Yup…this is a lot of the problems I had with their automation even on the Dillon RL1100. I can load more manually than on auto just simply because of the routine stoppages. I’m learning that the automation is really only good on the CP2000 for case processing. Otherwise it’s a constant battle.
Great review!! I have the primer problem as well about 1 in 30. Buying primer express very soon. Same thing with cases kicking out and getting destroyed on down stroke lol
@@talisikid1618 Maybe because he doesn’t like the idea of spending 3 grand and then writing a shopping list of more stuff to buy to make it work correctly
I would never use an Auto Drive, the priming system can't handle it. The Primer Express is a waste of time, I finally threw it in the Trash and went back to the tube assembly.. I go about 200 primers and then have to take everything apart to remove a primer mashed in between the index plate and the frame and the once in a while one will end up under the shell plate and you have to disassemble the entire press to remove it and free up the press! In short, you average about 200 rounds an hour considering all of the down time. And then there is the Primer waste, not good! Parts are an issue as well, takes 2-3 weeks to get a part to repair the machine! I am very disappointed with mine and at this point wish I never bought it!!
Even commercial machines have issues. Every thing needs to be perfect and if it's not you have issues. You also need to run processes brass. I just put a Mark7 autodrive on my super 1050 and once it was dialed in I ran 5K the first day without issue. If you want to run full speed you will have issues.
I am struggling a lot to decide between the RL1100 (And like 6 months wait, as its back ordered) or the Apex 10 (But its almost 2x the cost). I am in Australia, hence the weird pricing. Would you say the Apex 10 is a lot better than the RL1100? I will never auto drive either, will be manual hand operation only. The primer issue on the Apex 10 scares me a lot.. Would hate to have to buy even more stuff to make it work. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Quintin, I have an Apex 10 (automated) and a Dillon Super 1050 (RL1100 predecesor - manual). Initially I had issues with both. After tweaking them, they both run smoothly. Obviously your available budget is a very personal and important element, but if that's not really a big issue, I would strongly advise the Apex 10, even in manual set up. The Apex 10 is my primary reload press, the Dillon my back up, which I haven't used in quite a long time, because the Apex 10 does what it's supposed to do :-) I like the 10-stations, the smoothness of the operation and the fact, that in your own time and budget you can upgrade.
@@ipsc-guru Thanks for the info! I just got a quote on the Apex 10 directly from MKVII, and the shipping is not as bad as I thought it would be, so I think I will go for it. I have loaded on a Super 1050 for a few years back in South Africa, so I am very familiar with that machine. This will be my first machine in Australia, so also excited to have something different. Lets hope I don't get a bunch of random issues ;) Thanks again for your video and info, have a great day!
@@mps9649 Hi, i ordered directly from Mark 7. It arrived 2 days ago, just unpacked the boxes so far, feel like a kid before Christmas! It was more than I expected, I took the press, Lyman pro dies, and two FW Arms dies. Came out to USD 3500, then an additional USD 650 for shipping (that hurt) and then ABF hits you with another AUD $930 taxes/duties (that mure even more) So in total I think it was AUD $7200-ish :( I just hope it works well!
Thanks for the great review. Would you still advise to go for the A10 over RL1100 despite all of the A10s issues you ran into? I'm planning on operating the press manually, but it would be nice to upgrade later on.
Hi, thanks for your comment. I love my Apex 10! It took a while to get to know the press and tweak it to my liking, but now it runs smooth with little to no issues. I still have the S1050, which is the model before the RL1100, which serves as my back up, and which I did not have to use so far ;-) Both presses are great, but I still prefer the Apex 10 over the Dillon, mainly beacuse of the 10-stations vs. 8 stations of the Dillon. At the end I think it's mainly a budgettary decission. If you have the budget I would recommend the Apex 10.
@@ipsc-guru Thank you! I think this is what I’m going to do. They’ve also had a lot more time to “work out the bugs” since the initial release of the A10, not to mention the price drop. Cheers and happy reloading!
Hi Luis, thanks for your question. My first press to reload was the Dillon Super 1050, with soon thereafter followed by the Apex 10. When I was considering which press to buy, several fellow shooters/reloaders told me to start with an "easy/simple" press (ex: Dillon 550). After doing my own research, determined how many rounds I would make and how much time it would take me, and my budgets, I decided to directly go for the above mentioned presses. Didn't regret it at all! I think all presses need some time to get to know and dial in to your taste. I don't see why you could not invest in an Apex 10 form the start. "Buy once, cry once" :-) Be patient, follow the instructions and Mark 7 videos and just take your time to set it up, dial in each die.
