of my shots.
Design & Ergonomics
The simple design of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 is a testament to its functionality. The aluminum construction feels solid and well-made. It installs easily into MEC reloading presses and requires no special tools or adjustments.
There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s a simple drop-in replacement for existing bushings. It provides more efficient powder drops compared to generic bushings I have used.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction suggests that the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 should last for many years with proper care. Its build quality is solid and designed for longevity. Maintenance is incredibly simple – just wipe it down occasionally to remove any powder residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 itself doesn’t have accessories, but it works seamlessly with MEC reloading presses and powder measures. You can use a variety of aftermarket powder baffles to further improve powder flow consistency. It works perfectly with the original reloading press.
The product is compatible with all MEC presses that use interchangeable bushings, making it a versatile addition to any reloader’s toolkit. It has given my old reloading press a new lease of life.
Pros and Cons of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024
Pros
- Consistent Powder Drops: Ensures accurate and repeatable powder charges, leading to more consistent loads.
- Durable Aluminum Construction: Built to last, resisting wear and corrosion from gunpowder.
- Easy to Use: Simple drop-in replacement for existing bushings with no adjustments required.
- Improves Powder Flow: Minimizes bridging, especially with fine-grained powders.
- Affordable Upgrade: Provides a significant improvement in reloading precision at a low cost.
Cons
- Fixed Size: Requires purchasing additional bushings for different powder weights or powder types.
- Aluminum Material: Can potentially scratch if handled roughly or dropped on hard surfaces (though this is unlikely).
Who Should Buy Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024?
This bushing is perfect for reloaders who value consistency and accuracy in their loads, particularly those loading shotgun shells or handgun cartridges in bulk. It’s also ideal for reloaders using MEC presses who are looking for a simple and effective upgrade to improve their powder metering. Competitive shooters, hunters, and anyone who values reliable ammunition will benefit from this bushing.
If you frequently change powder types or load recipes and prefer the flexibility of an adjustable powder measure, you might want to skip this product. You could potentially scratch it when cleaning so if you are rough handed it is not for you.
A powder baffle is a must-have accessory to further improve powder consistency with the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024.
Conclusion on Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024
The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5024 is a simple yet effective tool that delivers on its promise of consistent powder metering. The price is absolutely justified. For under $10, you get a significant upgrade in reloading precision.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this bushing to any reloader using a MEC press who is looking for a simple and affordable way to improve the consistency of their loads. Upgrade your reloading setup today and experience the difference a quality powder bushing can make!