Questions on a used MEC Sizemaster 77

Picketwire

I'm picking up a used Sizemaster 77 from a guy next week. It is missing the primer feed assembly. Anyone know if I can manually add the primers? I've been looking at the recipes on the Alliant website. I am just about out of Trail boss, so at Lumpy's recommendation thinking of giving Unique a try so I can use it for my .38s and the shotgun shells. There seems to be a pretty good variance on pressures based on primer type. What primers are you using or recommend? Shot size? Shot payload weight? The standard looks like the AA wads, anyone have a preference on any other type? Thanks for the input.

LumpyGrits

At SASS load levels. Primers are not a real world issue.
I use the primers I get the cheapest.....
Order ALL of my reloading supplies from here.

https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/

Have no clue about the MEC 77. Have never heard of that one.
Maybe call MEC on Monday

https://www.mecoutdoors.com/shotshell-reloaders

Look for reclaimed shot. Way cheaper than new.

LG

Picketwire

Is the reclaimed shot ok for the bore?

rusty

I use 1 oz wads and put a little less than an ounce of shot. Also used reclaimed.

Picketwire

Ok reclaimed are you buying regraphited?

rusty

Yes. It’s pretty clean

LumpyGrits

Visit trap and skeet ranges in your area to see if they sell reclaimed shot.
LG

Picketwire

I found one in Redlands, not too far away for me. I will pick up 50 lbs when I go to my duck club.
Have you guys done any non-toxic loading? Bismuth, hevi-shot or steel? I think I will need some mods to the press for non-toxic.

LumpyGrits

I only load lead, as it's buy far the cheapest.
LG

Picketwire

Yeah the other stuff is a ripoff' I wouldn't think if shooting non-toxic for any sort of non hunting application. Unfortunately, I am even going to have to shoot dove and quail with non-toxic shot this year.

Picketwire

Loader is pretty clean and seems to cycle well. Guessing from the price list that came with the original instruction manual, at the age, (they wanted $4.99 for a charge bar then, they go for $28 now) I'm thinking this thing is at least 30 years old. The bar and bushing it came with will give me 11/8 ounce load and 21.2 grains of Unique. That seems like a generic store bought AA light load recipe. What loads are you all making? I will buy a universal charge bar if I need to change, they are about $50 or else, everytime I change the load, I have to spend $28 for a new bar plus a bushing. Doesn't make much sense to me.

Picketwire

Picketwire

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MFSsuLYJmXSLYzAk6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/BUpf3GG8Cvscf1ar7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VWaHoE92hzQqcCUh8

Picketwire

Hey Rusty, can we embed images here?

LumpyGrits

GOGGLE adjustable powder/shot bars for MEC.
I load 17.5 gns of Unique with 3/4-1oz of shot.
https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Universal-Charge-Bar-C-single-stage-w_Powder-Baffle/productinfo/2100001/

BTW-You use copper anti-seize, to lube the 'fingers' of the sizing collet.

LG

Picketwire

Thanks for the tip on the anti seize. I'll pick some up at NAPA.
Your recipe looks like it would be less recoil. I will copy it.

LumpyGrits

Has less recoil than W-W Featherlites.
Unique is a slower burning powder, so you don't have the recoil 'snap' like 700-X and the like.
FWIW-I have never, ever, seen a MEC bushing throw what it says it should.
Put the adjustable bar on my 600jr about 25 yrs ago-Could not be more pleased.
LG

rusty

Agree on the adjustable powder bar. Set it and forget it.

Picketwire

Ordering the adjustable bar today. Sorry Rusty, I am saving my hulls from here on out.

LumpyGrits

You can always go to a trap range and check the trash cans for hulls.
LG

rusty

Lol. I have never run out of hulls. But I’ll take the apology anyway

Picketwire

Happy Independence Day gentlemen!

Howdy, Stranger!

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