I am 67 years old and I have been using a single stage press since I was 12 years old. This is the best best single stage press that I have ever owned or used. I use an Inline Fabrication Full Size Mount on my MEC. I do run two Dillon 650s, (one small primer setup and one large primer setup), but I deprime all of my cases on the single stage press before I clean them. I also resize all of my rifle brass on my single stage press before loading some of the calibers, (not all of them) on my 650s. I use a RCBS Desktop Priming System for the cases that I load on my MEC.
Hey Sam. Just watched this again . Wanted to let you know a bunch of us are really missing your other reloading education. Your reloading vids are the best. I've watched your series about 15 times now. Great work.
I ended up getting one because your review and a couple others and omg am I glad I did!!! talk about quality.. top notch!! with the mechanical advantage and just the smoothness of the mechanism it is soooo sooo easy to do even the hardest of sizing.. it will never ever ever leave my bench unless its to put a new one in its place 20 years from now.. its that good....
Looks like a solid offering from MEC. I have been dealing with MEC for probably 30 years on the shotshell reloading side and I have always had nothing but fantastic customer support from MEC. They are exactly how I would want to offer support to loyal customers
I just pulled the trigger on this press. All my presses mount to a common base plate. I transferred the press hole location, drilled & tapped then mounted the press. It's heavy and nicely constructed. The ram has zero run-out and is smooth as silk! When it came time to mount the spent primer tray it became painfully clear why everyone's opted for the press mounting kit for an additional $47, you can't mount the spent primer try without it! For me it's not a show stopper because I have a dedicated press for de-priming.
Great review of the MEC Marksman! I love MEC shotshell reloaders, and am glad to see them bring a quality metallic reloader out with lots of well thought out and unique features. Hope to see many more videos of you reloading on this press.
I got a marksman a couple weeks ago. So smooth! Fantastic results. Mounted mine on an inline fabrication mount with one of their modular plates and swapped out for the hornady bushings. Nearly zero runout. From 9mm to 30-06, this is my new "go-to" for precision handloads.
I bought one of them off of your very positive review and you are correct on all accounts. It is a really great start for MEC, if you could call it a start. What I like most is the accessibility to where all the action is. It is a nice open design and that is where it shines over an O-frame press. I probably am not ready to chuck my RCBS Rebel over the shoulder in favor of this press but it is a very solid contender with a smart design and a few pros of my own favorite rig. Good job MEC!
Just got my MEC because of your review. I fabricated my own custom base that holds plastic tubs for brass and bullets instead of buying the additional add ons.
I've had my MEC for six months now, only issue I have is I've plugged up the primer drop tube twice. Only cure is, empty the tray every 50 to 75, so that lil pile of primmers don't back up. When it does back up, just a lil piece of wire and some luv taps on the sides cleans em out. 👍.
Great video and quite timely for me. I have the MEC Marksman and can confirm that your comments and assessments are on target with my experiences. I was researching and evaluating the Redding T7 to replace my Marksman and finally decided against that option. For clarity I did not find any faults with the T7, rather I just felt that the Marksman was a better fit.
It's really cool that, after all these years of being exclusively for shotgunners, MEC finally got into the reloading game, and they apparently did it with a press that will keep up with the big boys, namely the venerable "Big Green," Redding, and Forster.
Sam, a great review. I bought this press and stand and have just decapped and resized about 700 9mm cases. The primer deflection scheme is ok, but I will get about 1/10 that don’t go in the tray. And I can see why they offer the additional tray because I’ve got a modest pile of primer crud on the bench underneath. It’s minor and the rest of the press is excellent. The smoothness is great, no play in any moving parts. I had one other issue with the die bushing being too tight with some died, but the LnL conversion cured that. This gives me almost everything I wanted from a Forster co-ax at much lower cost.
Love your video series Sam, IMO, best content around. Sure hope the stupid TH-cam policy changes don't shut you down. Keep up the great work and videos.
I have the Rock IV and really like it a lot. I could care less about a priming feature on the press. Haven't used one in years. Thanks for the review and major kudo's to MEC for putting together a very well thought out and built press.
Hi Sam fantastic review and from a engineering background I see why you like it very much and I will be looking into getting one of theses They are very well made and smooth and no run out on cases when checked afterwards Like your TH-cam channel very much you say it as it is a very honest reviews . Well done keep up the good work from Ireland.
Brownell's is cheaper and the route that I went. I just got my press for a week ago. Brand new into reloading and can't wait to get everything together so I can get started. Slowly getting there lol. But I'm thankful for your channel and one other channel I follow when it comes to reloading information, You guys don't Over complicate the subject keep it simple And I've made a few purchases based on your channel case in point this MEC reloading press.
Thanks for the info very good review. Thanks for pointing out about the lock-and-load feature swap that was my main question about how the press is made.
Hornady lock n load system is pure genius. If you reload a lot of different calibers consider using their bushing so you don’t have to keep adjusting dies
What shell holders work/fit best with the MEC? Thinking some brand shell holders might fit the free floating system better than others. Are some too tight?
