Introduction
Why Reload?
From the meticulous handloader crafting match-grade ammunition to the cost-conscious enthusiast seeking to stretch their shooting budget, the allure of reloading is undeniable. The art and science of reloading, though, is only as good as the equipment used. Central to this process, the reloading press is the workhorse of any reloading bench. Today, we delve into the world of reloading and examine a popular choice: the MEC Marksman Reloading Press. This detailed review will serve as your guide, exploring its features, strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, whether it’s the right fit for your reloading journey.
Benefits of Reloading
Reloading offers a myriad of benefits. Beyond the financial savings associated with reusing brass and purchasing components in bulk, the ability to fine-tune ammunition for specific firearms and shooting applications is unparalleled. Handloaders can customize their loads, experimenting with bullet weights, powder types, and primer selections to achieve optimal accuracy, consistency, and performance. This level of control is simply unavailable with factory ammunition.
About MEC
MEC (Mayville Engineering Company) has a long and respected history within the shooting sports, particularly known for its shotgun reloading equipment. They have developed a reputation for quality and durability. The MEC Marksman Reloading Press, although not as widely marketed as some other reloading presses, embodies this commitment to quality. We’ll now peel back the layers to uncover what makes the MEC Marksman a compelling choice for reloaders.
Understanding the MEC Marksman
Overview of the Press
The MEC Marksman Reloading Press is a single-stage reloading press. This means it performs one function per stroke of the handle. This stands in contrast to progressive presses, which complete multiple steps with each pull. Single-stage presses are generally slower than progressive presses, but offer unmatched precision and control. The MEC Marksman is designed for precision.
Construction and Durability
One of the first things you’ll notice about the MEC Marksman is its robust construction. The frame is built from heavy-duty steel, providing a solid foundation that minimizes flex and ensures consistent performance. This sturdy design is essential for achieving accuracy and preventing problems, particularly during case resizing and bullet seating, operations that require considerable force. The quality of the materials promises years of reliable service, even with frequent use. The durability alone makes it an attractive option.
Smooth Operation and Ergonomics
The operation of the press is remarkably smooth. The leverage provided by the handle, combined with the high-quality linkages and bearings, allows for effortless operation. This smoothness translates into a better feel and control throughout the reloading process. You’ll experience less fatigue during extended reloading sessions.
Adjustable Handle
The MEC Marksman also incorporates an adjustable handle. This feature is often overlooked, but it contributes to the press’s ergonomics. You can position the handle at the most comfortable angle for your individual arm length and bench setup. This personalization enhances the overall user experience and contributes to reloading comfort.
Die Compatibility
Die compatibility is crucial, and the MEC Marksman utilizes standard die threads. This means it accepts the vast majority of reloading dies available on the market. Whether you’re reloading for a rifle, pistol, or even some specialty cartridges, you’ll have no trouble finding compatible dies. This widespread compatibility simplifies equipment selection and provides ultimate flexibility.
Primer System and Shell Holder Compatibility
The primer system on the MEC Marksman is designed for reliability. It features a straightforward and dependable design, ensuring consistent primer seating with each cycle. While details can vary, it functions effectively. The shell holder compatibility is another important feature to consider. The MEC Marksman uses standard shell holder designs, allowing for broad cartridge compatibility. This means you can reload a wide array of different cartridges using the appropriate shell holder. You’ll need to purchase shell holders separately, but they are readily available.
Key Features Summary
While not boasting any revolutionary features that drastically change the process, the MEC Marksman focuses on delivering a rock-solid experience, where precision and reliability are paramount.
Performance and Usage
Setting Up the MEC Marksman
Setting up the MEC Marksman is a relatively straightforward process. Before beginning, you’ll want to gather the required tools. These include: wrenches for mounting and adjusting the press, a drill for bolting it to your bench (if you haven’t pre-drilled holes), and potentially a set of Allen wrenches for various adjustments. You’ll also need a suitable reloading bench. The press needs to be securely mounted to a stable surface to prevent movement during use.
Mounting and Initial Adjustments
Mounting the press is simple. You’ll want to ensure the press is positioned so you can comfortably reach the handle and the shell holder. Once the press is secured and positioned correctly, you can begin making the initial adjustments. This often involves fine-tuning the ram and setting the die heights.
Reloading Process Steps
Reloading with the MEC Marksman is a manual process that requires several distinct steps. First, there’s case preparation. This includes cleaning the brass to remove residue from previous firings, trimming the cases to the correct length (critical for accuracy), and chamfering and deburring the case mouths. This step is usually handled by dedicated tools or a case trimmer.
