Yup I was have having the same problem with my ol work horse Redding Boss II. Side to side was good however forward and back had more play than it should when the handle was in its lower position.
Yup. I started with a cheap Lee Breechlock. I will use it to decap, pull bullets,crimping, priming. Just trying to decide between Forster or MEC for sizing and seating.Not an easy decision. Who knows,maybe I'll get both-lol
Thanks! Very nice review! I been getting picky lately, and I been looking for a excuse to replace my ol' Pacific, for the last few years. Looked at a few big sporting good stores with several different presses on display, and I wasn't overly impressed. Being a machinist by trade for 20yrs+, I'm impressed with the MEC. Fit and finish look excellent!
I'm curious how you think slop in the mec's shellholder is any different than slop at the top of the Lee's stroke. Both are going to self align with the die. Not knocking you just trying to understand how one wiggling at the top of the stroke is different from another wiggling at the top. Thanks for you review.
Glad to see you like the MEC. I bought the MEC after seeing Sam's review over at Panhandle Precision. To me, it's really a cheaper Co-ax. In two years, I've only identified two complaints: - The primer handling ends up being pretty poor. If decapping a larger batch, you'll have a huge mess at the base of the press. I'm going to get a cheap Lee for dedicated decapping on a universal decapper. -- The holes for holding dies are just a TINY bit too small to handle a LnL bushing in some cases, it takes a little technique to get them through. The powder coat on mine came chipped in a couple spots. Nail polish and it's gtg. It's an excellent press, made in Wisconsin from premium DUCTILE iron, not cheap gray iron or "alloy" from offshore. I love the design that makes it easy to get cases in and out.
Get the Lee Classic cast Breach Lock. It is stronger with built in primer system and with stronger steel lever mechanism, Left and right lever arm and adjustable length. Don't make the Mec mistake!
I've had mine for two years. I DID do the RCBS for depriming but realized after switching my MEC over to a the LockNLoad system, it was not necessary. However, it will keep your system cleaner if you don't gunk it up with the primer junk, so maybe not a bad idea to add the old RCBS over on the side for just that. Either or situation.
I replaced my LEE press with a MEC Marksman earlier this year for the same reason you replaced yours; and I am very satisfied with my choice for the same reasons you outlined in your video. If there is one ‘minor” negative, it would be the expended primers do not always make it into the spent primer tray. To remedy this I bought a primer tray that is used on a MEC shotgun press. The tray slides between the sides of the mounting plate and under the press. What the spent primer tray does not catch, this additional tray will. I do not recall the part number but I am sure a MEC tech would be able to help; the tray dimension is 4.0” x 5.0”. I do not claim this as my idea; Sam Millard, Panhandle Precision showed this additional tray in his Marksman press review. Here is a maintenance tip. The port at the rear of the ram where the spent primers exit into the spent primer tray, or its backup tray, there is a buildup of primer grime mixed with the ram lubrication. I wipe this area clean once a month and run a looong pipe cleaner from the top of the ram, down through the porthole. Hope this is of some help. Life is good.
I’ve heard there could be a few primer escapees once in a while. I’ll look in to that additional tray! Good call on the cleaning, I don’t like any part of my press getting dirty. I was cleaning my Lee press all the time due to the primers coming out the side.
Your previous and this video were good info. I have an older RCBS Big Max. I think I'm going to see if I have any slop in that. I really don't think there is much because I have come up with some very accurate loads for my 270. I also don't have the run out gauges at this time. You know everything costs money.
Great review, thanks. I have a MEC 600 Jr for shotshells and know they make great stuff. On my Classic Cast, I have no primer grit because I sealed off the side of the ram (I prime off the press) so never have primers kick out or make a mess, they just fall straight thru. I also don’t use the breech lock system. But I’ve only loaded a few hundred rounds on it so it hasn’t gone thru what yours did.
Lee has a lifetime warranty I'm wondering if they would replace that I'm pretty sure they would just give them a call that way you get another single stage to do all your dirty work get a universal decapping die and so on do all your work on that press and just do reloading on your new MEC. Just a thought.
@@vaughnprecision They say lifetime warranty. They even sell a Plack that says exactly that. And 2000 rounds shouldn't have done that. I've got the cast classic that does 50bmg and classic cast turrent press plus a C Press. The C is the only one that has severe run out. And that's a 25 dollar deal I only use for decaping and quick trim. Good luck with it.