I prime on my Lee Challenger, but that's only because it came with it. Kind of nice not having to buy a separate deal. I can prime, expand, then throw powder and place a bullet on the case as a kind of progressive operation on a single stage. After that, just seat/crimp. Makes it fast. To each his own though...
Hi, first of all just wanted to say thank you for providing an amazing content in your videos. On the hand in one of your previous videos you had segment on a seating depth of a bullet in a brand new brass vs. brass that has been already fired i just cant find it anywhere here. Well my question is, how does a seting depth of a bullet should be adjusted to compensate a 3 thousands difference between unfired Lapua brass and the one that has been already fired in my rifle? Does the bullet has to be moved forward by 3 thou to make up fot this difference?(this is strictly for fire forming of new brass but i still would like to see consistent groups along with constant ES and SD)
Just curious Sam, how high is just the stand from where mounts to your bench to where the press bolts on?. I couldn't tell from the video because it's black on black and I couldn't see where the press ended and the stand began LOL...
HEY thanks ur straight up I like that! Looking for a single stage press. I have a RCBS single press since 1970s its wore out, need a new one.THANKS keep it going, that's what I'll get!
I was seriously looking at the RCBS Rebel until I saw this review. I would like to know if you think this press is stout enough to resize.308 down to .243. The .243 brass seems scarce but .308 isn’t. I can’t find much info on the Rebel but there is a ton of positive feedback on the RockChucker. Thanks
@Panhandler .That press looks like it has more leverage than any other presses. Did you notice it being easier(less resistance) to size the larger brass?
@@PanhandlePrecision Thank you. Good to hear it's still going great. Run out still good, no too much slop in the shaft? (My old presses both have the movement happening).
Does the press allow for cam over? I like the idea of using cam over and Redding competition shellholders for consistent shoulder bump. I’m thinking about getting this as an alternative to a Forster Co-Ax.
I own a Mec Marksman and yes you can cam over as this is how i set up my Competition shell holders as well , oh and the shell holder shelf you can get for it holds a full set of Comp shell holders :)
You show a secondary tray at the bottom of the stand. I just purchased one a couple months ago with the stand but I did not received a secondary tray that sits under the stand. Did yours come with the stand and press? I have to say I ordered mine from Brownells, and the shipping was really bad. They just threw both boxes (press & stand) into a bigger box and tossed some packing paper on top. the press box is nearly destroyed and the primer tray holder was bent. It's easy to bend it back out but it's the principle. I keep every box for every piece of equipment I buy. No matter what it is. My OCD, but Brownells could have done a much better job packing this. I was mostly just wondering if the flat tray at the bottom of the stand came with it. Thanks!
Hi Sam.. Love your work and would like to request some more "Precision Rifle Load Development" stuff as I though this was great and others would as well. The weather where on my part of the world "Down Under Oz" is not shooting whether so I guess in your world its great for some outdoor LR shooting and development activities. Myself I would like you to run over why my 260 rem is great + your 260 Term any why I should keep it and not go for a wildcat like a 6.5 SAUM or what your thinking is... Many Thanks and respect your views. Cheers
were did you get that second primer tray mine didn't come with one and I really wish it did that is my one and only thing I don't like but that would totally fix that..
Good evening I saw the review of the press MEC Marksman, it would seem of good quality! Which would you recommend between redding big boss ll, rcbs Rock Chucker and MEC marksman?
I've only used the Rockchucker and Marksman. They're both great presses, but I really like the open front of the Marksman over the "C" design of the Rockchucker.
I searched the MEC website for that part number and cannot find it. DO you have a description for the tray I can search? I ordered by press, stand and dust cover from MidwayUSA. WOuld love this tray to catch misc. debris.
Robert, Here's what MEC sent me and i ordered from the info supplied by MEC Tim, Sorry for the confusion. This is the primer tray used on our larger capacity shotshell reloaders. You can order one here: www.mecshootingsports.com/9000-series-model-h #55 on the Diagram, PN 1008067. Let us know if you have issues.
Sam thanks for all the info. I’m just getting into reloading, I’m wondering how do you feel about the lee turret press? Should I just spend the money an get a Redding t-7? Or are they all pretty much the same? Also planning on running Redding comp. dies. Thanks
Any grease zerts or not needed? I have an RCBS Rockchucker currently. Looking to upgrade. RCBS plastic piece that captures spent primers does not mate well with the ram and it spills a lot of primers and anvil pieces. Also, I like how the shellholder clips in. Thanks for the great review. I have placed my order through MidwayUSA. They all seem to have them on backorder right now.
Thanks Sam, excellent and thorough review. I’m assuming it will accept my old Lee Auto Prime 2? I only load Lapua “Palma” small primer 308 cases, and think MEC PRESS will serve my purpose nicely. Love the view from your window, snow is something we don’t ever see in Brisbane. Cheers
@@PanhandlePrecision I have press on order. .The side wall of the press mount has a set back sweep instead of the press just hanging out over the bench, that's all. Another video, guy welded his own mount and it looks huge, not bench friendly.
