Mec Powder and Shot Bottles 8042 Review

My Experience with the Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042: Here’s the Truth

The Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042, manufactured by MEC, are designed as replacement or upgrade components for their line of reloading presses. They are essentially plastic containers meant to hold powder and shot, feeding these materials into the reloading process. I initially sought these out hoping for a complete set to streamline my reloading setup.

I was looking for a reliable way to refill my powder and shot hoppers without constantly removing them from the press. My existing bottles were showing their age, with cracks and discoloration becoming a concern. The Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042 seemed like a direct replacement, but the initial experience left me with mixed feelings.

Upon receiving the package, I was immediately struck by the fact that it was only one bottle. My initial expectation, based on some online descriptions, was that it would include both the small and large bottles. The plastic felt sturdy enough, but the value proposition seemed questionable considering it was just the large bottle. Compared to other options, such as aftermarket bottles or even complete powder/shot measure assemblies, the Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042 felt somewhat overpriced for what it was. My excitement quickly turned to disappointment.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042 on my MEC 9000G progressive reloader. It was a fairly straightforward swap, simply removing the old bottle and replacing it with the new one. The initial fill went smoothly, with no issues with the bottle itself.

The ambient temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with low humidity. The bottle functioned as intended, allowing me to refill the powder measure without removing it from the press. I did, however, notice that the plastic seemed a little more brittle than my original bottle, raising concerns about its longevity. There were no immediate problems.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent reloading, the Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042 has held up reasonably well. There are no visible cracks or signs of significant wear. However, the plastic does seem to scratch easily, and I’m cautious about using aggressive cleaning solvents on it.

Maintenance is simple; I occasionally wipe it down with a dry cloth to remove powder residue. Compared to my previous experiences with more robust bottles, this one feels a little delicate. I wouldn’t say it outperforms my old bottle, but it functions adequately.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042

Specifications

• Size: Large. This refers to the volume of the bottle, designed to hold a substantial amount of powder or shot. The larger capacity means fewer refills during reloading sessions.
• Material: Plastic. The bottle is constructed from a molded plastic material. Plastic construction ensures that the bottle is lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
• Compatibility: Designed for MEC reloaders. The bottle fits directly onto MEC reloading presses, facilitating easy refills. This is essential for seamless reloading.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042 performs its job adequately, providing a container for powder or shot that can be easily refilled. Its strength lies in its direct compatibility with MEC reloaders. A weakness is the perceived fragility of the plastic material.

The bottle meets basic expectations. Improvements could be made in material quality.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate, but the plastic feels somewhat cheap. Its weight is negligible, as expected for a plastic bottle.

It is reasonably user-friendly. There is no learning curve involved; it’s a simple replacement part.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability is questionable due to the type of plastic used. Maintenance is easy, requiring only occasional cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come with the Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042. There are no real customization options; it’s a direct replacement part. It is compatible with standard MEC reloader setups.

Pros and Cons of Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042

Who Should Buy Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042?

Perfect for reloaders who already own MEC presses and need a direct replacement for a damaged or worn-out large bottle. Those needing a quick and easy solution will benefit.

Those seeking a more robust or cost-effective solution should skip this product. Anyone looking for a complete set of bottles should also avoid this, as it’s just the large bottle.

A must-have modification would be to add a more durable desiccant cap to keep moisture out of the bottle for powder storage.

Conclusion on Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042

The Mec Powder And Shot Bottles Large 8042 serves its intended purpose but falls short in terms of overall value and perceived durability. The price seems unjustified for a single plastic bottle that doesn’t exude quality.

I would cautiously recommend it only to those who specifically need a direct replacement for their MEC reloader and are willing to accept the potential downsides. Other reloaders might find better value in alternative options. Be sure to check exactly what you are getting before buying!