What Led Me to Try the MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set
For anyone who’s spent any significant time at a reloading bench, the sheer volume of small parts can become a minor chaos. Hulls, wads, primers, powder – each needs a designated spot, and frankly, a bit of organization can save you time and frustration. My own bench, a battleground of sorts for countless reloading sessions, had reached a point where rummaging for loose wads or pre-sorted hulls was becoming a drag on productivity. I needed a better way to manage these critical components. While I considered a few other storage solutions, including repurposed kitchen containers, I found myself gravitating towards a dedicated reloading accessory from a brand I trusted for its practical designs. This led me to the MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set.
Upon arrival, the initial impression was one of sturdy, no-nonsense plastic. It wasn’t groundbreaking in its aesthetic, but it felt robust enough to handle the rigors of a busy workspace. The clear plastic offered immediate visibility of contents, a small but significant detail. It felt like a simple, effective solution to a common problem.
I had briefly looked at some multi-compartment trays, but they often felt too static for high-volume work. This specific hopper set, promising dedicated storage for both shells and wads, felt like a more streamlined approach. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation – could this finally bring a little order to my reloading chaos?
Real-World Testing: Putting MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing ground for this hopper set was my home reloading bench, a space that sees action for everything from pistol cartridges to heavy-duty shotgun shells. I primarily used it to organize 12-gauge hulls and various types of wads, a common scenario for many shotgun reloaders. The hoppers were placed within easy reach of my progressive press.
The initial setup was straightforward; I simply poured a batch of sorted 12-gauge hulls into one hopper and a substantial quantity of mixed wads into the other. The clear plastic allowed me to instantly see how much of each I had, which is a welcome convenience. I did notice that larger hulls, like 3-inch shells, fit well, but might take up a significant portion of the capacity.
There wasn’t much of a learning curve here. The design is inherently simple: open the lid, pour in your components, and grab them as needed. I did, however, find that overfilling the wad hopper could lead to some wads spilling when the lid was opened quickly, a minor quirk that was easily managed with a bit of awareness.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and dozens of reloading sessions, the MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set has become a staple on my bench. It consistently holds a good volume of components, significantly reducing the need to reach for bags or boxes of hulls and wads. The hoppers have endured the occasional accidental bump and jostle without issue, showing no signs of cracking or damage.
Durability has been impressive for a plastic product. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, no warping, and the lids still close securely. I’ve even accidentally knocked one off the bench onto a concrete floor, and it survived unscathed, a testament to its build quality.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep them clean. I haven’t experienced any issues with static cling, which can sometimes be a problem with plastic containers holding small parts like wads. Compared to the various improvised solutions I’ve used in the past, these dedicated hoppers offer a significant upgrade in both organization and ease of access.
Breaking Down the Features of MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set
Specifications
The MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set is designed with the high-volume reloader in mind. The specifications indicate it can hold up to 300 12-gauge hulls in one hopper, and up to 500 wads in the other. This generous capacity means fewer interruptions during extended reloading sessions. The set itself has a length of 3.25 inches and a weight of 1.35 lbs, making it a compact yet substantial addition to a reloading bench.
These specifications are crucial for practicality. The ability to store a large quantity of hulls and wads means you can sort and prepare them in larger batches, saving time and effort. The relatively compact footprint ensures it doesn’t take up excessive prime real estate on your workspace. The polypropylene construction, common in MTM products, offers good chemical resistance and durability.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role, the MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set performs admirably. It efficiently stores and dispenses shotgun hulls and wads, streamlining the reloading process. The hoppers are designed for easy access; the lids lift smoothly, allowing for quick grabbing of components without much fuss.
The key strength is undoubtedly its high capacity. This directly translates to fewer trips to storage bins or original packaging during a reloading marathon. A minor point for improvement might be the lid design; while functional, a slightly more secure latch could prevent accidental spills if the hopper is jostled more vigorously than anticipated. Overall, it meets and often exceeds the expectations for a component storage solution at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set is utilitarian and functional, as is typical of MTM products. The clear plastic is a standout feature, allowing immediate visual inventory of your hulls and wads. This transparency is invaluable for quickly assessing what you have on hand and planning your next steps.
Ergonomically, they are easy to use. The wide openings and the design of the lids make grabbing components quick and simple. The slightly rounded edges mean there are no sharp points to snag on clothing or skin. The overall build quality feels robust; the plastic is thick enough to feel durable without being overly heavy.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set is built for longevity in a reloading environment. The polypropylene material is known for its resilience against common workshop chemicals and oils. I anticipate these hoppers will last for many years of regular use.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent. A simple wipe-down is sufficient to keep them clean from dust and powder residue. There are no intricate parts to break or complex mechanisms that require special care. The straightforward design means potential failure points are minimal, making it a low-maintenance accessory.
Accessories and Customization Options
The MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set comes as a two-piece unit, with one hopper specifically for shells and the other for wads. There are no additional accessories included. However, MTM does produce a wide range of other organizational products that can complement these hoppers if you desire a more elaborate setup.
While these hoppers themselves are not customizable in terms of adding features, their capacity and design make them compatible with the workflow of most progressive and manual shotshell reloading presses. The 300-hull capacity and 500-wad capacity are substantial enough that they rarely become a bottleneck.
Pros and Cons of MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set
Pros
- High capacity: Holds a significant amount of hulls (up to 300) and wads (up to 500), reducing reloading interruptions.
- Clear construction: Allows for easy visual identification of contents, streamlining workflow.
- Durable build: Made from sturdy polypropylene, these hoppers are built to last and resist impacts.
- Simple and functional design: Easy to open, access, and clean, with no complex parts.
- Excellent value: Offers a substantial organizational upgrade at a very affordable price point.
Cons
- Basic aesthetic: While functional, the design is purely utilitarian and may not appeal to those seeking a premium look for their bench.
- Lid security: The lids are not latched and can sometimes be ajar if opened too quickly or forcefully, potentially leading to minor spills.
- Single configuration: The set comes as a fixed two-hopper unit; there are no options for different configurations or sizes.
Who Should Buy MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set?
This hopper set is ideal for anyone engaged in significant shotshell reloading, particularly those who process 12-gauge ammunition in volume. If your reloading bench often becomes cluttered with open bags of hulls and wads, this set will bring a welcome dose of order. It’s perfect for the hobbyist reloader who values efficiency and organization without breaking the bank.
Those who reload only occasionally or in very small batches might find the capacity overkill. Similarly, if you require a sterile, medical-grade environment, this product is not designed for that purpose. I’d also recommend considering an additional, smaller dispenser if you frequently switch between very different types of wads and want to keep them strictly segregated.
Conclusion on MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set
The MTM Shell And Wad Hopper Set is a no-nonsense, highly effective solution for managing shotgun reloading components. Its generous capacity and clear construction significantly enhance the efficiency of any reloading bench. While the design is purely functional and the lids could be a bit more secure, these are minor points given the overall performance and the incredibly attractive price point.
For the cost, the value proposition is exceptional. It directly addresses a common pain point for reloaders by providing a simple, durable, and capacious storage system. I would wholeheartedly recommend this set to any serious shotgun reloader looking to bring order and speed to their process. It’s a small investment that delivers a substantial improvement in workflow and bench organization.