Master Your Reloads: The MEC Super Sizer for Flawless Shotgun Shell Bases
For dedicated shotgun reloaders, competitive shooters, and avid hunters, the challenge of inconsistent ammunition can be a constant source of frustration. Nothing disrupts a smooth reloading process or a critical shot like a stubborn, oversized, or bulged shotgun shell base. These imperfections, often caused by repeated firing and extraction, lead to difficult chambering, unreliable feeding, and can even damage your valuable reloading equipment or firearm. If you've ever asked, "How do I fix bulged shotgun shells?" or "What's the best tool for restoring spent shotgun shell bases?" then you've arrived at the ultimate solution: the MEC Super Sizer.
This innovative tool is specifically engineered to address the common problem of deformed shotshell bases, meticulously returning them to their factory specifications. By ensuring every shell base is perfectly dimensioned, the MEC Super Sizer guarantees optimal performance, enhances the longevity of your reloading dies, and most importantly, provides the peace of mind that comes with consistently reliable ammunition. It's an indispensable component for any serious reloader seeking to maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve unparalleled precision in their shotgun ammunition.
Understanding the Importance of Perfect Shotshell Bases
Every time a shotgun shell is fired, the brass or steel base expands slightly to seal the chamber. While this expansion is critical for safe operation, repeated firing, especially in different chambers, can cause the base to deform beyond its original dimensions. This leads to a variety of issues:
- Difficult Chambering: An oversized base will not smoothly slide into your shotgun's chamber, leading to jams, misfeeds, or the need for excessive force to close the action. This is particularly problematic in semi-automatic shotguns.
- Premature Wear on Reloading Dies: Forcing an oversized shell into a resizing die on your reloading press can put undue stress on the die, leading to premature wear, scoring, and ultimately, a shortened lifespan for your expensive equipment.
- Reduced Reloading Efficiency: Struggling with bulged shells slows down your reloading process, turning what should be a smooth, enjoyable hobby into a frustrating chore.
- Compromised Reliability: In hunting or competitive shooting scenarios, a failure to feed or eject smoothly can mean the difference between success and failure. Perfectly sized shells ensure consistent, reliable performance when it matters most.
- Wasted Components: Without a reliable way to restore deformed bases, many reloaders are forced to discard otherwise perfectly good hulls, increasing their overall reloading costs.
The MEC Super Sizer tackles these problems head-on, offering a definitive solution that pays for itself many times over in saved components, reduced wear on equipment, and enhanced shooting experiences.
The MEC Super Sizer: Engineered for Precision and Durability
At the heart of the MEC Super Sizer's effectiveness lies its ingenious design. Unlike simple resizing rings that might attempt to crush a shell base back into shape, the MEC Super Sizer employs a sophisticated, multi-point pressure system.
How Does the MEC Super Sizer Work?
The MEC Super Sizer operates with an unmatched level of precision, utilizing eight robust steel fingers. These fingers encircle the entire base of the spent shotgun shell, applying even, circumferential pressure. This carefully distributed force gently but firmly reshapes the base, bringing it back to its exact original factory size. The process is smooth, efficient, and prevents the "bottlenecking" or uneven deformation that can occur with less advanced resizing methods. This method ensures that the primer pocket remains aligned and ready for a new primer, and the base rim is perfectly formed for reliable extraction.
Key Design Elements and Features:
- Eight-Finger Precision: This signature design element ensures uniform pressure application around the entire circumference of the shell base. This symmetrical force is critical for achieving a perfectly round, correctly sized base without crimping or deforming other parts of the hull.
- Durable Steel Construction: The critical sizing fingers and the tool's body are constructed from high-quality steel, designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use. This robust material choice guarantees longevity and consistent performance over tens of thousands of shells.
- User-Friendly Operation: Despite its precision engineering, the MEC Super Sizer is incredibly simple to use. It’s a hand-operated tool that doesn't require complex setups or adjustments, making it accessible for reloaders of all experience levels. Its intuitive design means you can quickly integrate it into your reloading workflow.
- Compact and Portable: The tool's relatively small footprint means it won't take up excessive space on your reloading bench. Its portability also makes it convenient for taking to the range if you like to process shells on-site.
- Specialized for 12 Gauge: The model identified by UPC 098489016209 is specifically designed for 12 gauge shotgun shells, one of the most popular and widely used gauges for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. This specialization ensures optimal fit and performance for 12-gauge hulls.
Benefits That Elevate Your Reloading Experience
Investing in a MEC Super Sizer offers a multitude of tangible benefits for any shotgun reloader:
- Extended Hull Life: By restoring deformed bases, you significantly extend the number of times you can safely and reliably reload a shotgun hull. This translates directly into substantial cost savings on component purchases. Imagine turning hulls you once discarded into perfectly functional ammunition again and again.
- Uninterrupted Reloading Flow: Say goodbye to frustrating jams on your reloading press. Perfectly sized bases slide effortlessly into your resizing dies, allowing for a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable reloading process from start to finish. This efficiency is invaluable, especially when processing large batches of ammunition.
- Enhanced Firearm Reliability: Ammunition that chambers and extracts smoothly is crucial for consistent performance. Whether you're in the heat of a sporting clays competition or stalking game in the field, you can trust that your MEC Super Sized shells will perform flawlessly, reducing the risk of costly malfunctions.