David LaRoche Yes. I just sized 540 260 Rem cases on it this morning. We’ve used it exclusively for Jake’s 260 ammo this year. Close to 5k rounds and climbing.
@@PanhandlePrecision that's awesome to hear. Thank you for responding. I will most likely get this press soon. Also , I continue to enjoy seeing your posts and Jake's stellar progress. A proud dad I see in you that's for sure. Thanks again my friend Bud
The shell holder tray accessory , seems a waste. I don't know about the rest of you guys but I take and put my shell holder in with the corresponding dies. If I am short a particular one I can always borrow one from another die box. But usually I just order another shell holder. They're cheap. For instance, I have a number 11 that I use for both 45 Colt and 44 Magnum. I actually have one in each box. But boy is that a nice looking single stage press. Awesome and the fact that you can swap the quick bushings off of a Lee is a good idea.
As far as priming on the MEC goes, you could do worse than use the RCBS ram priming unit. The great thing about using the combination of the ram priming unit and a press, is that if you set it up so that the primer is seated when the press arm is near horizontal, it actually scales down the force required seat the primer so much, that you can very easily feel the primer as it bottoms out.
Thanks! I use the RCBS Bench Primer, but the one you mention looks interesting. I'll put a link here in case folks want to check it out: ads.midwayusa.com/product/416519/rcbs-ram-priming-unit?Reloading+-+Metallic+Reloading+Equipment+%28Not+Presses%29&cm_mmc=pf_ci_bing-_-Reloading+-+Metallic+Reloading+Equipment+%28Not+Presses%29-_-RCBS-_-416519&msclkid=71dafdfa08b31e6cc1c5a754d46e520f&
Still like your MEC Marksman? Does it handle magnum cases well when resizing? Do you think it’s actually more accurate than say an o frame press? Thanks
Lance Vaughn Yes, I still like it. It handles 300WM cases fine. It’s a very smooth press with plenty of leverage. As far as accuracy goes, I think most of that is in the die. I can size a case with no runout and to the same dimensions equally as well in my RCBS Rockchucker, Redding T-7, and the MEC Marksman.
Hey Sam, thanks for the review... I was thinking of getting the Redding T7 turret press for single stage stuff, and I like the idea of keeping my dies captured in the toolhead on the Redding. Are there any benefits to the MEC such as concentricity, that would make you say get the MEC over the Redding?
zodiac272 great question and I would love to know as well. I have a Rock chucker now and I want to get a companion press and the Redding T7, Forster Co Ax and MEC marksman are all on my possibility list. After watching Fortune cookies video about concentricity I’m not so sure why u wouldn’t just get a lee. I was surprised. If you haven’t seen that video go take a look. It has the MEC, RCBS Rock chucker, MEC, and the Co ax in it. The MEC won the test. It won by more than he even stated because he made a math error. Someone in the comments caught it.
I just reset the 260 die and sized 60 pieces with the T-7. The Marksman is noticeably smoother than the T-7. Both of them FL-sized 260 cases with little to no runout.
Did you pre lubricate your necks before sizing? I keep a small pad by the Press... With just a couple of squirts of WD-40 on it. I just lightly roll the neck before I size the brass. I've only had a couple of instances where I have over lubricated and crimped the case neck. And I have to be completely honest back when I was green and a beginner... I under lubricated and had a case get stuck in the die. That was a fun 45 minutes of trying to get it unstuck without tearing things up. Lol! Let's just say I learned from my mistake on that one. Someone once asked me if reloading was dangerous. I had to tell them yes if you're a complete idiot. It does however take a great amount of attention to detail. This has been a helpful post for me. And I don't think the pricing on this piece of equipment can be beat.
