Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 Review

Getting Started with the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020

For anyone delving into the intricate world of shotshell reloading, the name Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 often surfaces as a benchmark for quality and reliability. As an experienced gear and equipment specialist, my journey through various demanding environments, from dusty workshops to precise laboratory settings, has instilled in me a keen eye for equipment that performs under pressure. This particular shotshell reloading press from Mec caught my attention not just for its robust cast iron construction, but for its promise of enhanced functionality and longevity, traits I’ve come to highly value.

The quest for this specific press began with a desire to streamline my personal reloading operations. I was experiencing inconsistencies with a lighter-duty press, particularly with slightly deformed hulls, which led me to seek a more substantial and forgiving machine. My research pointed towards the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 due to its reputation for precision engineering and the inclusion of features designed to correct common reloading pitfalls. The manufacturer’s claims of a “smoothing attachment ram with worm gear mechanism” and “Power Booster technology” were particularly enticing, suggesting it could tackle the very issues I was facing.

Upon receiving the unit, my first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The sheer weight and solid feel of the cast iron body immediately conveyed a sense of industrial-grade durability. Unlike the flimsy plastic or thin sheet metal of lesser machines, this press felt like it was built to anchor itself to a workbench and endure decades of heavy use. The finish was clean, the machining appeared precise, and the overall aesthetic exuded a no-nonsense, tool-like functionality. It certainly felt like a significant upgrade from the more portable, lightweight options I had previously considered.

In my decision-making process, I’d looked at several other brands, weighing their features and price points. However, Mec’s established legacy in the reloading community, coupled with the specific technological advancements advertised for this model, gave it the edge. The idea of a press that actively helps “resurrect deformed cases” was a unique selling proposition that directly addressed my needs. My excitement was palpable; I could already envision smoother, more consistent reloads and fewer discarded components.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on my dedicated reloading bench in the workshop. Given the press’s substantial build, setting it up was straightforward, requiring careful placement due to its weight but no complex assembly. I started with a batch of once-fired 20-gauge hulls that had seen better days; some exhibited slight dents and out-of-roundness from the initial firing. The press’s operation was remarkably smooth from the first pull of the handle.

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 performed admirably under these conditions. The Power Booster technology was immediately apparent; deformed hulls were noticeably reformed with surprising ease, seating primers more consistently and allowing wads to seat with less resistance. This was a stark contrast to my previous experiences where such hulls often required manual manipulation or were simply set aside. The ease with which I could swap dies by simply turning the handle was also a welcome feature, streamlining the process of adjusting for different components.

There were no significant issues or surprises during this initial phase, only a growing appreciation for the press’s solid engineering. The worm gear adjustments felt precise, and the hardened steel slide bearings provided a buttery smooth ram action, even under load. It felt intuitive, almost like an extension of my own hand, making the reloading process less of a chore and more of a controlled, satisfying task.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, this Mec press has become the workhorse of my shotshell reloading. I’ve put hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds through it, processing various gauges and component combinations. Its performance has remained remarkably consistent, with no discernible drop in the smoothness of the ram or the precision of the indexing. The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 handles repeated, heavy use with the same stoic reliability it displayed on day one.

Durability has been exceptional; there are no signs of wear and tear that would compromise its functionality. The cast iron construction feels virtually impervious to the minor bumps and scrapes that can occur in a busy workshop environment. Maintenance has been minimal – a light application of oil on the ram and occasional dusting keeps it in pristine condition. This ease of care is a significant advantage for anyone who reloads frequently and prefers to spend more time with their components and less time on equipment upkeep.

Compared to the lightweight, portable presses I’ve used in the past, this machine is in a different league. While those budget options might suffice for occasional use, the Mec stands up to the demands of serious reloaders. It consistently produces high-quality shells, minimizing guesswork and maximizing output. Its reliability instills a confidence that allows me to focus on the intricate details of powder charges and crimp depths, rather than worrying about the integrity of the press itself.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020

Specifications

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 is a shotshell reloading press constructed primarily from heavy-duty cast iron, a material choice that immediately speaks to its robust nature and longevity. It’s designed as a two-stage press, offering a more controlled and sequential operation for various reloading steps. A key innovation is its smoothing attachment ram with a worm gear mechanism, which provides incredibly fine adjustments and a remarkably smooth, almost frictionless movement.

The press also features a worm gear driven eccentric adjuster, further enhancing precision during its operation. One of its standout specifications is the hardened steel precision ground slide bearings, promising a lifetime of service with minimal wear. Furthermore, the exclusive Power Booster technology is a significant functional specification, designed to effectively resurrect deformed cases, bringing them back to their original roundness before proceeding with the reloading process. This feature alone adds substantial value, reducing waste and improving the consistency of the final product.

These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the user. The cast iron construction provides a stable, vibration-dampening platform, crucial for accurate crimping and primer seating. The worm gear mechanisms allow for an unprecedented level of control, enabling precise adjustments that are vital for dialing in perfect loads. The hardened steel bearings ensure that this smooth operation is maintained over a very long service life, making it a true long-term investment. The Power Booster is not merely a gimmick; it’s a practical solution to a common problem, ensuring that even slightly compromised hulls can be safely and effectively reloaded.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a shotshell reloading press is to efficiently and accurately process hulls through various stages, from resizing and decapping to priming, powder and shot insertion, and finally, crimping. The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 excels in this regard, offering a level of performance that is truly impressive. Its two-stage design facilitates a methodical approach, ensuring each step is completed correctly before moving to the next.

