MEC 310 12 ga Press - Opinions?

[X-man]

Hi Guys,

Just came across a MEC 310 press set up for 12 ga. I know MEC doesn't make this one anymore, but was wondering if anyone is still using a 310? I haven't had a chance to examine it in detail yet (a friend is giving it to me, belonged to his Dad and has been in storage for years) but my buddy is going to drop it off this weekend.

Can anyone tell me what kind of set up it uses for powder and shot charges. i.e., charge bar, powder bushings, etc... Are these still available? Will 600 JR. MK 5 bars work?

Can you use a universal charge bar with it?

What kind of mechanical problems can I expect with it? Is it finicky? Any input, opinions, etc... would be greatly welcomed. Thanks.

[.45 COLT]

You can download a manual for it (or any other MEC) here.
http://www.mecreloaders.com/OwnerManuals/OwnerManuals.asp
I don't have a 310, but of my Super 250, 600 jr, and 650, none have given any major problems over many years on all 3.

[Shane in WI]

It's a good press.  Similar to the 600 Jr, but the bar moves as you pull the handle down.  I bought one from a friend to start loading on.  I learned there are no parts available from Mec, but the few parts I needed, I was able to fabricate.   The spring tension on the Bar lock is sort of tricky, but you can always disconnect it and move the bar by hand.   It takes the same bar as the 600 Jr. does, but the origional ones didn't have bushings.  I have quite a few of them and either reamed them out to drop the powder and shot I desired or slowly filled them in with nail polish.  Those bars work just as good.  The book is available from Mec.
Good luck, you'll enjoy it.