Troubleshooting

Having difficulty with your MEC Reloader? We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions and videos to help you resolve the issue. Scroll down to locate the topic that you're having an issue with or click here to view our troubleshooting videos. Don't hesitate to contact us for additional technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the MEC Powder Bushing Chart differ from those printed in some of the reloading guides?

• MEC's Powder Bushing Chart shows the volumetric capacity of a given powder in relationship to various powder bushings. The amount listed on the MEC Powder Bushing Chart was calculated using a single stage machine with a standard lot of a given powder. A single stage reloader will general throw a slightly heavier charge than a progressive machine. The information supplied in some of the reloading guides may have been calculated using a progressive machine. For this reason MEC always recommends the use of an accurate scale to verify the amount of powder dispensed. Other factors can also affect the amount of powder dispensed.

Why does my reloader jam, or bottom out, half way down on the downstroke?

• The resizing collet may be dry. Use Anti-Seize lubricant on the outside of the collet fingers.
• May be shot or powder buildup inside the collet.
• Wad guide may be set to low on progressive reloaders.

What can I do about powder leaking out the top of my bar?

• Grommet may be missing or need to be replaced.
• Brass washer missing on the powder side or installed incorrectly.

Primer not fully seated.

• On progressive reloaders, lower the powder, or reprime tube, slightly.

Why is my charge bar throwing a lighter charge of shot from what it should drop?

• Charge bar may not be returning back to the right every time.
• High antimony or hard shot will throw a lighter charge

Why are my bushings dropping different from what the bushing chart states?

• Make sure that the charge bar is completely traveling to the left and to the right every time.
• The bushing chart will supply the information of recommended bushings, but due to many factors, charges may vary and the use of a scale is highly recommended.

Powder is leaking from bar. Both brass washer and brand new grommet are inserted.

• The brass washer has four dimples on it that should face up into the rubber grommet.
• With the rubber grommet and the brass washer installed, the powder should not leak out of the measure assembly.

Can I still get parts for the MEC 250, 300, 310, or 400? Are any parts interchangable?

• There are no longer any parts available for the old 300, 310, and 400 reloaders and no parts are interchangable.
• The 250 has been out of production for over 40 years. There are no longer any parts available for this reloader and the current parts will not retrofit onto the 250

My grabber is set up to load 2-3/4" shells. Is there a kit to convert it to 3"?

• The old style, '76 model Grabbers will not resize high brass shells where as all of our current reloaders will, such as the Steelmaster.

What do I have to do to safely change from reloading lead to steel shot and back again?

• A steel shot kit and charge bar must be installed for reloading steel shot.
• Once the kit is on, you will only need to change the charge bars when you go back and forth to lead shot.

On a MEC 8567 Grabber can aUniversal charge bar be installed on it? Is this charge bar ok to use on this reloader?

• The Universal charge bar is an after market product which is made to work on all of the MEC reloaders. Information on the Universal bar can be obtained by calling Multi-Scale Co. at 1-905-566-1255.

Do you offer a repair service?

• Yes, MEC Outdoors offers a full reconditioning service at our facility. Our service rate is $65 per hour plus parts and shipping. Our goal is to ship your machine back within 2 weeks from the date we receive it. Depending on our workload this may or may not be possible. As one of our valued customers you can count on us to return your machine as quickly as possible.

• When sending your reloader to the factory for servicing, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you wrap your MEC Reloader in bubble wrap before placing it securely into a cardboard box.
• DO NOT: Pack your reloader in styrofoam peanuts or any other non typical packing materials.
• DO NOT: Send the shot and powder bottles.
• NOTE: If primer feed needs repair, please take off the press, wrap in bubble wrap and send with press.  IF it does not need repair then do not send it.
• DO INCLUDE: A note stating what you want done, list the components you use, and include your physical shipping/billing address with daytime phone number. We accept Visa, Master Card, and Discover for payment.

Our shipping address is:

MEC Outdoors
Attn: Customer Service
800 Horicon Street Suite 1
Mayville, WI 53050

Troubleshooting Videos

Click on the links below to watch helpful troubleshooting videos.

1. 600 Slugger Operating Instructions
2. 600 Slugger Troubleshooting
3. Auto Indexing Problems
4. Clean and Replace Collet on Progressive
5. Column Spring Setting
6. Crimp Adjustments on Single Stage
7. Deformed Brass on Progressive
8. Installing Slide Bracket
9. Lifter Tube Adjustments
10. Lubing on a Sizemaster
11. Operating Rod Adjustments
12. Polishing Primer Feed Tray
13. Primer Seating Assembly
14. Progressive Bar Lock and Release
15. Progressive Closure Adjustments
16. Progressive Crimp Adjustments
17. Progressive Primer Feed Installation (385CA)
18. Progressive Primer Feed Installation (8983)
19. Rammer Tube Settings
20. Relube on 9000's
21. Resizing on a Sizemaster
22. Resizing Ring on 600 Jr. Mark V
23. Checking for Deformed Brass
24. 9000GN Conversion to 9000E
25. 410 Conversion 2 1/2 in. to 3 in.