With any "normal" bench height you're either going to have to use that press stand and end up with a press handle up near shoulder height at the top of the stroke or skip the stand and end up with a press handle down near your knees at the bottom of the stroke. As for the 10" handle, you might use it on straight-walled handgun cases and maybe reloading in super slow motion using a decapping die, neck sizing, shoulder bumping and seating small to medium-sized rifle cartridges but otherwise forget about it. The long handle is a good 4" or more longer than a standard RCBS single-stage handle and the 10" would be at least that much shorter. Having that much throat clearance to "just" fit the ridiculously overlength "super magnum" long-range cartridges and unable to fit .50 or at least "comfortably" while needing to lift most handgun cartridges a good 3" and probably 3 feet or more of overall handle knob travel pretty much make that press an ergonomic nightmare for anything larger or smaller than long short-action and short long-action rifle cartridges. I don't see what that press does that a pile of others don't do "better". I'm pretty sure that for the price of the press and stand, you can buy an ordinary RCBS "Rock Chucker" and a Lee Classic Cast and have a "small press" for the "small" cartridge up to standard long-action rifle cartridges like .300 Win Mag and a "big press" for the big stuff up to an including .50 BMG. And prime in the press with both. Nothing makes volume reloading a drag quite like being "long" on press and getting nothing out of half or more of the ram travel. Seems like somebody designing a "mid-range" press like that wanting it to compare favorably to a two-press setup like I mentioned and particularly wanting to sell it to a "beginning" reloader starting small and planning to go big later would design a simple "extender" for the ram to put the shell holder halfway to the top at the top of the stroke. Lee Classic Cast presses weren't designed for .50 BMG but by using a little ingenuity they figured out a way to make them work. The .50 BMG shell holder is machined right into the top of the ram, an adapter bushing screws into the die threads in the press that also has a .50 BMG shell holder and a spring-loaded primer tool slips into the center of the ram and a case into that top holder for priming and the Classic Cast .50 BMG kit comes with the adapter for 7/8" dies as well as a simple prime in the press attachment for "small-bore" cartridges. Another adapter goes in the top of the ram for regular shell holders. And the whole setup with a FL and seat/crimp dies sells for $200. Cheap enough that when I had to shell out a whopping $80 for a Lee collet neck-sizing die set i wasn't TOO upset I had to buy ANOTHER seat/crimp die with it. Especially since $280 won't get you halfway to a Hornady or RCBS .50 press and dies. The video mentions this press will take Hornady Lock & Load hardware. Is it Hornady LNL that's the "oddball" large die size at 1 1/8" instead of the "standard" VLR (Very Large Rifle) die thread size of 1 1/4"? Or by "LNL" does that mean when the bushing is removed the "sleeves" install directly into the press? I'm happy with what I've got regardless and three presses on my "stand" is just right because that's one per side with a powder thrower on the fourth, but it might be beneficial to interested parties to see the press without its bush.
I just received my Marksman, and my first impressions of it are terrible. The entire front and back of the vertical supports have gouges where someone took an angle grinder and chewed up the surface prior to powder coating it. It's hard for me to have any kind of confidence that there is any kind of precision in this press, if they are willing to do this. I called to talk with them and got the to bad, so sad, but that is the way they are line. This is a crock.
Hmmm, so a person with integrity can’t give an honest review of a product supplied by a vendor? Some folks never compromise their integrity, that’s what distinguishes them from folks who don’t have a strong moral compass...
I am 67 years old and I have been using a single stage press since I was 12 years old. This is the best best single stage press that I have ever owned or used. I use an Inline Fabrication Full Size Mount on my MEC.
I do run two Dillon 650s, (one small primer setup and one large primer setup), but I deprime all of my cases on the single stage press before I clean them. I also resize all of my rifle brass on my single stage press before loading some of the calibers, (not all of them) on my 650s. I use a RCBS Desktop Priming System for the cases that I load on my MEC.
Hey Sam. Just watched this again . Wanted to let you know a bunch of us are really missing your other reloading education. Your reloading vids are the best. I've watched your series about 15 times now. Great work.
I ended up getting one because your review and a couple others and omg am I glad I did!!! talk about quality.. top notch!! with the mechanical advantage and just the smoothness of the mechanism it is soooo sooo easy to do even the hardest of sizing.. it will never ever ever leave my bench unless its to put a new one in its place 20 years from now.. its that good....
Looks like a solid offering from MEC. I have been dealing with MEC for probably 30 years on the shotshell reloading side and I have always had nothing but fantastic customer support from MEC. They are exactly how I would want to offer support to loyal customers
I just pulled the trigger on this press. All my presses mount to a common base plate. I transferred the press hole location, drilled & tapped then mounted the press.
It's heavy and nicely constructed. The ram has zero run-out and is smooth as silk!
When it came time to mount the spent primer tray it became painfully clear why everyone's opted for the press mounting kit for an additional $47, you can't mount the spent primer try without it!
For me it's not a show stopper because I have a dedicated press for de-priming.
Great review of the MEC Marksman! I love MEC shotshell reloaders, and am glad to see them bring a quality metallic reloader out with lots of well thought out and unique features. Hope to see many more videos of you reloading on this press.
I got a marksman a couple weeks ago. So smooth! Fantastic results. Mounted mine on an inline fabrication mount with one of their modular plates and swapped out for the hornady bushings. Nearly zero runout. From 9mm to 30-06, this is my new "go-to" for precision handloads.
I bought one of them off of your very positive review and you are correct on all accounts. It is a really great start for MEC, if you could call it a start. What I like most is the accessibility to where all the action is. It is a nice open design and that is where it shines over an O-frame press. I probably am not ready to chuck my RCBS Rebel over the shoulder in favor of this press but it is a very solid contender with a smart design and a few pros of my own favorite rig. Good job MEC!
Just got my MEC because of your review. I fabricated my own custom base that holds plastic tubs for brass and bullets instead of buying the additional add ons.
Bought one two years ago,strickly to use on all my rifle reloading,smooth with so much ease.
I've had my MEC for six months now, only issue I have is I've plugged up the primer drop tube twice. Only cure is, empty the tray every 50 to 75, so that lil pile of primmers don't back up. When it does back up, just a lil piece of wire and some luv taps on the sides cleans em out. 👍.
