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Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Iowa

Take the cost diference out of the equation.....which one is the better press? Looking for whichever one is going to put out the best quality shell with minimal fuss and will last a lifetime. Not interested in a progressive at all (I do all my rifle/pistol loading on a singel stage also) so I've narrowed it down to these two options.

Last year there was a slight accident with my 12 gauge 870 wingmaster that I've had for 10 years + so it was replaced with a browning BPS 16 gauge. Fiance decided to she wanted to hunt with me this year also so shes going to carry an 870 express youth in 16 gauge. And not a single store around me carries 16 gauge so I either have to order it in, or begin reloading.....truth be told even if it was sold around here I'd probably get setup to reload anyways.

Looking to make simple 1oz loads for target practice for both of us. Probably need to find a good 1oz hunting load for her also to keep the recoil down, I on the other hand will use whatever works good for pheasant hunting.

Guest

The PW 375 is simply the best. Built solid as a rock and I have never heard of anyone that has had a problem of any sort with one. Mine is probably 35 years old and still going strong. Shells align perfectly as they are moved from station to station and there is absolutely no slop or wobble anywhere.

Member Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 3438 Location: Illinois

I would go with the MEC---Given a little care it will also last your lifetime Wink

Guest

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2350 Location: West MI

[quote="ctkelly"]Take the cost diference out of the equation.....which one is the better press? Looking for whichever one is going to put out the best quality shell with minimal fuss and will last a lifetime......]

I think if the focus is on the criteria your looking for; best shell, minimum fuss and last a long time. And cost and personal preference aside.......both will do these things. They both have a history in the field of being broadly used great machines that work for a long time. And if you consider the fact that if they weren't putting out the best shell, either or both would be out of buisness from all the law suits from blown up guns. Or we reloaders would be so pissed at the given machine for one reason or another that it wouldn't be too hard to find negetive press on the web about either. My brother and I were handed down an anchient MEC from an old skeet shooter/farmer-black bird shooter that loaded countless rounds, easilly in the 10's of thousands, through the thing. I retolled it from 12ga to 20ga and loaded all my 2 3/4" rabbit loads with it up until recently (7 years) when I've gone all in on roll crimping; it still works flawlessly. I'm biased toward the MEC I own 4 1-in 20ga 2-10ga 1-16ga. they've always worked (once adjusted) and with a little oiling have been low/no maintenance. Inexpensive, easy to use, outstanding customer service, and easy to obtain. I also have experience with thier other products, industrial man lifts, with a liitle observation its easy to see that MEC likes to keep things simple and are in the game for the long haul. Hope this helps and best of luck in your reloader search and in your marriage, congrats. Mike

Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Iowa

Thanks for the opinions guys. I ended up getting a PW 375C, showed up on my doorstep today while I was at work. Got it unboxed and looked it over a little.....very well built. Now all I have to do is wait for the gun club quartermaster to make his monthly trip to Ackley, Ia to pick up some shot for me. Very Happy

Oh yea..maybe I should get this thing mounted to a bench first. Hahah

Member Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 348 Location: Missouri

Guest

ct you have got a loader that you can pass down to your kids, grand kids and great grand kids. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Member Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 989 Location: Las Vegas

Sweet! You're going to love the PW. And that's no knock on the Sizemaster! I use my Sizemaster for 2 1/2" loads.

Matt