Echo and the Bunnymen just heard back from Lee. They said if they can’t fix, they’ll give me a discount on a replacement press. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear. The wear is in the cast iron, so it can’t be fixed without replacing the entire body, essentially a new press. That would mean I’d pay for shipping only to be told I get a discount on a new press 😡
@@vaughnprecision that is absolutely crappy customer service they claim to have a lifetime warranty and if a press last only a few thousand rounds that's nowhere near a lifetime of use. Well that means maybe next time I'll get an m e c or a Redding.
Back in the day allot guys would take a punch around the edges of the press just about a 1/4in. And give it a wack to pin the metal around the ram a bit tighter it works to get you another 5000 rounds loaded if you cant go out get another press rite away.. I use a RCBS - RC BUT REALLY want the forster co ax ..now you got me thinking about the mec I'm going to follow in this for a bit first tho.. Awsome videos btw watched allot of them.. I finished my 6.5cm build what a beast .. I need to get a crono so i can dile up on my app allot better but so fare im wicked good out to 400 yards 1/4 inch half inch not bad
Excellent video, Stone Cold Steve Austin!!! You have done a superb demonstration of the coolness of this MEC. I have a question...is there an option to have something like the Lee Quick Change bushings or the ones from Hornady? I'm new to reloading and shopping for my first press that will out-live me. Thanks again..."Give me a Hell Yeah!!"
Andy Prariedog I’m not 100% sure but I think you can take the bung out and swap it with the quick change style. MEC has awesome customer support, you might want to ring them up and confirm. Either way, the press is amazing and I think you’ll be happy with it.!
How would you compare this to say, and RCBS Summit press? Very thick ram but again all the bolts involved in the frontal mechanism seems to have a substantial amount of play.
Antonio Galvan I researched the summit press and talked to a few guys who owned them. Everyone one agrees the MEC is the best press and a close second to the coax. I’m thinking it might be better then the coax. I spent yesterday reloading and this new MEC is great.!
Thank you for review considering entering reloading world looking for just a suitable single press. I would concentrate on 6.5 creed as 5.56/.223 I can get dirt cheap.
It's a nice press. That said it is not a Co-Ax. I've run a B2 since 2000 as well as a B5 from a couple of years ago. I did not need the second one, however, Brownell's had them in stock and on a daily sale of roughly $270 and free shipping. My excuse is that I don't have to swap jaws, just move over to the other press. That said Forster came up with a new "Elite" quick change jaw sets that largely put that argument to bed... I've even got an almost $1K Turban Prazi Press that has not made me want to retire a Co-Ax. The Prazi is amazing and allows me to use the PMA Micro Die Adjuster. Good fortune and no wind...;-)
Looks like a good press. But.......since I have eight presses set up right now that I use for all sorts of different things (no two are the same), can I justify a new MEC Marksman? Are presses like guns in that you can use any justification to go out and buy yet another one? {:>)))
Someone please explain the difference between the die holder “floating” in the MEC and the play in the ram of the Lee. Not trying to be a smart a$$, would really like to know.
The ram on the lee was rattling around the hole in the press, causing the shell holder to not be square to the die. The ram is misaligned with the die in other words. The shell holder floating allows the case to center itself in the hole in the die, while still maintaining the die to ram alignment. Hope that makes sense to you
I'm really interested in this press, I have been looking for a Co-Ax but you just can't hardly find them. I called the company and demand is way out pacing their production. I have a Rockchucker but I really like this Mec design. Have you compared it to a Rockchucker at all?
I'm currently looking for a new press. The MEC Marksman is on my list, the other one I'm considering is the Redding Big Boss II. Would you recommend the MEC press over the Redding press?
Same here... As it's been mentioned, Lee's got a lifetime warranty on their equipment so I'd at least be trying to get the "old" press replaced. For what it's worth, I'm positive a new Lee press would run like glass just as this new MEC press does! I'd also like to point out that the Lee press's shell holder also 'floats'. Nothing really special about that.
ChemistyStudent you’ll need basically all the components like, press, dies, trimming tools, dial calipers, scales etc. you can get a starter set for around $250. You’ll still need powder, primers bullets etc. You can greatly improve accuracy and consistency if you reload.