Priming, Resizing, and Seating
After case preparation, the next step is primer seating. The shell holder holds the case, and the press pushes the new primer into the primer pocket. The primer seater on the MEC Marksman offers consistent and accurate primer seating. Case resizing, a critical step, uses a resizing die to bring the fired case back to the factory dimensions. This is often the most strenuous operation of the reloading process and the solid construction of the MEC Marksman becomes a real asset. The robust frame easily withstands the forces involved, ensuring consistent results. Then comes bullet seating. The bullet is carefully placed on the case mouth and the die seats it to the desired overall cartridge length (OAL). The precision offered by the MEC Marksman is excellent for achieving tight tolerances in this process.
Final Inspection
Finally, the assembled round must be inspected before use. You will visually inspect it to ensure it is safe and that the bullet has been seated properly.
Accuracy and Consistency
The MEC Marksman Reloading Press is designed to produce accurate and consistent ammunition. The robust construction minimizes flex, resulting in uniform case sizing and bullet seating. This directly translates into improved accuracy. The smooth operation of the press allows the handloader to feel the process better and make finer adjustments, which contribute to tighter groups downrange. Many reloaders find that handloads created with the MEC Marksman perform as well as, or even better than, factory ammunition. The level of control the press provides helps achieve consistency in load components, which is crucial for accuracy. The result is ammunition that performs to your exact specifications.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of the MEC Marksman
The MEC Marksman brings a lot to the table, including several major advantages. Its durability and exceptional build quality are undeniable. Constructed with high-quality steel, it’s built to last, making it a long-term investment. The smooth operation is another noteworthy advantage, making reloading more comfortable. The combination of these factors leads to its potential for accuracy, allowing for consistent and reliable results. The press’s ease of use is a real asset. The single-stage design simplifies the process, making it suitable for both new and experienced reloaders. Another attractive aspect is the value for money that the MEC Marksman offers. It gives a combination of performance and build quality.
Potential Drawbacks
Of course, no reloading press is perfect. Because of the single-stage operation, it tends to be a slower process than reloading with a progressive press. Case resizing can be a slower, more involved, process than progressive reloading. The need for a separate powder measure is another factor. Some reloaders may consider that an added cost or extra step, though many reloaders prefer to use a separate powder measure with any reloading press for greater precision and accuracy. Additionally, the priming system may need some minor adjustments or fine-tuning to ensure optimum performance.
Comparison to Other Reloading Presses
Competing Products
When comparing the MEC Marksman to other single-stage reloading presses, you’ll notice a pattern: its primary strengths lie in its solid construction and ease of use. Presses from manufacturers like RCBS, Lyman, and Redding are well-regarded and popular choices, too. These presses, like the MEC Marksman, offer a solid foundation for accurate reloading, but the specific features, build quality and the nuances may vary. The Redding presses are often praised for their extreme precision. However, they often come with a higher price tag. RCBS presses offer a good balance of quality and affordability. The MEC Marksman often finds itself in a similar price bracket but with the advantages of a heavy-duty frame and simple, reliable operations. The best press for any individual depends on individual needs and budget.
Who is the MEC Marksman Best Suited For?
Target Audience
The MEC Marksman is an excellent choice for certain types of reloaders. It’s an excellent starting point for beginners, as it’s straightforward to use. The simplicity helps to learn the fundamental steps without overwhelming complexities. The solid construction of the press also assures that new reloaders have a durable tool that can handle the stresses of learning and practice. Intermediate reloaders who appreciate the quality and accuracy benefits of this press also find this press desirable. The MEC Marksman excels in the area of precision, enabling users to consistently develop high-quality ammunition. This makes it ideal for those who are more concerned with accuracy than speed. The handloaders that appreciate the benefits of precision or that like to handload for target shooting or hunting will find this a strong choice.
Not Recommended For
Conversely, it may not be the best choice for everyone. High-volume reloaders who need to produce large quantities of ammunition quickly should consider a progressive press. The single-stage design of the MEC Marksman is simply not as efficient for this level of production. If you’re seeking the absolute fastest reloading speed, a progressive press is the better option.
Maintenance and Care
Regular Maintenance
Proper maintenance will ensure the MEC Marksman continues to function reliably for years to come. Regular cleaning is vital. Remove any powder residue or debris from the press using a brush or compressed air. Lubrication is also essential. Apply a light oil to the moving parts (ram, linkages, etc.) to reduce friction and prevent wear. Always check the press before each reloading session to confirm that it’s working correctly, and to prevent issues.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
The MEC Marksman Reloading Press is a well-built, reliable, and accurate single-stage press. It offers a combination of durability, smooth operation, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for reloaders. While it may not be the fastest press on the market, its focus on precision and solid construction is a true asset. The MEC Marksman is an excellent choice for beginners, intermediate reloaders, and those who value quality over speed. It excels at making a high-quality round.
Recommendation
If you’re seeking a single-stage press that offers excellent value, performance, and the promise of years of dependable service, the MEC Marksman is a compelling option. Consider the needs of your personal reloading and shooting style when making your final decisions.
Where to Buy
The MEC Marksman Reloading Press is available from many online retailers and specialty gun stores.
