Reloading 12 gauge trap loads

What you want is a progressive loader ... one shell is made with each cycle of the machine. You have a number of different machines to choose from, depends on what you are willing to spend and if you are wanting new or used.
 
Dillon 900SL, Ponsness Warren 800plus, Mec 9000, RCBS Grand, are probably where you want to start looking.

There are some lower level Mec's that might fit the bill as well.
 
I'll double with a recomendation for the Pacific (now hornady)366 I own 2 and one has loaded over 60,000 shells. You find them used in the States on Trapshooters.com quite often.
 
For your first progressive loader, I would take a long look at a Mec Grabber. 1/2-1/3 of the price of the ones mentioned above. The great thing about Mec is parts are easy to find. And their customer service is excellent.
They appear quite often on the EE for 150-$200.
 
I have a MEC grabber in 410, and while I can get about 400 an hour if I really hump on it (I would expect 12 gauge to be faster) However I don't think their is any comparison in the ease of use, and general flow of a Ponsess Warren Compared to a MEC.

Even in single stages, a PW 375 is much faster production, and a much smoother flow then a comparable MEC.

If you want to make excellent quality ammo, in a reasonable amount of time at low cost, then MEC's will do the job. If you want excellent quality ammo, in a shorter amount of time, and want to enjoy your reloading time, I suspect the other options are more up your ally.

I can't 100% attest to a PW progressive yet, but I should get to in the next week or so.

I like the fact that the Dillon has shot and powder that are hull activated, so you shouldn't have as much trouble if you miss a hull or anything like that. I have never seen a Dillon shotshell press in person, but I would seriously consider giving them a try if they would do 10 gauge or 410, however in those gauges your options are much more limited.

If you want a lot of opinions on various reloaders, shotgunworld's reloading forum is a good place.

I have not had an opportunity to use too many presses yet for shotguns, but in my opinion the PW stuff is well worth the added cost over the MEC, but the MEC will turn out ammunition that is every bit as good.
 
Hornady (pacific) 366. Solid units, excellent service from Hornady. There have been a few float through here in the last couple of months check the EE.
 
mec 9000g . i have 1 that santa left me a few years ago for christmas . works great . fast and factory looking reloads .i shoot a fair bit ,it keeps up just fine . approx 10000 plus reloads and no problem . they dont break the bank either . cheers Frank
 
I had a MEC single stage and through constant battering from my friend that shoots a bunch of skeet I purchased a Hornady 366. He has 2 of them and says they are probably the best shotshell reloader next to the Dillon. I find the Hornady to be a much more solid and smoother functioning machine than my MEC and am glad I made the transition. They can be found used from time to time. I got mine barely used on the EE for a very reasonable price. Happy reloading!
 
MEC Grabber, IMHO. You can pay more for for a shotshell reloader but it won't produce any nicer shell than a Grabber. Plus the ca$h you save will allow you to buy more components.
 
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