What non-reloaders must realize is that once you fire a factory-loaded cartridge in your firearm, it now fits your firearm as perfectly as it's ever going to. As long as you or your tools don't screw up the fired dimensions, it can increase accuracy above what you get with factory rounds. Of course, your results may vary. Factory ammo is manufactured to fit EVERY gun. Your handloads fit YOUR gun.
@@luvtahandload7948 I guess the part I'm lost at is how the casing fitting your gun 'perfectly' increases accuracy? At least in my head, the quality of the bullet, and the quality of the rifling stabilizing it should be the limiting factor in how the projectile travels once it leaves the bore. Can you elaborate a bit for me?
@@ChemistyStudent There are tolerances in any type of manufacturing. I wont say what the exact number is for firearm chambers, but believe it is in the neighborhood of .007-.010 inch. So you can have a "small" chamber or "large" or anywhere in between. Factory loaded ammo is made to fit any size chamber. If you have a "small" round of ammo and a "large" chamber, the cartridge will lay in the bottom of the chamber and the bullet will not be pointing straight down the bore. The tolerances are very small so you must use your imagination to visualize a round lying in the bottom of a chamber. Ok so now when the round is fired, pressure forces out the brass case until it meets the chamber walls. Due to brass being elastic, it will contract ever so slightly to allow easy extraction but it still represents your chamber size very well. Now reload this case and the bullet will be pointing straight down the bore due to more precise fit in the chamber. A bullet not pointing straight down the bore will be wobbling slightly upon exiting the muzzle. There are so many variables that can come into play I suggest buying a reloading manual and reading the text. Then if you do decide to take up handloading, you already own the most important piece of equipment you'll need. As an aside, I have a .223 Remington-chambered rifle that happens to have a chamber .002 inch under SAAMI minimum chamber specs. Don't ask me how that happened but it shoots factory ammo very well because of the close, almost crush, fit. SAAMI stands for Small Arms and Ammunition Manufacturing Institute. Enough yak, hope this sheds some light. Happy New Year!
Hi, iam not sure if you still has the press, how is MEC so far? Do you still recommend this press over Forster coax? Iam beginner still looking for press? Thank you in advance
Thanks for a great video. When you get a chance, can you resize some 300 mag or something similar? I’d like to know how it does with mag cases. Thanks again..really nice job!
Vaughn Precision Happy New Year! Hope you and yours are doing well. Have you done much loading and resizing on that MEC in the past couple of weeks? Impressions? Considering it seriously, but I load a lot of 300 win mag. Take care
Lance Vaughn I’m loving this press. Me and the boy have been pumping out tons of rounds. The minimal runout on the cases is perfect, on average .00025 or 1/4 thousandths. I haven’t had one hit .001 runout yet. I’m very happy with this press, and it’s smooth as glass with great mechanical advantage. Bottom line, it’s my new favorite and I’d buy it again.! Happy new year
Not sure if you still have the pres. If you call MEC they will send you an upgraded handle and linkage. They went to half inch nut that is now mount on the bottom. WAY BETTER and free of charge :)
OK . So you bash Lee for a ram with too much play for your liking . Now you show the Mec with a floating shell holder . Hmmmmmm. Seems like the same thing to me. Now I agree with different feel because the leverage is different. I think you should measure the play at the shell holder . I'll bet it is more than the " loose Lee " .
Rich Watters the difference is that the slop in the Lee always “pushes” or “forces” the ram back towards the operator. And it is also going away from a perfect vertical 0 degrees while going up, meaning that forces are applied to the brass because the brass/die want to be at a perfect 0 degree vertical angle, while the ram is trying to force the brass into say (this is overkill but just for representation) a 10 degree angle towards the shooter, this causes runout.
Chuck Finley I’ve never personally owned the summit, but I know several who do, some own both. The feedback I’ve got is get the MEC and not the Summit. The MEC produces less runout, at least that’s the feedback I’ve got.
Vaughn Precision yep...I’m now looking at the MEC as well. After watching you “rattle” your Lee ram I went to check mine. It’s definitely nowhere near as bad as yours but it rattles. What are your thoughts on using the Hornady Lock-N-Load bushing system? Think it will increase run-out or not have much of an impact on the system?
