Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive Review

Going All In on the Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive

The pursuit of efficiency and precision in reloading ammunition is a constant endeavor for many firearm enthusiasts. For those who’ve already invested in the Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive, a significant step towards automating their process has been taken. This unit is essentially a sophisticated automation system designed to transform the manual Evolution press into a high-output machine. My own journey to this particular piece of equipment was driven by a simple, yet pressing, need: to significantly increase my reloading output without compromising the quality of the ammunition I produce. After countless hours spent at the bench, the sheer volume of cartridges required for consistent practice and competition began to feel like a bottleneck.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive was one of robust engineering. The metallic components felt solid, and the integration looked purposeful. While I briefly considered other automated press systems, the appeal of adapting my existing, trusted Evolution press was a strong deciding factor. The prospect of simply adding this drive unit felt more streamlined than a complete press replacement. My immediate reaction was a sense of eager anticipation, a feeling that a substantial leap in my reloading capabilities was finally within reach.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive to the Test

First Use Experience

I conducted my initial testing of this drive unit in my dedicated reloading workshop, a controlled environment designed for precision work. The setup process was remarkably straightforward, as advertised. It literally plugged and played with my unmodified Evolution press, requiring minimal adjustment beyond basic calibration.

I tested it under sustained use, processing hundreds of rounds over a single weekend to simulate a typical reloading session. The unit performed consistently, handling variations in case dimensions without issue, as long as they were within acceptable tolerances. There were no immediate surprises or quirks; the operation was smooth and predictable from the very first activation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive has proven itself to be a workhorse. It regularly handles batches of 500-1000 rounds in a single session, and its performance has remained remarkably consistent.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the drive unit itself, a testament to its sturdy construction and the maintenance-free timing belt. Cleaning is minimal, mostly involving wiping down the exterior and ensuring the press mechanisms remain clear of debris. Compared to the manual effort of operating the press alone, this automated system is exponentially more efficient and less fatiguing.

Breaking Down the Features of Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive

Specifications

The Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive is engineered to enhance the capabilities of the Mark 7 Evolution manual press. Its core feature is the 1.5 HP high torque motor, which provides ample power for rapid and consistent operation. This motor is coupled with a CNC grade planetary gearbox, designed for durability and smooth power transmission.

The drive system utilizes a maintenance-free timing belt drive, eliminating the need for lubrication and reducing potential points of failure. A significant technological advancement is the microprocessor controlled operation, allowing for precise adjustments and monitoring. The unit offers user-configurable Dwell time, giving reloaders control over the timing of each press stroke, which is crucial for different reloading dies and processes.

Key control features include a digital clutch that is adjustable on-the-fly, allowing for immediate response to varying press resistance. It also boasts digital jog and immediate stop functions, enhancing safety and fine-tuning capabilities. The system integrates with a brilliant metal computer tablet, serving as the sole control interface, eliminating bulky control boxes. All operations are monitored by computer, and the system supports downloadable software upgrades for life, ensuring long-term usability and access to future enhancements.

The system supports a variety of accessories, allowing for further customization of the reloading process. It’s designed for plug-and-play with your unmodified Evolution Press and is shipped pre-assembled and ready to you. The user-selectable speeds can reach up to 3,500 rounds/hour, a dramatic increase over manual operation. The unit comes with a full warranty, offering peace of mind to the user.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive is to automate the reloading process, and it excels at this. The user-selectable speeds of up-to 3,500 rounds/hour are not an exaggeration; when set up correctly, the output is truly impressive.

The digital clutch is a standout feature, allowing for extremely fine control over the press’s engagement. If a die encounters unexpected resistance or if there’s an issue with a case, the clutch disengages smoothly, preventing damage to the die or press. The digital jog and immediate stop are invaluable for fine-tuning die seating depths or clearing minor jams without overworking the mechanism.

A minor area for improvement could be the initial learning curve for optimizing the user-configurable Dwell time. While it offers incredible flexibility, finding the perfect settings for various calibers and die sets requires experimentation. However, once dialed in, the consistency and speed are unmatched.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this autodrive unit is focused on robust functionality and integration. The CNC grade planetary gearbox and 1.5 HP high torque motor speak to the heavy-duty nature of the components. The use of a maintenance-free timing belt drive is a smart design choice, minimizing user maintenance and potential failure points.

The inclusion of a brilliant metal computer tablet as the sole control interface is a modern and clean approach. It eliminates clutter and consolidates all operations onto a single, intuitive screen. The interface itself is well-designed, providing clear readouts and accessible controls for speed, dwell time, and clutch adjustments.

Ergonomically, the unit is designed to bolt directly onto an existing press, so its ‘feel’ is largely dependent on the Evolution press itself. However, the electronic controls are responsive and easy to manipulate, even with slightly dirty hands from handling brass. The integration feels seamless, transforming the manual press into a semi-automated workstation.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the durability of the Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive appears to be excellent. The materials used, particularly the metal construction and high-quality internal components like the CNC grade planetary gearbox, suggest a long service life.

Maintenance is exceptionally low. The maintenance-free timing belt drive means no need for regular greasing or tensioning. Aside from keeping the press and area around the drive unit clean, there’s very little to do. Potential failure points are minimized by the robust construction and the microprocessor control, which helps prevent operation outside of safe parameters.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive is designed to be a flexible system, supporting a variety of accessories. While it comes as a pre-assembled unit ready to attach to your existing Evolution Press, the true customization comes from its compatibility with a wide array of reloading dies and case feeders. The product description notes it supports a variety of accessories, which implies that users can integrate their preferred case feeders, priming systems, and bullet feeders to create a fully automated progressive setup.

The downloadable software upgrades for life represent a significant long-term customization and improvement path, allowing the unit to adapt to future innovations and user feedback. This feature ensures that the Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive can evolve with the reloading landscape.

Pros and Cons of Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive

Who Should Buy Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive?

The Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive is an exceptional choice for serious handloaders who are processing large volumes of ammunition regularly. This includes competitive shooters, those who engage in frequent long-range practice, or individuals who supply ammunition for groups of shooters. If you find yourself spending excessive hours at the reloading bench and desire a significant increase in output without sacrificing quality, this unit is a game-changer.

Conversely, individuals who reload only a few hundred rounds per year for occasional plinking may find the $2399.95 price tag and the complexity of setup unnecessary. Those looking for a simple, entry-level reloading setup would be better served by a manual press. To truly maximize the value of this automated drive, it is highly recommended to pair it with a reliable case feeder and potentially a bullet feeder for a near-fully automated progressive reloading experience.

Conclusion on Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive

The Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive represents a significant leap forward for dedicated handloaders looking to maximize their efficiency. It successfully transforms a quality manual press into a high-speed, precisely controlled reloading machine. The robust construction, intelligent control interface, and the promise of lifetime software upgrades all contribute to a compelling package.

While the $2399.95 price tag is undoubtedly a significant investment, for those who regularly reload hundreds or thousands of rounds, the time savings and consistent output justify the cost. The Mark 7 Reloading Evolution Autodrive is a premium solution for a premium problem – the bottleneck of manual reloading. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to serious reloaders who have the volume needs and budget to support such an advanced system.