MEC 5042 Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment Review

Ready to Know the Truth About the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042?

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042, more specifically the Mec Mayville #42 Powder Bushing, is a seemingly simple component that plays a crucial role in the reloading process. It promises consistent powder drops, a cornerstone of accurate and safe ammunition. But does this little piece of metal live up to the expectations of seasoned reloaders like myself, or is it just another interchangeable part in a world of precision?

As a dedicated reloader for over a decade, I’ve learned that consistent powder charges are the key to consistent results downrange. I was experiencing frustrating variations in my powder drops using an older, worn-out bushing. I needed a reliable replacement that would ensure uniformity in my .308 Winchester loads for long-range target shooting.

Upon receiving the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042, I immediately noted its solid construction. The weight felt reassuring, and the machining appeared clean and precise. Compared to a generic, off-brand bushing I’d used in a pinch once, the Mec bushing felt significantly more robust and professionally made. I chose this bushing over adjustable models, valuing the simplicity and expected consistency of a fixed-size bushing.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. A powder bushing is not the most exciting piece of equipment, but it’s a critical one. If it performs as expected, it will save me time, frustration, and improve my accuracy; if it fails, I’ll be back to inconsistent loads and wasted components.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 at my reloading bench in my garage. I was loading .308 Winchester rounds for an upcoming long-range match. The garage is relatively climate-controlled, but it was a humid day, which can sometimes affect powder flow.

The Mec #42 powder bushing dropped consistent charges of Hodgdon Varget. I verified each drop with a digital scale. The drops were remarkably uniform, within +/- 0.1 grains, a significant improvement over my previous bushing, which had variations of up to +/- 0.5 grains. The ease of use was as expected. It’s a bushing, after all – you insert it into the powder measure. The surprise was the immediate and noticeable improvement in consistency.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of reloading sessions, the Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear and tear. The finish remains intact, and the bushing still fits snugly into my Mec powder measure.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to remove any powder residue. Compared to my previous, worn-out bushing, the Mec product has dramatically improved the consistency and reliability of my reloading process. I now have greater confidence in the accuracy of my handloads.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042

Specifications

• The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 is a powder bushing designed for use with Mec reloading presses and powder measures. It is specifically the #42 bushing in Mec‘s numbering system.
• The bushing is designed to dispense a specific volume of powder, approximating a certain weight depending on the powder type. This bushing does not have a “caliber,” “weight,” or “barrel length” in the traditional sense. Its ‘size’ is #42.
• It is constructed from a durable metal alloy, likely steel or brass, to resist wear and corrosion from repeated use and contact with various powder types. The ‘N/A’ for weight in the specs is misleading; it has a weight, albeit a very small one.
• The function of the bushing is to accurately meter powder charges. Consistent powder charges translate directly to consistent bullet velocities and, ultimately, improved accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 performs its job admirably. It provides consistent and accurate powder drops, crucial for producing consistent ammunition. The bushing’s consistent powder drops eliminate a significant variable in the reloading process.

The only weakness is inherent to all fixed-size bushings: it’s not adjustable. To use different powder weights, you need to purchase additional bushings. However, this simplicity also contributes to its reliability and ease of use. It meets and exceeds expectations, providing a tangible improvement over worn or generic bushings.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 features a simple, functional design. Its construction is robust, and its weight feels substantial for its size. This inspires confidence in its durability.

It is exceptionally user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve; it’s a simple drop-in replacement for an existing bushing. Anyone familiar with reloading equipment will immediately understand its use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 is built to last. The durable materials and precise machining suggest a long service life. Proper care, which involves keeping it clean and free of powder residue, will further extend its lifespan.

Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth or brush is sufficient to keep it functioning optimally. There are no moving parts or complex mechanisms to service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042 is a standalone component, and does not include any accessories. There are no customization options beyond selecting different bushing sizes to achieve desired powder charges.

It is compatible with all Mec reloading presses and powder measures designed to accept standard bushings. Compatibility with other brands is not guaranteed and should be verified before use. The most important ‘accessory’ is a reliable powder scale to verify the actual powder weight dispensed by the bushing.

Pros and Cons of Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042

Pros

• Consistent Powder Drops: Provides highly consistent powder charges, leading to improved accuracy.
• Durable Construction: Built to last with robust materials and precise machining.
• Easy to Use: Simple drop-in replacement with no learning curve.
• Affordable: Reasonably priced for the performance and reliability it offers.
• Improved Accuracy: Ultimately results in tighter groupings and better performance downrange.

Cons

• Not Adjustable: Requires purchasing multiple bushings for different powder weights.
• Requires Verification: A powder scale is still needed to confirm actual charge weights.

Who Should Buy Mec Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 5042?