Great video and quite timely for me. I have the MEC Marksman and can confirm that your comments and assessments are on target with my experiences. I was researching and evaluating the Redding T7 to replace my Marksman and finally decided against that option. For clarity I did not find any faults with the T7, rather I just felt that the Marksman was a better fit.
That press is awesome. Adding to wishlist. Never heard of MEC before, thanks for bringing them to my attention.
Amazing shotgun presses.
MEC make an outstanding press and it's gaining a following. 👍💪🇺🇸🇺🇸
It's really cool that, after all these years of being exclusively for shotgunners, MEC finally got into the reloading game, and they apparently did it with a press that will keep up with the big boys, namely the venerable "Big Green," Redding, and Forster.
Sam, a great review. I bought this press and stand and have just decapped and resized about 700 9mm cases. The primer deflection scheme is ok, but I will get about 1/10 that don’t go in the tray. And I can see why they offer the additional tray because I’ve got a modest pile of primer crud on the bench underneath.
It’s minor and the rest of the press is excellent. The smoothness is great, no play in any moving parts.
I had one other issue with the die bushing being too tight with some died, but the LnL conversion cured that.
This gives me almost everything I wanted from a Forster co-ax at much lower cost.
Love your video series Sam, IMO, best content around. Sure hope the stupid TH-cam policy changes don't shut you down. Keep up the great work and videos.
I have the Rock IV and really like it a lot. I could care less about a priming feature on the press. Haven't used one in years. Thanks for the review and major kudo's to MEC for putting together a very well thought out and built press.
Hi Sam fantastic review and from a engineering background I see why you like it very much and I will be looking into getting one of theses
They are very well made and smooth and no run out on cases when checked afterwards
Like your TH-cam channel very much you say it as it is a very honest reviews .
Well done keep up the good work from Ireland.
Brownell's is cheaper and the route that I went. I just got my press for a week ago. Brand new into reloading and can't wait to get everything together so I can get started. Slowly getting there lol. But I'm thankful for your channel and one other channel I follow when it comes to reloading information, You guys don't Over complicate the subject keep it simple And I've made a few purchases based on your channel case in point this MEC reloading press.
Thanks for the info very good review. Thanks for pointing out about the lock-and-load feature swap that was my main question about how the press is made.
Should you want to prime on the MEC press, an RCBS press mounted priming tool would be an alternative.
Hornady lock n load system is pure genius. If you reload a lot of different calibers consider using their bushing so you don’t have to keep adjusting dies
Wish I didn't already have 2 single stage presses. Didn't know MEC made metallic presses.
Sam thanks again for another great video!
What shell holders work/fit best with the MEC? Thinking some brand shell holders might fit the free floating system better than others. Are some too tight?
I use mostly RCBS shell holders with it.
at 1:43 see deer in the woods... nice press! Just bought one. thanks for the review!
That's two dogs, not a deer. Don't shoot his dog.
Same dogs come into view again at 2:00 at 2:08
I prime on my Lee Challenger, but that's only because it came with it. Kind of nice not having to buy a separate deal. I can prime, expand, then throw powder and place a bullet on the case as a kind of progressive operation on a single stage. After that, just seat/crimp. Makes it fast. To each his own though...
o ya and the stand is AWESOME!!!! u can sit or stand it is in the perfect spot for both somehow...
zero runout as well.. I only had .2 to start with so I didn't think it would get better but it did. now it is .1 or zero literally
Any idea how this press will fit on an in-line fabrication standard base?
Do you think you could mount a Redding turret press on the MEC base?
Dave Lambers check out in-line fabrication.
Hi, first of all just wanted to say thank you for providing an amazing content in your videos. On the hand in one of your previous videos you had segment on a seating depth of a bullet in a brand new brass vs. brass that has been already fired i just cant find it anywhere here. Well my question is, how does a seting depth of a bullet should be adjusted to compensate a 3 thousands difference between unfired Lapua brass and the one that has been already fired in my rifle? Does the bullet has to be moved forward by 3 thou to make up fot this difference?(this is strictly for fire forming of new brass but i still would like to see consistent groups along with constant ES and SD)
The fired case will be further from the lands than the new case if the same CBTO measurement is used.
Just curious Sam, how high is just the stand from where mounts to your bench to where the press bolts on?. I couldn't tell from the video because it's black on black and I couldn't see where the press ended and the stand began LOL...
ruthless4645 The press is 6 1/2” tall, the mount is 8 1/8”.
Thanks
HEY thanks ur straight up I like that! Looking for a single stage press. I have a RCBS single press
since 1970s its wore out, need a new one.THANKS keep it going, that's what I'll get!
Between the MEC marksman and a Rockchucker press which would be stronger for bullet swaging? Thanks.
I don't know anything about bullet swaging.
Great review, ordered the press yesterday
Does this press provide the required force to keep a wildcatter happy?
I was seriously looking at the RCBS Rebel until I saw this review. I would like to know if you think this press is stout enough to resize.308 down to .243. The .243 brass seems scarce but .308 isn’t. I can’t find much info on the Rebel but there is a ton of positive feedback on the RockChucker.
