Ponsness-Warren?

[KAYR1]

I have recently begun to shoot lots of skeet and so far have been buying factory Remmy Gun Clubs. A gentleman at my club is selling a Ponsness Warren progressive press for 350. It includes dies, charge bar, etc. set up for light target loads. I have been reloading rifle+pistol ammo for years, but have not loaded a single shotshell. Is this press a good setup? I am pretty sure that i can figure out the workings, but I'd like to buy something that lasts and is accurate and produces good ammo. Any feedback is appreciated!

[Graybeard]

PW is considered to be the top of the line shotshell loader. I long thought I wanted one back in the days when I actually shot enough I might could have justified one. I never acted on that desire.

I have tried a couple other progressive loaders over the years and was never able to establish a rythm and make shells come out fast and correctly done. In frustration I gave up on it both times.

I supported my skeet addiction for over 20 years with MEC single stage presses and to this day it's still what I own. I have MEC Sizemaster 77s for all but the .410 and have a 600 JR for that since the 77 doesn't have primer feed anyway. Most around here use MEC presses with the Sizemaster 77 being what most use and the rest primarily use the MEC 9000G.

Do you know which PW press it is and how old it is? Have you seen him load shells on it to be sure all works properly? In days of old I think the 800 progressive and 375 single stage was all PW made. Now they have several different models of progressives. Since I've never used one I just don't have any first hand experience with them. Around here the PW is mostly what folks said they'd like to own but due to cost most everyone stuck with MEC presses.

[KAYR1]

Thanks for the reply, G.B. I do not know off-hand which model it is, but will find out. I did shoot a few of his target loads that he ran off that press, and they broke birds just fine, and recoiled noticeably less than the Gun Club loads that I have been shooting.  A few guys at our club that have a PW really prefer the primer feeding and sturdy construction of the PW. Most guys use a MEC though, probably due to cost. Having not used either, I cannot say either way.  Experience has taught me to buy quality tools, seems better for me inthe long run. I average about 300-400 shells a week right now.

[huntducks]

KAYR1
 
I have a PW 800B and i'm sure the one being sold is same as that about the right price range they are a very well built press...
 
That said and IMHO they have some draw backs and can be a PIA to use most guys either love them or hate them, the biggest draw back on the 800 is once you start the shell in the sizer there is no removing it so you need to go a full cycle thru every station so your concentration level has to be very hi if the primer doesn't drop and seat which has happened to me a number of times and once you get into a rythem you don't always notice and you will have powder all over, then you have to shut the shot off then on again, some time the wad does not go in staraight mine is picky about the wad style you use like the claybuster with the multi petals I think it's the 4100 wad the petals fold over and the shot ride on top of them and the crimp comes out very poor and there is little you can do because you can not remove the shell from the plate, now PW changed this with the 900.
 
The 800 takes a little time to change the shot and powder bushings if you buy it make sure you buy an adapter to use mec powder bushings there being sold on ebay.
 
I also have 2 other 12ga presses one is a Mec sizemaster great press and the other a mec grabber which is progressive but you have to move the shell plate by hand another great press both hard to screw up and both take a lot less concentration to use you don't feel worn out after a day loading.
 
I also have a Mec 9000 in 410 which works great even for the smaller hull which I thought it might be harder to use but it's not at all, that said i'm about ready to trade my PW in on a Mec 9000 in 20ga.
 
Like I said the the PW is a well built press and it was given to me by an older long time friend, but I might be falling into the hate category as I hardly use it anymore.

I would have the guy run a box of shells thru it and you will need a manual which you can buy from PW or I think I got one off the internet and downloaded to print.

[Graybeard]

There is no way I'd go thru the hassles of progressive presses for 300-400 a week. I've shot more than that some days at the range. I managed to feed my shooting habit and work a full time job while using a single stage MEC.

[huntducks]

GB
 
When I was young all I loaded on was 600 Mec's now that i'm older I like the one's that spin on every pull, I don't mind the grabber because my hand has to put the wad in anyway and is right there, without even trying I can load 1 box's in 10-12min.
 
If I only had to have one press it would be a sizemaster.

[dblstack]

HD
I recently aquired an 800B but it is missing the wad pressure screw. I figured out the screw diameter and threads I just need the length so I can cut a bolt or some all thread. Can I get you to check the length of yours and send it to me or post it here?
Thanks

[huntducks]

I'll check it this evening and post.

[huntducks]

HD
I recently aquired an 800B but it is missing the wad pressure screw. I figured out the screw diameter and threads I just need the length so I can cut a bolt or some all thread. Can I get you to check the length of yours and send it to me or post it here?
Thanks

PM sent.