| Posted: Sun Jul 29th, 2007 03:01 AM |
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Tony Gable
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| Joined: | Sat Jul 21st, 2007 |
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Has anyone used the Mec 76 Grabber press. What is your opinion. Tried using one today. Seems to be a pain in the butt. I normally use the 600 Jr. Any tips would be helpfull.
Thanks,
Tony
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| Posted: Sun Jul 29th, 2007 05:34 AM |
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2nd Post |
Rockydog
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| Joined: | Tue Jul 26th, 2005 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
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Tony, I have not used the 76 Grabber but have used the newer model, 8756 I think is the number, for several years. I also have a 600 Jr. If Grabbers aren't adjusted properly or have worn parts they are a major pain in the butt, but with proper adjustment you can load 400 shells an hour pretty easily. MEC has the best customer support of any sporting goods manufacturer in the business. If you go on the website and get their phone number they'll help diagnose problems and get you up and running right over the phone. They have even sent me small parts at no charge and sent larger parts with a bill to be paid by check! Not COD, not prepaid, the parts to my door with a bill. Even with it set up right there are little things to watch for as you load. Mine likes to flip primers up side down when the shell sizer needs some dry lube. In stead of opening smoothly it "pops" open and the resulting blow under the base makes the previously placed primer jump up and flip over. I've found the Remington Dry Lube is the best lube for the moving parts as it doesn't contaminate primers or powder and spilled powder kernals don't stick to it either. My biggest problem is getting in a hurry and forgetting to put a wad in. That makes a mess for sure. If I catch it before I crimp it I simply pour it in an old Hodgdon Powder jar. I've perforated the lid with a screwdriver small enough that it won't let #8 shot through but will allow the powder to pass. A separator if you will. I usually keep my 600 Jr on stand by to crimp a case that doesn't quite look right or to add poder and a wad to a case that I can insert into the Grabber to take the place of one I've screwed up. I don't load as much as I used to, In my biggest year I think I did about 5000 rounds. Last year I might have done 500. RD
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"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." ~ Thomas Jefferson ~
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| Posted: Mon Jul 30th, 2007 03:48 AM |
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3rd Post |
.45 COLT
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 7th, 2005 |
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| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | 12 Gauge |
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I've got one 76, runs fine for me. The first time I went from a single-stage to a progressive, Super 250 to 650, I did a lot of cussin' and cleaned up a lot of spills. At that time MEC wasn't so accessable or accomodating as they are now, but when I finally got it running right it was great.
I assume you bought it used. If it didn't have a manual, you can download one from MEC's website.
http://www.mecreloaders.com/OwnerManuals/OwnerManuals.asp
A couple things I've done to my presses that make them run a little smoother:
1.Put a powder baffle on each press.
2. On any press that I intend to load #6 or larger shot I've installed the Steel And Large Shot kit. That's especially helpful with progressives.
DC
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31st, 2007 01:34 AM |
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4th Post |
Rockydog
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| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
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| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | 8mm Mauser |
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45, Sounds like you've looked in the hull and couldn't see any shot in the wad, pulled it out to make sure it was empty and watched the shot promptly dribble all over the floor.  I'm only laughing because I've done it. Hell, I've done it more than once! I've also been in a hurry and tipped the bottles back without holding on to the plug in the shot bottle. It's not so bad with a short bottle but a tall one has enough weight in shot to drive the red stopper right out. Damn that's frustrating. RD
____________________
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." ~ Thomas Jefferson ~
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31st, 2007 02:47 AM |
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5th Post |
.45 COLT
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 7th, 2005 |
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| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | 12 Gauge |
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The original 650 primer feed was a long metal tube, held 82, or maybe 85, primers. Couldn't tell how many were left in the tube without counting each shell. Real easy to happily go on dumping powder with no primer in a shell or two. Then the shot spills........and jammed bars and on and on. But, once I got it down, it was worth the effort. Still got that 650, and another 650 too, but it has been outfitted with the tray primerr feed. When I bought the Grabber, I had absolutely no need for it, but the price was right and MECs seem to have a habit of following me home. Nine of 'em so far plus four others that I've given to my sons.
DC
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