Ok, I just plain like reloading my own. It's a fun hobby and I've decided to take up reloading my own 20 gauge. It's not that I shoot shotgun that much. I just like reloading...

Anyway, what's the right press to buy as a beginner shotshell reloader? BTW, I'm looking at at reloading 2 3/4" shells - not much need to do 3" shells as I don't see hunting much duck/geese any time at all.

I don't think I'll be reloading any huge amounts - maybe a couple hundred a month. It's just a hobby I enjoy.

So, suggestions on a reasonable entry level shell reloader?

Assuming you are going to use it for both target and hunting shells in a variety of guns: Mec Sizemaster.

If you are looking at target loads only in a single break-open gun, you would be o.k. with a non-resizing loader, but the Sizemaster is an excellent machine. I've loaded nearly 10,000 on mine, though she's been relegated to hunting loads only since getting the Grabber. HTH, Dutch.

Forget the Lee Load-all which is the absolute bottom of the list, least expensive shotshell tool. You can do better.

The next step up would be a Mec reloader. Which model would be right for you depends on what action style shotgun you plan on feeding those reloads. The 600 Jr or Mark 5 and the older 700 VersaMec use a ring to resize the brass-plated steel case head; the newer Sizemaster uses a collet. Some finicky semi-auto's and pump guns won't reliably chamber any shells NOT collet resized. I've never had a problem with ring-resized reloads in my Ithaca 37 or Browning BPS pumps.

Mec is the world leader in shotshell loaders. 5 decades of experience and excellent customer service. They also carry parts for their obsolete machines.

Buying used is a smart way to get into this part of the reloading hobby. E-bay used to have lots of Mec's for sale, but since they implemented their strict anti-gun policy I haven't been there in a year. Remember, if you find one for a song, but it's in the wrong gauge, you can always buy the 20 gauge changeover kit to convert. I paid $40 for a 20 gauge Mec 600 Jr. about 3 years ago off e-bay. It was local so no shipping charges.
MEC has plenty of downloadable manuals and generic reloading info.

+1 on the MEC Sizemaster with it collet resizer & auto primer feed you'll thank yourself later for spending the extra $. The MEC 600 will also serve you well, as noted don't bother with the Lee Load All; the extra $ spent on the MEC will save hours and head aches. DO pick up a Lyman 5th Edition Shotshell Manual AND a good reloading scale you'll need it to check your powder drops.

Get a Grabber. Many will say learn on a single stage, I tried a Lee LoadAll, threw it in the trash(literaly) bought a Grabber and away it went.

The drawback with the Grabber is no die sets are available. If he buys it in 20 gauge and then decides he'd like to reload some 12 gauge hulls, he'll have to buy another whole press. That's not cost effective in my book.

Best deal would be a used Ponsness Warren 375 with tooling for both 12 and 20 gauge.

They're on Ebay all the time for $150 or less.

I've used one for years and have tooling for all gauges and shell lengths.

I load lead, steel, Hevi Shot and bismuth. All of my hunting loads are handloaded.

To get an idea on what's available for shotshell handloading order the catalogs from,
Precision Reloading

Ballistic Products Inc.

Hey Guys,

Great stuff here - I can't thank you enough for the advice. It really looks like the Mec Sizemaster is the way to go for me. I'll keep an eye out for a PW 375...but the simple truth is that I suspect, given the volume of reloading I will be doing, the SM will be more than enough for my needs.

Thanks All!

Keep an eye on ebay for an old Herters model 72n. It looks like no other press but it's a sturdy beast and almost infinitely variable for powder and shot. You want one of the later ones rather than earlier. Make sure the crimp starters are the floating style. If you can get both six and eight point starters that's better. Parts are hard to come by, but it's so sturdy it's hardly a question. My press has loaded tens of thousands of rounds since I bought it in 69 and it will do that many more easily. I just bought another fo $19 on ebay in 20 ga so I don't have to change over the press so often as I shoot 12, 16 and 20.

I have 2 MEC 600's for sale. If you are interested I can really deal on them.

Nick10Ring@aol.com

I've loaded a lot of shotshells and with several loaders.....nthing is better than MEC....sizemaster, 600 JR, ...whatever....

I will say that their progressive takes a bit of finess....it works but I keep coming back the the simple machines...

I can actually load a box of 25 on a MEC 600 Jr in 5 minutes flat!

I load large quantities of shells for trapshooting, so I need something like a progressive press (2 Mec 9000G's). If you aren't loading a ton of shells and like reloading (it's become more of a chore than anything for me right now), then I would say the Mec SizeMaster or 600 Jr. would be perfect for you. I've messed around with some PW presses...and they're come to be known as Practically Worthless around here. I just don't like them. I haven't had any experience with their single stage presses (to be honest I didn't know they made them...) but their progressive presses are a step behind Mec. Good luck and I hope you have a lot of success!

I started with a Mec 600 for 20 & 12 but as my son got into trap shooting I switched to a Mec 650 which led to the need for a higher capacity progressive reloader.I purchased a Pacific DL 366 along with many of my friends(bought by Hornaday)and never looked back