- Reduced Wear on Equipment: When shells are properly sized before entering your reloading dies, the stress on your press and dies is dramatically reduced. This preserves the life of your expensive reloading equipment, saving you money on replacements and repairs in the long run.
- Cost-Effective Ammunition Production: By recycling more of your spent hulls, the MEC Super Sizer directly contributes to lowering your cost per round. This makes shotgun reloading even more economical, allowing you to shoot more for less.
- Consistency in Every Round: Precision sizing contributes to the overall consistency of your reloaded ammunition. While many factors influence accuracy, a perfectly formed base is a fundamental starting point for a reliable and predictable round.
How to Use Your MEC Super Sizer (Step-by-Step)
The beauty of the MEC Super Sizer lies in its simplicity. Here’s a basic guide to using this powerful tool:
- Inspect the Shell: Before sizing, quickly inspect the spent 12 gauge shotgun shell. Ensure it's free of major damage (like significant cracks or splits) beyond a bulged base.
- Position the Shell: Take the spent shell and insert its brass or steel base into the top opening of the MEC Super Sizer. The rim of the shell base should rest on the top edge of the sizer, with the main body of the base entering the sizing chamber.
- Apply Downward Pressure: While holding the sizer firmly, apply steady, even downward pressure to the shell. This will push the shell base through the eight steel fingers. You will feel a slight resistance as the fingers compress and reshape the base.
- Listen for the "Click" (Optional): Some users report a subtle "click" or feeling of reduced resistance when the base has fully passed through the sizing fingers and reached its optimal dimension.
- Remove the Shell: Once the shell base has passed through the sizing mechanism, it will emerge from the bottom of the tool.
- Verify Sizing: It's always a good practice to visually inspect the resized base. For ultimate confirmation, you can attempt to chamber the resized shell in an empty shotgun or a chamber gauge (if you have one) to ensure it fits perfectly before proceeding with the rest of your reloading process.
This straightforward process ensures that every 12 gauge shell base is brought back to factory specifications, ready for a seamless experience on your reloading press.
Common Questions Answered by the MEC Super Sizer
Q: Can I use this for gauges other than 12 gauge?
A: The specific model with UPC 098489016209 is designed exclusively for 12 gauge shotgun shells. MEC does produce Super Sizers for other gauges, but this particular unit is optimized for 12GA.
Q: How often should I resize my shells?
A: It depends on the condition of your spent hulls. If you notice any difficulty in chambering or on your reloading press, it's an indication that the base needs resizing. Many reloaders choose to run all their hulls through the Super Sizer as a standard first step in their reloading process, ensuring consistency from the start.
Q: Will this damage my shell hulls?
A: When used correctly, the MEC Super Sizer is designed to gently and evenly reshape the base without causing damage to the hull. Its eight-finger design prevents uneven pressure points that could otherwise crimp or weaken the hull. It's a non-destructive method of restoration.
Q: Is the MEC Super Sizer necessary if I already have a resizing die on my press?
A: While your reloading press's resizing die performs some base resizing, the MEC Super Sizer is often more effective at correcting severely bulged or out-of-spec bases, especially those that might be too stubborn for your press's die without excessive force. It acts as a pre-sizer, ensuring your press's die operates under less stress and your shells glide through smoothly. For many, it's an essential first step before the primary resizing on the press.
Q: How do I maintain my MEC Super Sizer?
A: The MEC Super Sizer is a low-maintenance tool. Keep it clean and free of excessive debris. A light coating of rust preventative oil on the steel components (especially if stored in a humid environment) can help prolong its life. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.
The MEC Legacy: A Name You Can Trust in Reloading
MEC (Mayville Engineering Company) has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, renowned for producing high-quality, durable, and reliable reloading equipment. From their legendary shotshell presses to essential accessories like the Super Sizer, MEC products are trusted by reloaders worldwide. Their commitment to innovation and precision engineering ensures that every product, including the Super Sizer, meets the rigorous demands of the most discerning reloaders. When you choose MEC, you're not just buying a tool; you're investing in a legacy of excellence and a promise of consistent performance.
Invest in Reliability and Efficiency with the MEC Super Sizer
For any shotgun enthusiast committed to producing high-quality, reliable ammunition, the MEC Super Sizer is an indispensable tool. It solves a critical and common problem, saving you time, money, and frustration, all while enhancing the performance of your reloaded shells. By effectively restoring spent 12 gauge shell bases to their original dimensions, it ensures smooth chambering, extends hull life, and protects your valuable reloading equipment.
When you're searching for "the best way to fix shotgun shell base bulges" or "tools to improve shotgun reloading consistency," remember the MEC Super Sizer. It's the precision solution for flawless shotshell bases, available as part of DEGuns' comprehensive selection of top-tier reloading equipment. Elevate your reloading game and experience the confidence that comes with perfectly prepared ammunition.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | MEC Super Sizer Shotgun Shell Resizer |
| Primary Function | Resizes deformed or bulged shotgun shell bases |
| Gauge Compatibility | 12 Gauge (as per UPC 098489016209) |
| Mechanism | Eight steel fingers apply even pressure |
| Material | Durable Steel Construction |
| SKU | 811920 |
| UPC | 098489016209 |
| Manufacturer | MEC (Mayville Engineering Company) |
| Benefits | Extends hull life, improves feeding, reduces equipment wear |