Lucas S personally I’m not a fan. I think the quick change is a great idea, but the more parts you add, the greater the chance of something not lining up or causing issues. I’ve had the same experience on the Lee quick change as well, but it’s hit and miss. Some work great and others don’t. I’ll just set the lock rings and run, but no added quick change bushings.
Herbert Barrow hang in there. I know several reloaders that are running this press, more rounds than I did and the presses are still in good working order. I’m not sure what happened to mine. Seemed to come on rather fast to. Just a few weeks ago I was cranking out ammo that was great. I’m still a fan of Lee. I’ll probably send this to Lee and let them have a look at it.
Hopefully Lee takes care of you based on your videos supporting their products alone. Not surprised to see you happy with the MEC. Whatever you do, don't try a Co-Ax.
Lance Schul love the press.! Getting on average of .0025 runout using Redding competition dies. I’m not disappointed at all, especially at the price point.!
@@vaughnprecision Nice to hear,t hanks. I really like the press although I haven not seen one in person. I have a Rockchucker that works well but I really like the design of the MEC.
It is new, of course it has minimum play. But still not good enough. Measure a new Lee run out. It will be better. Lube the ram with Mobile one and it will not wear out. Send it back to Lee, it has a lifetime warranty, free! Or send it to me, I know how to tighten the ram to Zero run out.
I just received my Marksman, and my first impressions of it are terrible. The entire front and back of the vertical supports have huge 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 too bad, so sad, but that is the way they are line. This is a crock.
You're confusing genuinely superior cartridge characteristics with the fad mentality. Stop pretending to be too good to shoot a cartridge that is deserving of its popularity.
This is better than the Forster Coaxial. The engineering on the Forster is not good as all the pressure is exerted on the die ring while reloading ... bad design.
Yup I was have having the same problem with my ol work horse Redding Boss II. Side to side was good however forward and back had more play than it should when the handle was in its lower position.
Excellent video, you helped sell me on the MEC. And thank you for not showing the unboxing. Nice bench too you keep there!
Id use the lee for a dedicated depcapping press and keep the mec spotless
Well don't through away your other press. Use it for decapping cases. It will keep your new press clean. That's what I did with mine
Seems like a solid plan.
That’s actually a great idea!
through? come on man....
So sorry. Was in a hurry. Throw
Yup. I started with a cheap Lee Breechlock. I will use it to decap, pull bullets,crimping, priming. Just trying to decide between Forster or MEC for sizing and seating.Not an easy decision. Who knows,maybe I'll get both-lol
Thanks! Very nice review! I been getting picky lately, and I been looking for a excuse to replace my ol' Pacific, for the last few years. Looked at a few big sporting good stores with several different presses on display, and I wasn't overly impressed. Being a machinist by trade for 20yrs+, I'm impressed with the MEC. Fit and finish look excellent!
I'm curious how you think slop in the mec's shellholder is any different than slop at the top of the Lee's stroke. Both are going to self align with the die. Not knocking you just trying to understand how one wiggling at the top of the stroke is different from another wiggling at the top. Thanks for you review.
Monte Kernell the ram actually shifts at an angle at top stroke, the shell holder floats to self align while staying level with the base of the die.
@@vaughnprecision Ok, that makes sense, thanks for putting me right on that.
Bought one of these about 4 months ago and yes a very very nice press. Just be careful
when tightening the handle so you don't damage the linkages.
Glad to see you like the MEC. I bought the MEC after seeing Sam's review over at Panhandle Precision. To me, it's really a cheaper Co-ax. In two years, I've only identified two complaints:
- The primer handling ends up being pretty poor. If decapping a larger batch, you'll have a huge mess at the base of the press. I'm going to get a cheap Lee for dedicated decapping on a universal decapper.
-- The holes for holding dies are just a TINY bit too small to handle a LnL bushing in some cases, it takes a little technique to get them through.
The powder coat on mine came chipped in a couple spots. Nail polish and it's gtg.
It's an excellent press, made in Wisconsin from premium DUCTILE iron, not cheap gray iron or "alloy" from offshore. I love the design that makes it easy to get cases in and out.
Get the Lee Classic cast Breach Lock. It is stronger with built in primer system and with stronger steel lever mechanism, Left and right lever arm and adjustable length. Don't make the Mec mistake!
