To convert or not

Stan Hillis · 12-22-2023, 07:31 AM

I have a used Mec Grabber that is sitting UNused, a gift from a friend. I can reload standard length 12, short 12, 20 and 2 1/2" and 3" .410s on my other machines. But, I need to get set up to load 16s. Which is the best route to follow ....... economically and feasibly ....... to convert this Grabber from 12 to 16 or to buy a new 16 ga. loader?

I have no idea what it would cost for a gauge conversion kit from Mec.

john pulis · 12-22-2023, 08:38 AM

I converted a 12 size master to 16 with s short kit. The most expensive component was the collet, found one on eBay. All the other parts, were from a 600 Jnr. Not the same as a Grabber, but eBay has or had when last I looked parts for mec progressives. Good luck.

Mike of the Mountain · 12-22-2023, 11:13 AM

I'd contact MEC first and see what they recommend. If they say to just change out the dies then find them online and compare the online price vs MEC factory price.

6pt-Sika · 12-22-2023, 12:36 PM

I wouldn’t mind a 10 gauge Grabber !

Bill Murphy · 12-22-2023, 06:09 PM

Stan, considering the variety of sixteen gauge empties that you will use, I would recommend a PW 375 because of the aggressive full length resizing. I have a baggo them and have used them since the first day they were on the market. They are all still running. Just checked on gunsinternational and ebay and it looks like you are out of luck. However, guys like me are kicking off every day, so keep your eyes peeled.

William Davis · 12-23-2023, 07:35 AM

Agree with Bill. My opinion PW 375 with the taper crimp 16 G dies best solution. The dies are shorter than standard 16 dies, intended for applying taper to shells for autoloaders. However they also allow easy adjusting for 2 1/2 hulls.

New 375 set up that way expensive. Getting out of 16 G I sold all my PW 16 gear used for less than new MEC prices. Keep your eyes open they come up for sale. Very old 375’s still work well. Well built quality tools, and they can be set up to run two gages same press. My pair were 20/16 12/10. Now running a single 20/12

William

Stan Hillis · 12-23-2023, 07:49 AM

Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions. Will keep my eyes open and do some pricing with MEC.

Bill and William, what is the advantage of the PW's sizing over the collet sizing method of a Grabber? I've used a 9000G for many years and find the sizing done by the collet to be effortless and complete. Just trying to understand better. Thanks in advance.

George "Scott" Davis · 12-23-2023, 08:48 AM

I located a 16 gauge Hornady 366 and lowered the various stages to 2 1/2 inch and it works wonderfully. Previously I used a MEC with their adapter, slower but still very efficient.

Mike of the Mountain · 12-23-2023, 08:56 AM

Stan, I use a MEC 600 Jr to load 2 1/2" and 2 3/4" shells. Put in the short kit for the 2 1/2", take it out for the 2 3/4". Loads everything effortlessly. I load Fiocchi, RST, Estate, Remington. No issues with resizing or crimping.

William Davis · 12-23-2023, 11:04 AM

MEC collet system works fine, it does have to be lubed, PW sizer works like a rifle size die & needs to be kept clean too. No advantage one way or the other .

Reason I changed from 4 Mecs 20 16 & 10 600 ‘s ( 12 g was a grabber )was to save bench space. Two PW’s did the job. Other reason I like nice machinery & the PW machines are made like American machine tools were made 50 years ago. Smooth operating heavy presses .

Simplified my shotgunning now load 20 & 12 on one PW . Having said that loaded a lot of 16 on a MEC 600 with a short kit and it worked fine.

William