The MEC 9000 Reloader: Why Serious Shooters Keep Coming Back to This Machine

If you've been shopping for a MEC reloader, you've probably already gotten the standard advice: start with something simple, work your way up. It sounds reasonable. It's also how a lot of shooters end up buying two presses when they only needed to buy one.

The MEC 9000G sits near the top of the MEC lineup, and when people see the price tag, they hesitate. That hesitation is understandable. It's also, in most cases, a mistake. Here's why.

What the MEC 9000G Actually Does

The 9000G is a progressive reloader — meaning it completes a different reloading operation at each station with every stroke of the handle. One full cycle of the press advances all shells simultaneously, so by the time you've worked through the stations, you're dropping a finished shell into the bin with every stroke.

But the feature that separates the 9000G from a standard progressive is this: it doesn't lock you into one mode. You can run it as a single-stage press when you're working up a new load and want to inspect each step. You can run it in a semi-progressive mode. Or you can open it up and run full progressive when you're cranking out volume. One machine, multiple operating modes.

That flexibility is the whole argument. If you buy a dedicated single-stage press to "start simple," you're buying a machine that does one thing. The day you want to do something else, you're back at the dealer.

The MEC 9000 Models - What's the Difference?

MEC makes two versions of the 9000: the 9000G and the 9000H. The G is the standard model. The H adds a hydraulic assist — a power cylinder that takes the physical effort out of the downstroke.

Current pricing (2025) puts the 9000G at around $826 for 12 or 20 gauge, with higher prices for sub-gauge configurations. The 9000H runs approximately $1,525.

The question of whether the hydraulic is worth it is one I cover directly in my reloading guide. The short answer is: it depends on how much you shoot, and on some physical factors that aren't the same for every reloader. It's not a clear yes or no.

How the 9000G Compares to the MEC Grabber

The MEC Grabber (model 8567N) is the other progressive in the MEC lineup, and it's the press the 9000G most often gets compared to. The Grabber runs around $674 for 12 or 20 gauge and is a capable, popular machine with a long track record.

The Grabber does what it does well. The question is whether the additional capability of the 9000G is worth the price difference for your situation. That depends on your volume, your gauges, and specifically how you like to run your reloading sessions. I go through the comparison in detail in the guide — the tradeoffs are real, and they cut both ways depending on the shooter.

What About Two-Gauge Shooters?

One of the most common questions I get is from shooters who reload for more than one gauge. The conventional answer is to buy a single press and swap it between gauges using conversion kits. It works. It's also a hassle that compounds over time.

The math on two dedicated presses — particularly at the Grabber price point — often surprises people when they actually run the numbers. Two presses means no teardown, no recalibration, no lost time between gauges. Your second press is set up, tested, and ready to run the moment you sit down.

Whether that makes sense for you depends on your setup and how frequently you switch gauges. It's worth thinking through before you buy.

Two Situations Where the 9000G May Not Be Your Answer

I'll be straight with you: the 9000G isn't the right call for everyone. There are two situations where I'd tell you to think twice.

The first is if you've inherited a press or been given one that works. A free single-stage that runs clean is worth more than a $826 machine you don't need yet. Learn on what you have.

The second is if you're primarily a hunter rather than a high-volume clay target shooter. If you're loading a few boxes of field loads a couple of times a year, the progressive capacity of the 9000G is largely wasted on your use case. A simpler press will serve you fine and leave money in your pocket for shells and birds.

If neither of those describes you — if you shoot trap, skeet, or sporting clays with any regularity, and you're buying your first press or replacing one — the 9000G deserves a hard look before you default to something "simpler."

Getting the Most Out of the MEC 9000

Owning the right press is only part of the equation. The other part is knowing how to run it correctly from day one — how to set it up, what to watch for, which mistakes are expensive, and how to hit your stride so that reloading sessions actually feel productive instead of frustrating.

The MEC owner's manual covers the basics. It doesn't cover everything you're likely to run into, and it definitely doesn't cover how to get fast without sacrificing quality. That's what my reloading guides do.

If you want the full picture — which press to buy for your specific situation, how to set it up right, and how to reload consistently without grief — the guides are the place to start.