I've had mine for two years. I DID do the RCBS for depriming but realized after switching my MEC over to a the LockNLoad system, it was not necessary. However, it will keep your system cleaner if you don't gunk it up with the primer junk, so maybe not a bad idea to add the old RCBS over on the side for just that. Either or situation.
I replaced my LEE press with a MEC Marksman earlier this year for the same reason you replaced yours; and I am very satisfied with my choice for the same reasons you outlined in your video. If there is one ‘minor” negative, it would be the expended primers do not always make it into the spent primer tray. To remedy this I bought a primer tray that is used on a MEC shotgun press. The tray slides between the sides of the mounting plate and under the press. What the spent primer tray does not catch, this additional tray will. I do not recall the part number but I am sure a MEC tech would be able to help; the tray dimension is 4.0” x 5.0”.
I do not claim this as my idea; Sam Millard, Panhandle Precision showed this additional tray in his Marksman press review.
Here is a maintenance tip. The port at the rear of the ram where the spent primers exit into the spent primer tray, or its backup tray, there is a buildup of primer grime mixed with the ram lubrication. I wipe this area clean once a month and run a looong pipe cleaner from the top of the ram, down through the porthole. Hope this is of some help. Life is good.
I’ve heard there could be a few primer escapees once in a while. I’ll look in to that additional tray! Good call on the cleaning, I don’t like any part of my press getting dirty. I was cleaning my Lee press all the time due to the primers coming out the side.
Maybe the primers are bouncing out of the smaller tray. A tiny piece of drawer liner in the tray might prevent that.
Just for curious, could you had sent the Lee press to Lee, to repair it under the Lee lifetime guarantee ?
Your previous and this video were good info. I have an older RCBS Big Max. I think I'm going to see if I have any slop in that. I really don't think there is much because I have come up with some very accurate loads for my 270. I also don't have the run out gauges at this time. You know everything costs money.
Got one, my shooting partner and his friend both have one as well. Best on the market for ease of use. I now use my JR2 for depriming only.
Great review, thanks. I have a MEC 600 Jr for shotshells and know they make great stuff. On my Classic Cast, I have no primer grit because I sealed off the side of the ram (I prime off the press) so never have primers kick out or make a mess, they just fall straight thru. I also don’t use the breech lock system. But I’ve only loaded a few hundred rounds on it so it hasn’t gone thru what yours did.
Lee has a lifetime warranty I'm wondering if they would replace that I'm pretty sure they would just give them a call that way you get another single stage to do all your dirty work get a universal decapping die and so on do all your work on that press and just do reloading on your new MEC. Just a thought.
I’ll contact them today and see what they say.
@@vaughnprecision They say lifetime warranty. They even sell a Plack that says exactly that. And 2000 rounds shouldn't have done that. I've got the cast classic that does 50bmg and classic cast turrent press plus a C Press. The C is the only one that has severe run out. And that's a 25 dollar deal I only use for decaping and quick trim. Good luck with it.
Echo and the Bunnymen just heard back from Lee. They said if they can’t fix, they’ll give me a discount on a replacement press. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear. The wear is in the cast iron, so it can’t be fixed without replacing the entire body, essentially a new press. That would mean I’d pay for shipping only to be told I get a discount on a new press 😡
@@vaughnprecision that is absolutely crappy customer service they claim to have a lifetime warranty and if a press last only a few thousand rounds that's nowhere near a lifetime of use. Well that means maybe next time I'll get an m e c or a Redding.
@@vaughnprecision does this MEC require you buy their shell holders or will any shell holder work and still be free floating?
nice you be shooting in the .1s now, maybe even .0s
Back in the day allot guys would take a punch around the edges of the press just about a 1/4in. And give it a wack to pin the metal around the ram a bit tighter it works to get you another 5000 rounds loaded if you cant go out get another press rite away.. I use a RCBS - RC
BUT REALLY want the forster co ax ..now you got me thinking about the mec I'm going to follow in this for a bit first tho.. Awsome videos btw watched allot of them.. I finished my 6.5cm build what a beast .. I need to get a crono so i can dile up on my app allot better but so fare im wicked good out to 400 yards 1/4 inch half inch not bad
Excellent video, Stone Cold Steve Austin!!! You have done a superb demonstration of the coolness of this MEC. I have a question...is there an option to have something like the Lee Quick Change bushings or the ones from Hornady? I'm new to reloading and shopping for my first press that will out-live me. Thanks again..."Give me a Hell Yeah!!"
