Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 Review

Why the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 Might Be Right for You

For anyone deeply involved in the meticulous craft of handloading shotgun shells, precision and consistency are not just desirable; they are paramount. This is where the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 powder bushing steps in, a seemingly small component that wields significant influence over the accuracy of your reloads. Manufactured by MEC, a name synonymous with quality reloading equipment, this specific powder bushing is designed to offer a reliable solution for dispensing various powders, allowing handloaders to fine-tune their loads. Its aluminum construction points towards durability and a smooth interaction within the reloading press.

My journey to discovering this particular powder bushing was driven by a persistent quest for more predictable and repeatable powder charges. While I appreciate the general guidance provided by loading manuals, the reality of different powder lots, humidity, and even ambient temperature can introduce subtle variations that even the most precise scales struggle to consistently negate. I was looking for a way to simplify the dispensing process, and the concept of a dedicated bushing seemed like a logical step towards achieving greater accuracy without the constant fuss of minor adjustments.

Upon receiving the MEC powder bushing, my initial impression was one of understated quality. The material felt robust, with a smooth finish that suggested it would integrate seamlessly into my existing MEC reloading setup. It felt solid and well-machined, a stark contrast to some of the less refined components I’ve encountered from other brands. In my considerations, I briefly looked at universal charge bars, which offer more adjustability but come with a higher price tag and can sometimes be more finicky with certain powders. Ultimately, for its simplicity and the specific promise of consistent drops within a defined range, this aluminum bushing seemed like the most straightforward path. My initial feeling was one of cautious optimism; it was a promising start, and I was eager to see if it would live up to its potential in real-world application.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 to the Test

My testing of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 powder bushing took place on my dedicated reloading bench, a space accustomed to the rhythmic thud of presses and the scent of gunpowder and lubricants. I paired it with my MEC 9000GN reloader, a robust machine I’ve relied on for years for its consistency and ease of use. My primary objective was to assess its performance with a variety of common shotgun powders, from fast-burning pistol powders often used in light target loads to slower, bulkier rifle powders sometimes employed in magnum waterfowl loads.

During this initial use, I paid close attention to how smoothly the bushing fed powder into the shell. The aluminum construction definitely contributed to a fluid drop; there was no sticking or hesitation, even with fine-grained powders. I conducted multiple test drops for each powder type, carefully weighing each charge with a high-precision digital scale. While the drops were generally consistent, I did notice that the actual dispensed weight could sometimes deviate by more than a grain from the expected value based on the MEC bushing chart. This wasn’t entirely unexpected, as powder density can fluctuate, but it underscored the need for diligence.

Over several weeks of dedicated reloading sessions, the MEC powder bushing proved its worth, albeit with a caveat. I loaded hundreds of rounds across different gauges and powder types. The durability of the aluminum construction became evident; it showed no signs of wear, no warping, and no degradation in its smooth operation. Cleaning was straightforward – a quick brush and a puff of compressed air were usually sufficient to remove any residual powder. Compared to my previous experience with some generic, less precisely machined bushings, this MEC component offered a significant improvement in consistency and reduced the likelihood of powder bridging or sticking. However, the aforementioned variation from the published charts remained a factor, necessitating that I always “bracket” my powder charge selection – testing a bushing slightly larger and smaller than the estimated one to find the sweet spot.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23

Specifications

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 is a single powder bushing designed for use with MEC reloading presses, specifically for shotgun ammunition. Its primary specification is its function: dispensing a specific volume of powder. The quantity is listed as 1, meaning you purchase these individually, which is standard for powder bushings as reloaders often need a range of sizes. The core material is aluminum, which is a common choice for powder bushings due to its durability, non-sparking properties, and smooth surface finish. This particular bushing is categorized under Additional Features as a Powder Bushing, indicating its precise role. It’s engineered for Shotgun applications, meaning its dimensions and dispensing characteristics are optimized for shotgun shell reloading.

The practical implication of these specifications is significant for the handloader. The aluminum construction ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion, important in a reloading environment that can involve various chemicals and dust. The single quantity aspect means that achieving the perfect powder drop for a specific load will likely require purchasing multiple bushings, a fact that should be factored into the overall cost of establishing a versatile reloading setup. Its designation for shotgun use means it’s precisely sized for the volumes commonly needed in shotgun shell reloading, unlike generic powder measures that might not be optimized for the larger volumes often required.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 powder bushing is to deliver a consistent volume of powder with each cycle of the reloading press. In this regard, it performs its function reasonably well. When used with a powder that is well-suited to its calibrated size, it provides a generally consistent drop. The easy drop-in operation highlighted in user feedback is certainly accurate; it fits snugly into the powder measure without requiring special tools or excessive force.

