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Posted: 2/18/2017 12:52:12 AM EDT
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I picked this up for Xmas. I had the PW Autodrive and to be honest, this thing is light years ahead of the PW.
I have only run 2300 45acp and 1k 9mm on it so far (due to home projects taking priority). I have a list of calibers I am looking to load so I will post updates as I start running a bit more variety (rifle trimming/loading, etc). Here are my quick likes and don't likes: Pros: 1. Customer service - they have been quite helpful as I had questions 2. Super easy to install. I was actually quite impressed. The PW requires quite a bit more adjustment - which honestly I don't think I ever got quite right. Glad to see it gone. I tried to get help from PW.. no such help. 3. The system is a beast. I purchased the X model. It's the intermediate model. I do not recommend the LTE (low end) model. I almost bought that one but it doesn't have a lot of the software features which I like. For example, you can set the dwell time (at bottom and top of stroke) on X and PRO models. This is great if you want to make sure those rifle cases are fully charged and powder is settled in case before spinning. The Pro model adds a bit more but it is seriously more for commercial IMO. 4. "Torque Sense" digital clutch is fantastic. I can't see breaking parts like is possible with a PW. How do I know it's possible? Oh... I know. The system is adjustable and to be honest, I need to figure out why I seem to need to set it a bit high for loading 9mm (compared to 45acp). I may have to email/call Mark7 about that. It worked fine, but I was having issues with lower settings. Cons: 1. Belt is really close to the press. You can barely get a wrench in to replace the swager rod. Going from 45 to 9, I had to spend some time getting that rod out. PITA. 2. Accessory prices are a bit outrageous. 3. No handle in case you want to run manually. It would be a PITA to remove each time. Honestly, I thought this was a con and will add it as such... but really this system doesn't need a handle. There is the ability to run a single cycle. Only time I would want a handle is when I was working up loads. I will use the single cycle feature for this chore. 4. Had to drill my own holes to mount it to bench. The platform is on small polymer feet. It isn't going anywhere but I really wanted it mounted to bench. If by any chance someone were to break in (getting by the flying monkeys and security system), I want them to work a bit to remove the press. Will post a cool tip in next post. |
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OK.. so, Like I said, I absolutely HATE the outrageous prices of the accessories. Some do have quite a bit of thought and engineering so perhaps those are worth it.
But here is what I did instead. I picked up the "Wired remote shut off": http://www.markvii-loading.com/Mark-7-Wired-Remote-Stop-Switch-_p_214.html I think this is important because the tablet is mounted a bit high (out of the way). I like the cut off in my hand in case something goes bad. I also picked up this cable: http://www.markvii-loading.com/Mark-7-PowderSense-Digital-Powder-Check-Sensor_p_154.html (only the $30 "wiring kit"). I then picked up a bunch of these: Allied Stock#: 70175774 which I ran in series to the two terminals on end of the wiring kit. I hooked them up quite quickly. I would have preferred to use connectors and better wiring but I didn't have any around. Results are in the video below. I plan to clean things up a bit as I get time. Perhaps pick up proper connectors. I just quickly soldered the wiring together to get her running. Really works slick. I am no David Attenborough but hope this video and tip helps someone. I am sure I stole this from one of you smart people at some point: Video And yes, you can hear my "Flying Monkeys" in the video.. Mom came home with dinner so they started barking a bit during video.. |
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What is the price of all that? I just have a Lee single press right now which works for what I am shooting at this point in time. Yet if I get into higher round count at the range would be nice to have a quicker way to do everything. The X model is about $2400... doesn't include press. I have had the press for a few years. I did get the discount they had a Xmas.. but to be honest, I think if you call them anytime, you could probably talk them into a better price. They also tossed in the "wiring kit" for free since I asked nicely. Edit: They also have an autodrive model for 650 press if you go that route. Or if you go crazy, buy one of their new "Revolution" presses for $10k.. |
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The X model is about $2400... doesn't include press. I have had the press for a few years. I did get the discount they had a Xmas.. but to be honest, I think if you call them anytime, you could probably talk them into a better price. They also tossed in the "wiring kit" for free since I asked nicely. Edit: They also have an autodrive model for 650 press if you go that route. Or if you go crazy, buy one of their new "Revolution" presses for $10k.. Damn all out of my price range right now and I am just now starting to get into hand loading. If I shot a shit load that would pay for itself eventually yet what I shoot now it doesn't. Thanks for the info though. Will have to start saving to get to that point. |
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Damn all out of my price range right now and I am just now starting to get into hand loading. If I shot a shit load that would pay for itself eventually yet what I shoot now it doesn't. Thanks for the info though. Will have to start saving to get to that point. I am lucky to be able to shoot on a friend's ranch every weekend. He and I both use the press. I pay for the hardware. he pays for his own components. We go through a ton of ammo. I started with a Lee turret press... Fantastic press. Great for me when I was just learning. |
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Encountered my first bit of trouble over weekend.. As I mentioned above, the "torque sense" setting had to be raised pretty high for 9mm.