Thanks
@Panhandler .That press looks like it has more leverage than any other presses. Did you notice it being easier(less resistance) to size the larger brass?
You can use the Lee breach lock priming with this press.
Heck yes. Been waiting! Thanks!
Thanks, I got some of my first reloading information from your videos.
So, how has this press been over the period of your use.
Cheers!
Mitch
Remegius Cheeke Awesome. I wish I had another one. We’ve loaded ~ 13k rounds on it now.
@@PanhandlePrecision Thank you. Good to hear it's still going great. Run out still good, no too much slop in the shaft? (My old presses both have the movement happening).
Does the press allow for cam over? I like the idea of using cam over and Redding competition shellholders for consistent shoulder bump. I’m thinking about getting this as an alternative to a Forster Co-Ax.
I own a Mec Marksman and yes you can cam over as this is how i set up my Competition shell holders as well , oh and the shell holder shelf you can get for it holds a full set of Comp shell holders :)
Thanks for the info, looks like that seals the deal.
Good review Sam, what brands of shell holders does it accept? Hornady, RCBS, etc
RCBS and Redding for sure. I would think any standard dimension shellholder.
You show a secondary tray at the bottom of the stand. I just purchased one a couple months ago with the stand but I did not received a secondary tray that sits under the stand. Did yours come with the stand and press? I have to say I ordered mine from Brownells, and the shipping was really bad. They just threw both boxes (press & stand) into a bigger box and tossed some packing paper on top. the press box is nearly destroyed and the primer tray holder was bent. It's easy to bend it back out but it's the principle. I keep every box for every piece of equipment I buy. No matter what it is. My OCD, but Brownells could have done a much better job packing this. I was mostly just wondering if the flat tray at the bottom of the stand came with it. Thanks!
Mine came directly from MEC with the secondary tray.
Hi Sam.. Love your work and would like to request some more "Precision Rifle Load Development" stuff as I though this was great and others would as well. The weather where on my part of the world "Down Under Oz" is not shooting whether so I guess in your world its great for some outdoor LR shooting and development activities. Myself I would like you to run over why my 260 rem is great + your 260 Term any why I should keep it and not go for a wildcat like a 6.5 SAUM or what your thinking is... Many Thanks and respect your views. Cheers
were did you get that second primer tray mine didn't come with one and I really wish it did that is my one and only thing I don't like but that would totally fix that..
Good evening I saw the review of the press MEC Marksman, it would seem of good quality! Which would you recommend between redding big boss ll, rcbs Rock Chucker and MEC marksman?
I've only used the Rockchucker and Marksman. They're both great presses, but I really like the open front of the Marksman over the "C" design of the Rockchucker.
I can't seem to find that small tray that sits under the primer catch tray. Where do I find one?
Tim Farley They sent them to me a few weeks ago. They might not be listed yet. I would email MEC.
The small tray is p/n 100-8067, check out MEC shooting sports for more accessories.
You beat me to the punch, as I just received a reply from MEC.
I searched the MEC website for that part number and cannot find it. DO you have a description for the tray I can search? I ordered by press, stand and dust cover from MidwayUSA. WOuld love this tray to catch misc. debris.
Robert,
Here's what MEC sent me and i ordered from the info supplied by MEC
Tim,
Sorry for the confusion. This is the primer tray used on our larger capacity shotshell reloaders. You can order one here:
www.mecshootingsports.com/9000-series-model-h
#55 on the Diagram, PN 1008067. Let us know if you have issues.
Sam thanks for all the info. I’m just getting into reloading, I’m wondering how do you feel about the lee turret press? Should I just spend the money an get a Redding t-7? Or are they all pretty much the same? Also planning on running Redding comp. dies. Thanks
Any grease zerts or not needed? I have an RCBS Rockchucker currently. Looking to upgrade. RCBS plastic piece that captures spent primers does not mate well with the ram and it spills a lot of primers and anvil pieces. Also, I like how the shellholder clips in. Thanks for the great review. I have placed my order through MidwayUSA. They all seem to have them on backorder right now.
No zerks. I usually wipe the ram down and apply a very light film of oil.
Sam, have you ever tried the Forster Co-Ax press?
Do you need to have the accessory base to have the primers catch tray to fit? It looks like without the base there would not be enough room.
I don't know for sure, but it sure looks like it needs the base to work.
Question so will RCBS dies work in that press as well?
Yes
@@PanhandlePrecision thank You 😊
Another great review Sam. How tall is your reloading bench? Im building a new setup in my room and have a MEC marksman. Great press!
Thanks Sam, excellent and thorough review.
I’m assuming it will accept my old Lee Auto Prime 2?
I only load Lapua “Palma” small primer 308 cases, and think MEC PRESS will serve my purpose nicely.
Love the view from your window, snow is something we don’t ever see in Brisbane.
Cheers
Please make a video of the press mount only with extras. Need measurements to weld my own mount.
haff202 Really?!?