Andy Prariedog I’m not 100% sure but I think you can take the bung out and swap it with the quick change style. MEC has awesome customer support, you might want to ring them up and confirm. Either way, the press is amazing and I think you’ll be happy with it.!
Just really excellent info. Thank-you for sharing this. 👍
You need a Hornady bushing kit so you can swap the dies in less than 5 seconds, that’s how I set mine up.
I was going to wait and buy the forster co ax but after watching some reviews on this press, I think I'm going to buy a mec. It'll be cheaper too.
I’m not disappointed at all. I’m very impressed with it! Now I have extra money for bullets and cases.
@@vaughnprecision I did it. I bought a MEC. :D
I've sold my MEC, it gave me about 600,000 rounds and it's falling apart now, but it is an excellent press bro
Vaugh, how many thousandths free play is a ram allowed to have on a press at the top of the stroke?
Does the ram go past tdc?
How would you compare this to say, and RCBS Summit press? Very thick ram but again all the bolts involved in the frontal mechanism seems to have a substantial amount of play.
Antonio Galvan I researched the summit press and talked to a few guys who owned them. Everyone one agrees the MEC is the best press and a close second to the coax. I’m thinking it might be better then the coax. I spent yesterday reloading and this new MEC is great.!
I currently have all Lee dies/shell holders. Will Lee shell holders fit in the MEC floating ram design?
Yep, the lee shell holders will work fine.
Thank you for review considering entering reloading world looking for just a suitable single press. I would concentrate on 6.5 creed as 5.56/.223 I can get dirt cheap.
It's a nice press. That said it is not a Co-Ax. I've run a B2 since 2000 as well as a B5 from a couple of years ago. I did not need the second one, however, Brownell's had them in stock and on a daily sale of roughly $270 and free shipping. My excuse is that I don't have to swap jaws, just move over to the other press. That said Forster came up with a new "Elite" quick change jaw sets that largely put that argument to bed... I've even got an almost $1K Turban Prazi Press that has not made me want to retire a Co-Ax. The Prazi is amazing and allows me to use the PMA Micro Die Adjuster. Good fortune and no wind...;-)
Looks like a good press. But.......since I have eight presses set up right now that I use for all sorts of different things (no two are the same), can I justify a new MEC Marksman? Are presses like guns in that you can use any justification to go out and buy yet another one? {:>)))
Someone please explain the difference between the die holder “floating” in the MEC and the play in the ram of the Lee. Not trying to be a smart a$$, would really like to know.
The ram on the lee was rattling around the hole in the press, causing the shell holder to not be square to the die. The ram is misaligned with the die in other words. The shell holder floating allows the case to center itself in the hole in the die, while still maintaining the die to ram alignment. Hope that makes sense to you
Now that you have the MEC press for about a year, do you still like it ?
Robert D yes, still love this press.! Wouldn’t trade it for any other press on the market.
@@vaughnprecision Thanks for the reply, Just ordered one from Brownells.
It is am awesome press and the smoothest I have used
I'm really interested in this press, I have been looking for a Co-Ax but you just can't hardly find them. I called the company and demand is way out pacing their production. I have a Rockchucker but I really like this Mec design. Have you compared it to a Rockchucker at all?
What was your run out on a finished round??
Do you spin your cases when doing a FL resize?
Super video. Question: Did you resize the one round that was out of round about .010?
I'm currently looking for a new press. The MEC Marksman is on my list, the other one I'm considering is the Redding Big Boss II. Would you recommend the MEC press over the Redding press?
Hi I'd be interested to know about how many rounds you've loaded with your now old lee press??
Same here... As it's been mentioned, Lee's got a lifetime warranty on their equipment so I'd at least be trying to get the "old" press replaced. For what it's worth, I'm positive a new Lee press would run like glass just as this new MEC press does! I'd also like to point out that the Lee press's shell holder also 'floats'. Nothing really special about that.
Don’t have a solid number, but 2000-3000 rounds.
Not a reloader, but curious. What all do you need to reload cases, in terms of the tools, and how big are the gains in terms of precision?