I assumed it was a problem with the press so I kept cleaning and lubing it. Last night, I found the problem... the rear "sprocket" was installed too close to motor. It was scraping on the bolt heads of motor. It's installed at factory. A very tight fit with a set screw holding it in place. I sent them email and they already have replacement sprocket in mail but now I got to figure out how to get off. They recommend heat gun and screw drivers. Will try tonight. I can still use the existing sprocket for now if I can it shifted over. I hadnt noticed the mess that was being made because all that powder from scraping sprocket was under the protective shield. 
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They do make one for 650 ETA: Only $1750, not too bad. http://www.markvii-loading.com/Mark-7-Reloading-Package-Builder_p_301.html I wonder if it would cause any issues with my swage on press setup. |
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Heat gun worked. Got sprocket off. I re-installed it aligned with the front sprocket. Works great. I will probably install the new one they send next time I do a thorough cleaning.
I may install one of those switches I posted above just inside the sprocket. If the sprocket slides towards motor, it will trip (cutting off machine). Not that I expect it to happen but I guess it would be as good a use for it as any. I actually haven't thought of a 4th use yet (besides the powder check which I don't use anyway). |
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Thanks for the info I have been trying to decide which model I want! I originally ordered LTE but was disappointed in the lack of software functions (no adjustments to dwell time, etc). Before mine shipped, I called and asked to change to X. Funny thing was at the time, LTE was on sale. She sold me the Upgrade kit resulting in a total less than the price of X model. They still sent me x model (not LTE plus X upgrade). You can always upgrade later. Upgrade price is reasonable. But using the X for a short time, I have already found the adjustments to be hugely useful. You can really reduce powder spillage and consistencies. Pro model is out of my needs. Only accessory I am debating is new bullet sensor which is a bit expensive. When running 1800 rnds/hr with 9mm, a bullet sensor would really stop some problems. Faster reaction than me. I can keep up at 1200 or so. |
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I originally ordered LTE but was disappointed in the lack of software functions (no adjustments to dwell time, etc). Before mine shipped, I called and asked to change to X. Funny thing was at the time, LTE was on sale. She sold me the Upgrade kit resulting in a total less than the price of X model. They still sent me x model (not LTE plus X upgrade). You can always upgrade later. Upgrade price is reasonable. But using the X for a short time, I have already found the adjustments to be hugely useful. You can really reduce powder spillage and consistencies. Pro model is out of my needs. Only accessory I am debating is new bullet sensor which is a bit expensive. When running 1800 rnds/hr with 9mm, a bullet sensor would really stop some problems. Faster reaction than me. I can keep up at 1200 or so. I have been debating the X or Pro model but really didn't know all the differences and whether it was worth the upgrade. |
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I made a quick modification to the decap pin sensor. Rather than using zip ties to strap it to die (which had mixed results).
