I am supposed to go meet a guy tomorrow to pick up two versamec reloaders and about 10lbs of various powders. The one powder he had in the picture was Red Dot. I am supposed to pick these up tomorrow for 95$. Anything in particular I should look out for or avoid? I have been using a Lee Load all 2 and just happened to come across these. Good Deal? I thought so. Thanks for any help
versamec?
- Thread starter chbarnha
- Start date
Sure Shot Mc Gee
New member
I think you would be better served buying the newer Mark 5 600 jr model verses Versamec. Little benefit gain in buying a long discontinued (32 yrs) shot-shell press.
As I recall way back when. There was some difficulty in parts longevity. If I recall correctly the older models had a thin plastic fingered type of wad starter which was easily damaged when used on badly burnt hull mouths. Unlike todays one piece molded plastic wad starter which are basically throwaways _easily replaced and much cheaper in cost.
The plus of pre 82 models. Depriming rod_Resizer tube and Final crimp all where fully adjustable to allow 2-3/4 and 3" hull loading without parts change-out. Where as todays models require a accessory 3" change out parts kit that >are not< cheap.
To be honest I liked the all brass {loosely fitted} starting crimper much better than today all plastic crimp starters.
Had a pre 82 600 jr and sold. (now regret selling)
Today. Have 2- Mark 5 Sizemasters for 12 & 20 ga. 3"_ And Mark 5 600 Jr for 3" 410.
Sizemaster Mec's are the cats meow when not needing the speed of a progressive but wanting a up-grade user friendly manual press.
As I recall way back when. There was some difficulty in parts longevity. If I recall correctly the older models had a thin plastic fingered type of wad starter which was easily damaged when used on badly burnt hull mouths. Unlike todays one piece molded plastic wad starter which are basically throwaways _easily replaced and much cheaper in cost.
The plus of pre 82 models. Depriming rod_Resizer tube and Final crimp all where fully adjustable to allow 2-3/4 and 3" hull loading without parts change-out. Where as todays models require a accessory 3" change out parts kit that >are not< cheap.
To be honest I liked the all brass {loosely fitted} starting crimper much better than today all plastic crimp starters.
Had a pre 82 600 jr and sold. (now regret selling)
Today. Have 2- Mark 5 Sizemasters for 12 & 20 ga. 3"_ And Mark 5 600 Jr for 3" 410.
Sizemaster Mec's are the cats meow when not needing the speed of a progressive but wanting a up-grade user friendly manual press.
"...and about 10lbs of various powders..." Don't buy powder than is in opened cans or if the guy cannot tell you how it's been stored.
Like Sure Shot says, there's not much advantage to an old shot shell loader. Mec shows some parts for a model 700 Versamec, but cheap they ain't. For example, a charge bar for assorted shot weights runs $24.79 each.
No idea if it'd be any better than your Lee in any case.
Like Sure Shot says, there's not much advantage to an old shot shell loader. Mec shows some parts for a model 700 Versamec, but cheap they ain't. For example, a charge bar for assorted shot weights runs $24.79 each.
No idea if it'd be any better than your Lee in any case.
Sure Shot Mc Gee
New member
Older box's & cans in good shape do have value. I've been to Ballistic Products business place many times and they have a display of older such shot-shell box's. Could give them a hail and see if their interested in buying your empty box's & cans. Keep in mind un opened packaging requires pre-paid Haz mat label for such materials shipping. ($$).