ChemistyStudent you’ll need basically all the components like, press, dies, trimming tools, dial calipers, scales etc. you can get a starter set for around $250. You’ll still need powder, primers bullets etc.
You can greatly improve accuracy and consistency if you reload.
What non-reloaders must realize is that once you fire a factory-loaded cartridge in your firearm, it now fits your firearm as perfectly as it's ever going to. As long as you or your tools don't screw up the fired dimensions, it can increase accuracy above what you get with factory rounds. Of course, your results may vary. Factory ammo is manufactured to fit EVERY gun. Your handloads fit YOUR gun.
@@luvtahandload7948 I guess the part I'm lost at is how the casing fitting your gun 'perfectly' increases accuracy? At least in my head, the quality of the bullet, and the quality of the rifling stabilizing it should be the limiting factor in how the projectile travels once it leaves the bore. Can you elaborate a bit for me?
@@ChemistyStudent There are tolerances in any type of manufacturing. I wont say what the exact number is for firearm chambers, but believe it is in the neighborhood of .007-.010 inch. So you can have a "small" chamber or "large" or anywhere in between. Factory loaded ammo is made to fit any size chamber. If you have a "small" round of ammo and a "large" chamber, the cartridge will lay in the bottom of the chamber and the bullet will not be pointing straight down the bore. The tolerances are very small so you must use your imagination to visualize a round lying in the bottom of a chamber. Ok so now when the round is fired, pressure forces out the brass case until it meets the chamber walls. Due to brass being elastic, it will contract ever so slightly to allow easy extraction but it still represents your chamber size very well. Now reload this case and the bullet will be pointing straight down the bore due to more precise fit in the chamber. A bullet not pointing straight down the bore will be wobbling slightly upon exiting the muzzle. There are so many variables that can come into play I suggest buying a reloading manual and reading the text. Then if you do decide to take up handloading, you already own the most important piece of equipment you'll need. As an aside, I have a .223 Remington-chambered rifle that happens to have a chamber .002 inch under SAAMI minimum chamber specs. Don't ask me how that happened but it shoots factory ammo very well because of the close, almost crush, fit. SAAMI stands for Small Arms and Ammunition Manufacturing Institute. Enough yak, hope this sheds some light. Happy New Year!
What can you expect from Lee it is a price point product , I switched mine out for a RCBS rock chucker 14 years ago and 338 Lapua resizes easy
That's what I'm using i love mine i always wanted tbe co ax but tbe peice is a killer
Hi, iam not sure if you still has the press, how is MEC so far? Do you still recommend this press over Forster coax? Iam beginner still looking for press? Thank you in advance
Yes, still have it and it’s loaded thousands of rounds with no issues at all. I would highly recommend this press.!
@@vaughnprecision thank you and i saw your other video after 2 years reviews after i sent you the message I like what you doing you got snubbed& like👍
Nice press bro
Hi everybody. I personally have a forster coax press and would like to know if the press MEC is superior. Thank you .
Thanks for a great video. When you get a chance, can you resize some 300 mag or something similar? I’d like to know how it does with mag cases. Thanks again..really nice job!
Let me see if I have some 7mm brass that needs sized. Sooner or later I’ll come up with something.
Vaughn Precision
Happy New Year! Hope you and yours are doing well. Have you done much loading and resizing on that MEC in the past couple of weeks? Impressions? Considering it seriously, but I load a lot of 300 win mag. Take care
Lance Vaughn I’m loving this press. Me and the boy have been pumping out tons of rounds. The minimal runout on the cases is perfect, on average .00025 or 1/4 thousandths. I haven’t had one hit .001 runout yet. I’m very happy with this press, and it’s smooth as glass with great mechanical advantage. Bottom line, it’s my new favorite and I’d buy it again.! Happy new year
Not sure if you still have the pres. If you call MEC they will send you an upgraded handle and linkage. They went to half inch nut that is now mount on the bottom. WAY BETTER and free of charge :)
where do you buy the shell holders
they appear to be Redding competition shell holders, all the big reloading outfits sell them.
Merry Christmas
Where is the best price? I had this on my side burner for future purchase, but it seemed that the price took a big jump! About a $100 jump!!!
Brownells has it for $199 right now. Thats not a bad price currently
Might pay to give the ram of the MEC a drink of Ballistol and a dust with graphite prior to each use. That's what I do with my RC IV.....