Using same switch, I epoxied it to a 14mm socket (3/8"). First I bent the switch lever like this and ground down the socket side for flat contact: 
Then made tested it to make sure it would catch slight movement in decap pin: 
Then bond them together: 
The lee die use a 1/2 wrench to adjust the collet on decap pin. You don't want to use a socket with tight fit. Else, if that pin were to drive too far up, you might bend the switch arm. 13-14mm is loose enough but won't rotate on die. Also, it weighs enough that should keep it in place. The switches I am using are super sensitive (low force) so if the pin moves, this switch will trip. Will test it tonight... |
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After fighting 357 sig a bit (flare vs neck tension), I am finding something to stop press (faster than me) is in order when bullet is not
perfectly set upon the case under seating die. I opt'ed to spend some coin on one accessory that Mark 7 just released. It checks to make sure a bullet is positioned upright. http://www.markvii-loading.com/Mark-7BulletSense-Bullet-Detection-Sensor_p_334.html Brown truck arrives with it tomorrow. Hope to have review soon. |
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Bullet sensor arrived. Was a little bit of a pain to install due to their use of a lot of hex head screws that didnt match the normal dillon hex set... Little nit picky but it did slow me down.
Unfortunately, I hit a wall when I went to run her. I am getting a softwares error on the tablet: "Can not connect USB". Oddly, the troubleshooting docs online mention that error. One of two fixes: 1. Make sure cables are connected - done. 2. Replace cable... sigh. Anyway, sounds like press is down due to technical difficulties. I was just using it over weekend without issue. Hoping Mark7 gets me running soon. It does show that adding technology to the press can result in more troubles I suppose. There is no easy way to run manually unless I disconnect. Not likely to happen tonight. |
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Bullet sensor arrived. Was a little bit of a pain to install due to their use of a lot of hex head screws that didnt match the normal dillon hex set... Little nit picky but it did slow me down. Unfortunately, I hit a wall when I went to run her. I am getting a softwares error on the tablet: "Can not connect USB". Oddly, the troubleshooting docs online mention that error. One of two fixes: 1. Make sure cables are connected - done. 2. Replace cable... sigh. Anyway, sounds like press is down due to technical difficulties. I was just using it over weekend without issue. Hoping Mark7 gets me running soon. It does show that adding technology to the press can result in more troubles I suppose. There is no easy way to run manually unless I disconnect. Not likely to happen tonight. |
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Sounds like you need a new, quality USB cable, easily fixed. The cable that comes with it seems good. It's actually two pieces. I was able to swap out one end with another cable I had but that didn't work. I will wait for their response on my latest testing. |
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Sigh... well, looks like 1050 will be down a little longer. I stopped by local radio shack and picked up a good USB cable. Picked up a soldering gun and other items I have been wanting as they are apparently going out of business.
Went back and forth with Mark 7 today. They told me to verify a few things. Nothing made a difference. Still not connecting. I hope it's not the drive itself. Hoping it's a software issue or tablet issue. I suspect they will replace it. I don't want to have to swap the entire autodrive out... Anyway, I have 44mag, 223, and 357 sig empty cases needing to be filled. In the mean time, I guess I will keep running my other presses. Edit: as I typed this, I got a note from Mark7 saying they would replace the console. Crossing my fingers! |
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Parts came yesterday to fix the Mark7.
Got it back running today. Unfortunately, I am having an odd issue with the Bullet sensor install. It appears to work fine. But there is a mirror that is mounted to primer tube. It reflects the laser back to the sensor. The mirror holder rubs against the die plate as it goes up/down. I am only slightly concerned. I emailed Mark 7 asking what they think. They asked for pics. Will see what they say tomorrow after reviewing pics. Wondering if my Primer system is slightly bent after years of use? I am not noticing anything. As I said, the system does work. With time, the mirror holder will wear enough to not matter. I just don't like the friction or debris from the rubbing. I will probably polish it up a little and try again this weekend. As for the system itself, it is great most of the time. It detected missing bullets MOST of the time. The only problem I had was if there was an upside down bullet in the feeder. The result is typically two bullets dropping. When that happens, most of the time the top bullet falls off quickly. Sometimes it makes it to the seating station (where sensor is) then the top bullet falls off. That split second of a double stack in the seating station is enough to send a signal to the sensor (speed of light!) saying there is a bullet on case. The press continues. Root cause is not really related to the bullet sensor. Root cause is problematic bullets. I bought some RMR pulled 357 sig bullets. They are kind of junk. They are HP bullets and the HP varies greatly. Resulting in issues with flipped bullets on occasion. I have not worked out a flawless setup yet with MBF. I can see that the bullet sensor itself is worth it for most applications. Maybe not so much for this one. |