@@PanhandlePrecision I have press on order. .The side wall of the press mount has a set back sweep instead of the press just hanging out over the bench, that's all. Another video, guy welded his own mount and it looks huge, not bench friendly.
Do you still use this press and still impressed with it ? I'm about to buy a new press and have been looking at this MECH heavily. Thanks to you
David LaRoche Yes. I just sized 540 260 Rem cases on it this morning. We’ve used it exclusively for Jake’s 260 ammo this year. Close to 5k rounds and climbing.
@@PanhandlePrecision that's awesome to hear. Thank you for responding. I will most likely get this press soon. Also , I continue to enjoy seeing your posts and Jake's stellar progress. A proud dad I see in you that's for sure.
Thanks again my friend
Bud
David LaRoche For sure! It was great meeting you at the Hornady shoot. I always enjoy making those connections beyond the keyboard.👊🏻
Time to add a mec to the bench!
Still liking that MEC press after 5 years?
YES!!
Great video and great review
The shell holder tray accessory , seems a waste. I don't know about the rest of you guys but I take and put my shell holder in with the corresponding dies. If I am short a particular one I can always borrow one from another die box. But usually I just order another shell holder. They're cheap. For instance, I have a number 11 that I use for both 45 Colt and 44 Magnum. I actually have one in each box. But boy is that a nice looking single stage press. Awesome and the fact that you can swap the quick bushings off of a Lee is a good idea.
Great video. Have you resized 9mm rounds
Only on my Dillon 550-B.
Great review, thank you.
Great Press Sam but i love your T7 much better.
Thinking about buying one
Great video thanks for the info!
Great video, very informative.
When will you be creating a Full30 account now that TH-cam is moving against gun related videos?
Just went to go buy one and got sticker shocked! They r now 265 and mount is 50 lol wow kinda hesitant now going to see more reviews on others
great video thank you for the information
Thanks Sam I really enjoy your presentations and have learned a lot from you. BTW your lathe looks to be a Herless same as mine, I love it.
What do you prefer now, the mec or T7?
I like using them both, but prefer the T-7 for the convenience of the turret.
@@PanhandlePrecision Time is money, less time reloading, more time at the range that the turrets give, a little big more anyway.
As far as priming on the MEC goes, you could do worse than use the RCBS ram priming unit. The great thing about using the combination of the ram priming unit and a press, is that if you set it up so that the primer is seated when the press arm is near horizontal, it actually scales down the force required seat the primer so much, that you can very easily feel the primer as it bottoms out.
Thanks! I use the RCBS Bench Primer, but the one you mention looks interesting. I'll put a link here in case folks want to check it out: ads.midwayusa.com/product/416519/rcbs-ram-priming-unit?Reloading+-+Metallic+Reloading+Equipment+%28Not+Presses%29&cm_mmc=pf_ci_bing-_-Reloading+-+Metallic+Reloading+Equipment+%28Not+Presses%29-_-RCBS-_-416519&msclkid=71dafdfa08b31e6cc1c5a754d46e520f&
Nice review!
How would the MEC compare to a Forster?
johnny saechao I don’t know. I’ve never used a Forster.
Maybe that will be the next review?😜😜
Out of all your reloading press which one do you recommend turret press or this mec press?
Both.:-)
Panhandle Precision I can not afford both at this time
Pick one and be happy with it. They're both good!
That is a awesome press guys
Still like your MEC Marksman? Does it handle magnum cases well when resizing? Do you think it’s actually more accurate than say an o frame press? Thanks
Lance Vaughn Yes, I still like it. It handles 300WM cases fine. It’s a very smooth press with plenty of leverage. As far as accuracy goes, I think most of that is in the die. I can size a case with no runout and to the same dimensions equally as well in my RCBS Rockchucker, Redding T-7, and the MEC Marksman.
Thank you for the reply. Which dies do you have the success with? Appreciate your channel and insight. Merry Christmas and thanks again!
Lance Vaughn My favorite die is the Redding Type S FL bushing die, with a steel bushing that will size the neck~ .002” smaller than loaded diameter.
Hey Sam, thanks for the review... I was thinking of getting the Redding T7 turret press for single stage stuff, and I like the idea of keeping my dies captured in the toolhead on the Redding. Are there any benefits to the MEC such as concentricity, that would make you say get the MEC over the Redding?
zodiac272 great question and I would love to know as well. I have a Rock chucker now and I want to get a companion press and the Redding T7, Forster Co Ax and MEC marksman are all on my possibility list. After watching Fortune cookies video about concentricity I’m not so sure why u wouldn’t just get a lee. I was surprised. If you haven’t seen that video go take a look. It has the MEC, RCBS Rock chucker, MEC, and the Co ax in it. The MEC won the test. It won by more than he even stated because he made a math error. Someone in the comments caught it.
I'll check it out, thank you
I just reset the 260 die and sized 60 pieces with the T-7. The Marksman is noticeably smoother than the T-7. Both of them FL-sized 260 cases with little to no runout.