The most significant strength of this press is its ability to handle imperfect hulls thanks to the Power Booster technology. This feature alone elevates its functionality, saving components that would otherwise be scrapped. The smoothing attachment ram and worm gear adjustments provide a level of control that allows for exceptionally clean and consistent crimps, a critical factor in the performance of shotshells. I found that achieving perfectly folded crimps, even with various hull types, became significantly easier.

However, no product is without its minor areas for improvement. While the press is incredibly functional, its sheer weight, a byproduct of its robust build, can be a consideration for those with limited bench space or who might need to move it frequently. This isn’t a flaw in its design, but rather a characteristic that potential buyers should be aware of. Overall, it meets and significantly exceeds expectations for a press in its category, especially considering the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 is a testament to form following function. Its heavy-duty cast iron body is not just about durability; it provides an imposing and stable presence on the workbench. The finish is utilitarian and professional, showcasing the quality of the materials and manufacturing. The overall feel in hand is substantial and reassuring, communicating confidence in its ability to perform demanding tasks.

Ergonomically, the press is well-designed for extended use. The smooth action of the ram, facilitated by the hardened steel slide bearings, requires minimal effort, reducing user fatigue. The worm gear adjustments are easily accessible and intuitive to operate, allowing for precise changes without fumbling. Markings on the press are clear and functional, guiding the user through the reloading stages.

While the press is generally comfortable to operate, its size and weight, as mentioned, are factors to consider. For individuals with limited reach or smaller stature, adapting to the full range of motion might require a slight adjustment period. However, the intuitive nature of the controls and the smooth operation largely mitigate any potential ergonomic challenges, making it a pleasure to use for most reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and my extended use, the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 is built for a lifetime of service. The cast iron is inherently resistant to wear and corrosion, and the hardened steel slide bearings are designed for extreme longevity. I have seen no indication of material fatigue, degradation, or performance loss.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A light wiping down with a soft cloth after use and an occasional application of quality gun oil or light machine oil on the ram and moving parts are all that’s required. The worm gear mechanisms and bearing surfaces are generally self-cleaning to a degree, but a quick brush or compressed air can dislodge any dust or debris. There are no complex components that require specialized tools or knowledge to maintain.

Potential concerns are minimal, but as with any mechanical device, proper care is key. Avoiding excessive force, ensuring correct alignment of components during use, and keeping it free from grit will further ensure its near-indestructible nature. Its simple, robust design means there are few inherent failure points to worry about.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 primarily focuses on its core functionality as a press, and it comes as a self-contained unit. It doesn’t typically include a wide array of bundled accessories in the way some other reloading tools might. However, its design is compatible with standard shotshell reloading components such as powder and shot inserts, primers, wads, and of course, various shotshell dies.

The true customization comes in the form of the vast ecosystem of reloading components you can use with it. Whether you’re using different brands of primers, powder, shot, wads, or hulls, the press is designed to accommodate them. The ease of changing dies means you can quickly adapt to different shotshell configurations. While there aren’t external bolt-on accessories to “enhance” the press itself, its ability to precisely work with a wide range of reloading components is its form of customization. For instance, acquiring different sets of shotshell dies would be the primary way to tailor its function for specific loads or gauges beyond the basic setup.

Pros and Cons of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020

Who Should Buy Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020?

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 is an ideal choice for dedicated shotshell reloaders, serious hobbyists, and small-scale custom ammo makers who prioritize quality, durability, and the ability to work with a wide range of hull conditions. It is particularly well-suited for those who reload frequently and demand consistent, high-quality results, especially if they frequently encounter slightly damaged or deformed hulls that lesser presses struggle with. Enthusiasts who appreciate well-engineered, robust tools and are looking for a press that will be a reliable companion for decades will find this an excellent investment.

Individuals who require extreme portability, have very limited bench space, or are only reloading a few boxes of shells per year might find this press to be overkill and perhaps too heavy for their needs. Those on a very tight budget who only need a basic resizing and priming tool might consider simpler, lighter-duty options. However, for anyone serious about precision shotshell reloading, this Mec press is hard to beat.

To enhance the experience with this press, I’d recommend investing in a very sturdy workbench, possibly with a dedicated mounting system. While not strictly necessary, having a good set of shotshell dies for various loads and gauges will maximize its versatility. A quality powder and shot measure, along with accurate scales, are also essential complements to any reloading setup, including this superior press.

Conclusion on Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 is, without a doubt, a premium piece of shotshell reloading equipment. Its heavy-duty cast iron construction and precision-engineered components deliver unparalleled durability and consistent performance. The innovative Power Booster technology is a game-changer for anyone dealing with less-than-perfect hulls, significantly reducing waste and improving the quality of reloaded ammunition. The smooth operation, facilitated by the worm gear mechanisms and hardened steel slide bearings, makes the reloading process a pleasure, even during extended sessions.

Considering its robust build, advanced features, and the promise of a lifetime of service, the price point of the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 812020 is thoroughly justified. It represents a significant investment, but one that pays dividends in terms of reliability, efficiency, and the quality of the final product.

I wholeheartedly recommend this press to serious shotshell reloaders who are ready to step up to a machine that combines brute strength with refined precision. If you value longevity, performance, and the ability to overcome common reloading challenges with ease, this Mec press is an exceptional choice that will serve you faithfully for years to come.