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Seems like you spend more time fixing it than you do loading on it. This thing is light years ahead of my PW autodrive. Since I bought it earlier this year, we have run 3.5k 9mm, 1300 357 sig, 2k 357 magnum and today I started processing 223. I have about 1k flawless trimmed and sized cases so far today and about 2k more to process.  April 23, 2017 Turn down volume... vac is loud. |
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Nothing further from the truth. I am being pretty critical in this thread because the Mark 7 is very expensive and I want to make sure all good and bad is shared so everyone knows what they are getting into. This thing is light years ahead of my PW autodrive. Since I bought it earlier this year, we have run 3.5k 9mm, 1300 357 sig, 2k 357 magnum and today I started processing 223. I have about 1k flawless trimmed and sized cases so far today and about 2k more to process.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5y61W1UXY8
Turn down volume... vac is loud. |
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I'm wondering if you think this drive unit processes .223 brass better than the PW did and why ? In addition, the digital clutch is superb. With my decap pin sensor, I am able to walk away from this thing while processing brass without concern. I would never have left the PW like that. It also goes about 2x the speed. |
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I really wish I kept better numbers to back it up but I can honestly say that loaded rounds and trimming length seems more uniform. I just never got nearly the repeat-ability with the PW. If I still had it, I would love to do a head to head study. In addition, the digital clutch is superb. With my decap pin sensor, I am able to walk away from this thing while processing brass without concern. I would never have left the PW like that. H It also goes about 2x the speed. You have a state of the art drive unit with out ? That price tag is a deal breaker for me. If one of my PW drive units died today,, I would replace it with another PW. I probably have about 60K cycles for this year already. So it's not like they sit around looking pretty. 
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I walk away from mine while processing .223 all the time. I dont process mixed headstamps. It's? either LC or WCC. I'm down to 1.749 + - .002. I do spend the time to sort my brass for dented necks. Run the brass on a scale before lubing so it as consistent as can be. You have a state of the art drive unit with out ? That price tag is a deal breaker for me. If one of my PW drive units died today,, I would replace it with another PW. I probably have about 60K cycles for this year already. So it's not like they sit around looking pretty. |
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I could never get mine working right. Swapping calibers always meant adjustments needed. The clutch would slip unless it was tightened to extreme. Maybe I had a lemon. But I would never go back to that nightmare. Glad yours work. My variation on trim length and sizing was far worse. The tech support was not at all helpful. Never again for me. It would be like going back to LNL press after running a 1050. I load more on the CO-AX then anything else nowadays. |
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The S1050 was my 1st reloading press. For the 1st week I had it . It was only operated using the pull handle. Not that we didn't have stoppage when using the drive unit. But those problem where in the press not the drive unit. It became apparent immediately that the tune of the press and it's set up would make the difference between canning a lot of reloads or going to bed early with a headache. I've melted a clutch disk , broken a pivot arm. But those items are on me , with the help of a little bad luck
I load all my ammo on the 1050 , using the drive unit. But then again I only load .45&.223 OP good luck with your new drive unit. Glad it's working out for you. I'll be looking out for other threads about it in the future. |
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The tune of the press is critical with the PW, as is learning how to adjust the link arm and the clutch pressure. Combining all of those is an art.
I shouldn't say I never got it right, I did, a few times. 
I had good tolerances sizing/trimming, the Lyman M die was hard to adjust for, I think. Hit a tight case mouth now and then, I think was where it struggled. If I still had my job, or when I get on to what's next in life for me, and I had the extra coin, I'd do it. Score a couple bins of brass off the DOD auctions from Ft. Lewis, and a Harbor Freight cement mixer and try to recoup some of the costs. Pipe dreaming again. |
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Ran about 2500 rounds of 223 last weekend. I went ahead and used the last twisted pair of wire to hook up to the dillon powder check die. It now shuts press off when powder level in case is out of the range.
Quick review of the laser bullet sensor from Mark 7... works better on wide bullets than 22 cal. The reason is simple.. When the case/bullet is in seating station position, bullet must block beam in order to continue. If there is any case wobble, the beam has a chance of briefly passing and being detected. I wonder if there is less wobble in the Fast and Furious 223 shellplate? Of course running press slower would help too.. but that's no fun:  Mark 7 Dillon 1050 running .223 |
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