new progressive reloader?

[slickest]

what would you guys suggest for a progressive reloader for starting out reloading skeet and trap loads? also is possible with any of the progressives to reload 2 3/4 up to 3 1/2? would like the option to reload some geese loads

[Val]

The MEC grabber is the way to go for a progressive press. It's pretty reliable and works good for high volume loading. For 3 1/2 inch hulls you need to have a separate press since converting from 2 3/4 to 3 1/2" is a pain. I load some 3" game loads and have a separate single stage press since the volume isn't near as high as my 2 3/4" loads.

[alleyyooper]

I have 2 9000 Mec's, one in 20ga and one in 12ga. I like both of them a lot, the 20ga, i installer the adjustable bar on which works well for changeing from trap and skeet shells to those used in upland hunting.

I would buy a single stage press just for thoise 3 or 31/2 inch waterfowl loads can't be more that 100 to 200 shells a year. It is a PIA to  change over for that few rounds.

   Al

[tpic402]

I currently am using a Hornady 366 for my skeet loads, If I had to do it again I would probably go mec 9000  WHY??   hornady cannot remove shell at stations. It will put out the shells though if you keep it fed.

[HammerMan/LongbowMan]

I have a mec and a ponsness/warren.  I'd pick the p/w anyday.  It just seems better made and it's really hard to make a bad shell on it.  If you're going to make 3" or 3.5", the best bet is to use a single stage because I don't think any of the progressive presses do this.  The p/w 375 does these shells and loads faster than the mec single stage imho.

[Couger]

I have a mec and a ponsness/warren.  I'd pick the p/w anyday.  It just seems better made and it's really hard to make a bad shell on it.  If you're going to make 3" or 3.5", the best bet is to use a single stage because I don't think any of the progressive presses do this.  The p/w 375 does these shells and loads faster than the mec single stage imho. 

I agree with much of what HammerMan says.  I don't and have never used a Ponsness-Warren, but did sell components and parts to them when I worked as a Sporting Goods clerk in college.

I always thought of the PW's as the Cadillac's of the shotshell press world.  As for MEC presses, they don't impress me.  I learned to reload on a VersaMEC 700 press after 'grad-jee-a-ting' from the venerable Lee Loader.

Twas me I would use a DL-366 Hornady press for 'progressive' chores.  I have always thought the Pacific / Hornady presses had a superior bushing philosophy/design - so good in fact one can interchange their various powder bushings or various shot bushings between Hornady, Ponsness-Warren, Spolar and RCBS!  Folks i know who run the DL-366 oftimes have one dedicated to 12 gauge and one to 20 gauge.

Ballistic Products if you're not familiar with them, offersabout any component you might think of to make ANY 3 1/2inch 12 or 10 gauge round.