Hey Sam,
How you you planning on handling the new TH-cam gun/reloading policy changes.?
Did you pre lubricate your necks before sizing?
I keep a small pad by the Press... With just a couple of squirts of WD-40 on it. I just lightly roll the neck before I size the brass. I've only had a couple of instances where I have over lubricated and crimped the case neck. And I have to be completely honest back when I was green and a beginner... I under lubricated and had a case get stuck in the die. That was a fun 45 minutes of trying to get it unstuck without tearing things up. Lol! Let's just say I learned from my mistake on that one.
Someone once asked me if reloading was dangerous. I had to tell them yes if you're a complete idiot. It does however take a great amount of attention to detail.
This has been a helpful post for me. And I don't think the pricing on this piece of equipment can be beat.
john harvey I stand them up on a cookie sheet and spray them with One-Shot.
john harvey and
john harvey if you use a Lee collet neck sizing die, no lube required. If you full length resize, you’ll need lube.
Nice press !
With any "normal" bench height you're either going to have to use that press stand and end up with a press handle up near shoulder height at the top of the stroke or skip the stand and end up with a press handle down near your knees at the bottom of the stroke. As for the 10" handle, you might use it on straight-walled handgun cases and maybe reloading in super slow motion using a decapping die, neck sizing, shoulder bumping and seating small to medium-sized rifle cartridges but otherwise forget about it. The long handle is a good 4" or more longer than a standard RCBS single-stage handle and the 10" would be at least that much shorter. Having that much throat clearance to "just" fit the ridiculously overlength "super magnum" long-range cartridges and unable to fit .50 or at least "comfortably" while needing to lift most handgun cartridges a good 3" and probably 3 feet or more of overall handle knob travel pretty much make that press an ergonomic nightmare for anything larger or smaller than long short-action and short long-action rifle cartridges. I don't see what that press does that a pile of others don't do "better". I'm pretty sure that for the price of the press and stand, you can buy an ordinary RCBS "Rock Chucker" and a Lee Classic Cast and have a "small press" for the "small" cartridge up to standard long-action rifle cartridges like .300 Win Mag and a "big press" for the big stuff up to an including .50 BMG. And prime in the press with both. Nothing makes volume reloading a drag quite like being "long" on press and getting nothing out of half or more of the ram travel.
Seems like somebody designing a "mid-range" press like that wanting it to compare favorably to a two-press setup like I mentioned and particularly wanting to sell it to a "beginning" reloader starting small and planning to go big later would design a simple "extender" for the ram to put the shell holder halfway to the top at the top of the stroke. Lee Classic Cast presses weren't designed for .50 BMG but by using a little ingenuity they figured out a way to make them work. The .50 BMG shell holder is machined right into the top of the ram, an adapter bushing screws into the die threads in the press that also has a .50 BMG shell holder and a spring-loaded primer tool slips into the center of the ram and a case into that top holder for priming and the Classic Cast .50 BMG kit comes with the adapter for 7/8" dies as well as a simple prime in the press attachment for "small-bore" cartridges. Another adapter goes in the top of the ram for regular shell holders. And the whole setup with a FL and seat/crimp dies sells for $200. Cheap enough that when I had to shell out a whopping $80 for a Lee collet neck-sizing die set i wasn't TOO upset I had to buy ANOTHER seat/crimp die with it. Especially since $280 won't get you halfway to a Hornady or RCBS .50 press and dies.
The video mentions this press will take Hornady Lock & Load hardware. Is it Hornady LNL that's the "oddball" large die size at 1 1/8" instead of the "standard" VLR (Very Large Rifle) die thread size of 1 1/4"? Or by "LNL" does that mean when the bushing is removed the "sleeves" install directly into the press? I'm happy with what I've got regardless and three presses on my "stand" is just right because that's one per side with a powder thrower on the fourth, but it might be beneficial to interested parties to see the press without its bush.
Hello, wall of text. Bored much? Or are you just enamored with yourself?
You lost me at "With"
👍
Is it really 40 degrees in your shop ?!?
Chris Lacher Yes. I can warm it up, but the heater is too noisy to run with a video.
Yea Wisconsin products
what size thread is under the die bushing? great video keep um cumming. thanks
I just received my Marksman, and my first impressions of it are terrible. The entire front and back of the vertical supports have gouges where someone took an angle grinder and chewed up the surface prior to powder coating it. It's hard for me to have any kind of confidence that there is any kind of precision in this press, if they are willing to do this. I called to talk with them and got the to bad, so sad, but that is the way they are line. This is a crock.
To bad it wont do 50 bmg.
TH-cam algorith, comment.
biased!
Meaning?
@@PanhandlePrecision free stuff biases opinions, nes pas?
Hmmm, so a person with integrity can’t give an honest review of a product supplied by a vendor? Some folks never compromise their integrity, that’s what distinguishes them from folks who don’t have a strong moral compass...
Thanks for sharing your videos. Congrats from Brazil!
Waiting for more shooting compilations. Your kids rocks!