However, the most significant aspect of its performance is the degree of consistency. While it’s a significant improvement over free-hand dispensing or poorly designed aftermarket options, the reality is that powder drops can vary. The user feedback that powder drops can vary by more than +/- one full grain from the published bushing chart is a critical point. This means that while the bushing is functional, it is not a magic bullet for achieving sub-tenth-grain accuracy, especially with highly variable powders. For those seeking extreme precision, it meets expectations as a component of a precise system, but it doesn’t inherently guarantee that precision on its own without careful powder selection and verification.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the MEC powder bushing is elegantly simple, as befits a component intended to perform a single, critical task. Its aluminum construction provides a reassuring heft and a smooth, non-porous surface. The drop-in nature means there are no complex mechanisms or levers; it’s essentially a precisely bored cylinder. This simplicity is its greatest ergonomic strength. There’s no learning curve beyond understanding its place within the MEC powder dispensing system.

The lack of complex features means there’s little to go wrong from a design perspective. The finish is typically good, preventing powder from clinging excessively. However, the very simplicity means its ergonomics are entirely dictated by the reloading press it’s installed in. There are no independent grips or controls. Its success hinges on how well it mates with the rest of the MEC system and the consistency of the powder being dispensed.

Durability & Maintenance

The MEC Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 is built for longevity. The aluminum material is resistant to corrosion and wear, and the lack of moving parts means there are very few points of potential failure. Under normal reloading conditions, this bushing is likely to last for many years, perhaps even a lifetime, of service.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a major advantage for any reloading component. A simple wipe-down with a dry cloth or a blast of compressed air is usually sufficient to keep it clean and free of powder residue. It’s crucial to ensure it is completely dry before storing to prevent any potential for oxidation or residue buildup that could affect future drops. The primary concern for durability isn’t the bushing itself, but rather the accuracy of the powder charge it dispenses, which is influenced by external factors.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 itself is a singular component, not a kit, so it doesn’t come with accessories. Its “customization” comes from the selection of different sized bushings from MEC’s extensive range. This allows handloaders to “customize” their powder drop by choosing the bushing that most closely matches the desired charge for a particular powder and load. This system is the core of MEC‘s approach to powder dispensing accuracy.

For those looking to expand beyond single bushings, MEC also offers the Universal Charge Bar, which allows for adjustable powder charges without changing bushings. While not an accessory for the bushing itself, it’s a complementary product that addresses the limitations of fixed bushings. The value lies in building a collection of bushings tailored to your most frequently used powders and load recipes.

Pros and Cons of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23

Who Should Buy Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23?

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 powder bushing is ideal for the reloading enthusiast who focuses primarily on shotgun shells and uses MEC reloading presses. It’s perfect for those who reload for common target shooting disciplines like skeet, trap, or sporting clays, where consistent velocity spreads are important but not always critical down to the tenths of a grain. It’s also a good option for handloaders who have one or two favorite loads and powders and want a dedicated bushing for maximum consistency with those specific combinations.

However, individuals who demand absolute precision for competition, or who frequently switch between a wide array of different powders and load recipes, might find the need to purchase multiple bushings cumbersome and expensive. Those looking for extreme flexibility in powder charges might be better served by a Universal Charge Bar or a dedicated powder measure rather than relying solely on fixed bushings. For those reloading high-performance hunting loads where minute variations can have a significant impact, this bushing should be used in conjunction with meticulous weighing of every charge.

Conclusion on Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 23 powder bushing is a solid, reliable component within the MEC reloading ecosystem. It delivers on its promise of straightforward operation and generally consistent powder drops for shotgun reloading, representing a significant upgrade over less precisely manufactured alternatives. Its aluminum construction ensures it will be a durable part of your reloading bench for years to come.

However, prospective buyers must understand its limitations: the actual powder dispensed can vary from the published charts, necessitating careful verification with a scale. While the price is very attractive for a single bushing, achieving broad versatility will require investing in a collection of different sizes. If you primarily reload a few specific shotgun loads with MEC presses, this bushing (or one of its siblings) is an excellent, cost-effective choice. For those with more complex or demanding needs, it serves as a foundational piece that must be integrated into a comprehensive powder handling and verification process. Ultimately, it’s a well-made tool that, when used judiciously, contributes positively to the art of handloading.