want to start reloading steel or Hevi-shot for my 10 gauge?

I will only be reloading 5-6 boxes a year so I do not need anything to fancy. These are the two presses I am considering? What do you all think would be best for me?

MEC Steelmaster
MEC 600 JR.

Thanks for any and all input??

GHJ

Personally I would go with the cheaper one because of the small quantity you are going to do. Both will make more than desirable shells.

Yes, but.....

The resizing is the kicker. If you shoot an auto, I'd want that collet resizer on the Sizemaster. Heck, I'd want it even if I didn't have an auto......

You should be able to get one off Ebay, or put a WANTED ad in the classifieds here. It could save you a ruined hunt. JMO, Dutch.

I shoot the BPS10. Not much for auto's. If I am correst can't you buy a resizer serperatly??

Ballistic products has a nice package for loading hevi-shot for 10 guage. You could save even more if you have your own empties already.

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/bpi_homepage/products/prod_load_components/shot/hevishot/hevishotpkg.htm

Go with the 600 JR, you don't need the collet die. Yes the collet sizer is available as a seperate item though not sure if they make it in 10 guage.

You will find the operation of the Steelmaster very much the same as the Sizemaster. Its collet sizing station is far easier for brass resizing (brass platted steel these days) than the die type of the 600Jr. Still both will work fine for the job. You will find that the components are not cheap, reloading Steel Shot takes special wads & powders and you need to be rather exacting as Steel is not as forgiving. You may find that after you buy all the components and the shot and with the cost of the machine it may not be as cost effective if you shoot small volumes. Check out the Lyman Shotshell 4th edition for good info on Steel reloading and Alliant Powder offers additional data. For components check out Ballistic Products web site. You will also need a good scale to verify your charge & shot weights. Good luck.

Scout Master 54