I can't tell if you're bashing the Lee brand, or if your Lee press was just worn out.
If you think about it you lee had a floating ram....... 😜
I was thinking the same thing
MEC, just take my money.
OK . So you bash Lee for a ram with too much play for your liking . Now you show the Mec with a floating shell holder . Hmmmmmm. Seems like the same thing to me. Now I agree with different feel because the leverage is different. I think you should measure the play at the shell holder . I'll bet it is more than the " loose Lee " .
Rich Watters the difference is that the slop in the Lee always “pushes” or “forces” the ram back towards the operator. And it is also going away from a perfect vertical 0 degrees while going up, meaning that forces are applied to the brass because the brass/die want to be at a perfect 0 degree vertical angle, while the ram is trying to force the brass into say (this is overkill but just for representation) a 10 degree angle towards the shooter, this causes runout.
This vs the summit
Chuck Finley I’ve never personally owned the summit, but I know several who do, some own both. The feedback I’ve got is get the MEC and not the Summit. The MEC produces less runout, at least that’s the feedback I’ve got.
Vaughn Precision cheaper too, i think grafs has got them and thats it, i want a coax like everyone else, you know know how that goes
It's a nice press but the black color is awful, it strains my just looking at it. I'd have to give it a quick rattle can treatment in a lighter color.
My lee press rattles more than yours hahaha dammit this video just cost me a press 🤦🏻♂️ wonder how my ammo would shoot with a solid press?
Probably a ton better!
Vaughn Precision yep...I’m now looking at the MEC as well. After watching you “rattle” your Lee ram I went to check mine. It’s definitely nowhere near as bad as yours but it rattles.
What are your thoughts on using the Hornady Lock-N-Load bushing system? Think it will increase run-out or not have much of an impact on the system?
Lucas S personally I’m not a fan. I think the quick change is a great idea, but the more parts you add, the greater the chance of something not lining up or causing issues. I’ve had the same experience on the Lee quick change as well, but it’s hit and miss. Some work great and others don’t. I’ll just set the lock rings and run, but no added quick change bushings.
well this sucks. I just bought and installed the lee classic breech block press based on your previous videos.
Herbert Barrow hang in there. I know several reloaders that are running this press, more rounds than I did and the presses are still in good working order. I’m not sure what happened to mine. Seemed to come on rather fast to. Just a few weeks ago I was cranking out ammo that was great. I’m still a fan of Lee. I’ll probably send this to Lee and let them have a look at it.
Hopefully Lee takes care of you based on your videos supporting their products alone. Not surprised to see you happy with the MEC. Whatever you do, don't try a Co-Ax.
Still happy with this press? Midway has the Co-ax in stock...
Lance Schul love the press.! Getting on average of .0025 runout using Redding competition dies. I’m not disappointed at all, especially at the price point.!
@@vaughnprecision Nice to hear,t hanks. I really like the press although I haven not seen one in person. I have a Rockchucker that works well but I really like the design of the MEC.
It is new, of course it has minimum play. But still not good enough. Measure a new Lee run out. It will be better. Lube the ram with Mobile one and it will not wear out. Send it back to Lee, it has a lifetime warranty, free! Or send it to me, I know how to tighten the ram to Zero run out.
Knurl the Lee and it will be tighter than the Mec and without any run out. Ask a machinist what I mean!
I just received my Marksman, and my first impressions of it are terrible. The entire front and back of the vertical supports have huge 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 too bad, so sad, but that is the way they are line. This is a crock.
Ohhhhhh no NOT ANOTHER 6.5 Creedmoor, goodbye Dude I thought you where different, thanks for the videos though and happy shooting!
You're confusing genuinely superior cartridge characteristics with the fad mentality. Stop pretending to be too good to shoot a cartridge that is deserving of its popularity.
@@Guninabottle A great answer and You are right, Thanks for bringing me back to basics again, Dont get Emotionally involved with your tools, Greetings
Forster > MEC
This is better than the Forster Coaxial. The engineering on the Forster is not good as all the pressure
is exerted on the die ring while reloading ... bad design.
Which single-stage should I switch to?
@@none-ya2242 MEC Marksman is what I use now.
Learn to read that indicator. That is no .001"
Or you should look at the indicator better then leave a comment