I kind of agree and disagree. I agree in the fact that if you have patience and go slow and develop a basic mechanical aptitude, you’ll be ok. I disagree with the above if you don’t have the patience or desire to go slow. Also, its always worth it to have a backup press, and singe stage and turret presses aren’t overly expensive, especially used :). Ill never sell some of my non automated ones for that reason, and something like a redding t7 can get alot done fairly quickly
@@outboardprsnlstndup well I finally decided on to buy the Mark 7 apex 10 did my first 100 rounds but have to stop because something is not right with the powder measure I think I have to dial it in a little bit less I still learning it is a long way but I am not in the hurry, I got one question for you guys an is i got my press in the garage and I just keep the gun powder in the measuring tube it is that ok or do I have to remove it from there?, I have to add I leave in FL.
Hi, I’ve been reloading for 4 years after retiring as an Airline Capt. And Mechanic. I don’t leave my powder in the tube for extended periods of time. 3 days maybe….I just dump it back in the original container and store it. Also I ALWAYS leave the plastic/foam piece that you cut off or open to pour the powder out in the cap. Ans, as a tip ALWAYS put the bottle of powder you’re using next to the scale or machine so you never accidentally mix two powders. Enjoy my friend! 👍 and God bless you!
Yup…this is a lot of the problems I had with their automation even on the Dillon RL1100. I can load more manually than on auto just simply because of the routine stoppages. I’m learning that the automation is really only good on the CP2000 for case processing. Otherwise it’s a constant battle.
Thanks for sharing
Great review!! I have the primer problem as well about 1 in 30. Buying primer express very soon. Same thing with cases kicking out and getting destroyed on down stroke lol
Thanks, my APEX is currently running smoothly, no issues!
@@ipsc-guru hoping to get there soon lol
I love the idea of automation but I think I'll stick with the XL650.
If that wotrks for you, that's the way to proceed. Thanks for comment!
Why?
@@talisikid1618 Maybe because he doesn’t like the idea of spending 3 grand and then writing a shopping list of more stuff to buy to make it work correctly
I would never use an Auto Drive, the priming system can't handle it. The Primer Express is a waste of time, I finally threw it in the Trash and went back to the tube assembly.. I go about 200 primers and then have to take everything apart to remove a primer mashed in between the index plate and the frame and the once in a while one will end up under the shell plate and you have to disassemble the entire press to remove it and free up the press! In short, you average about 200 rounds an hour considering all of the down time. And then there is the Primer waste, not good! Parts are an issue as well, takes 2-3 weeks to get a part to repair the machine! I am very disappointed with mine and at this point wish I never bought it!!
Sorry to hear you have bad experiences. I had some issues to at the start, but now it runs like a sowing machine, incl. the Primer Express.
Glad I went with the RL1100 and auto drive but they are all finiky and more so if you use shitty range brass like me
I've heard good feedback about the RL, but indeed also bad stuff. Agree, every press has its issues. Thanks for commenting!
Even commercial machines have issues. Every thing needs to be perfect and if it's not you have issues. You also need to run processes brass. I just put a Mark7 autodrive on my super 1050 and once it was dialed in I ran 5K the first day without issue. If you want to run full speed you will have issues.
I am struggling a lot to decide between the RL1100 (And like 6 months wait, as its back ordered) or the Apex 10 (But its almost 2x the cost). I am in Australia, hence the weird pricing. Would you say the Apex 10 is a lot better than the RL1100? I will never auto drive either, will be manual hand operation only. The primer issue on the Apex 10 scares me a lot.. Would hate to have to buy even more stuff to make it work. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Quintin, I have an Apex 10 (automated) and a Dillon Super 1050 (RL1100 predecesor - manual). Initially I had issues with both. After tweaking them, they both run smoothly. Obviously your available budget is a very personal and important element, but if that's not really a big issue, I would strongly advise the Apex 10, even in manual set up. The Apex 10 is my primary reload press, the Dillon my back up, which I haven't used in quite a long time, because the Apex 10 does what it's supposed to do :-) I like the 10-stations, the smoothness of the operation and the fact, that in your own time and budget you can upgrade.
@@ipsc-guru Thanks for the info! I just got a quote on the Apex 10 directly from MKVII, and the shipping is not as bad as I thought it would be, so I think I will go for it. I have loaded on a Super 1050 for a few years back in South Africa, so I am very familiar with that machine. This will be my first machine in Australia, so also excited to have something different. Lets hope I don't get a bunch of random issues ;)
Thanks again for your video and info, have a great day!
@Quintin Kriek G'day mate. I'm looking to get one of these here in Oz as well. Where did you pick yours up from? What was the damage?
@@mps9649 Hi, i ordered directly from Mark 7. It arrived 2 days ago, just unpacked the boxes so far, feel like a kid before Christmas!
It was more than I expected, I took the press, Lyman pro dies, and two FW Arms dies. Came out to USD 3500, then an additional USD 650 for shipping (that hurt) and then ABF hits you with another AUD $930 taxes/duties (that mure even more)
So in total I think it was AUD $7200-ish :(
I just hope it works well!
@@Qkriek yeah wow - Good ol Aussie tax for all fun things. Thanks for the reply mate. Much appreciated!
Is is possible to process 223 brass including trim AND load in one pass?
Hi jawsmod, I don't reload nor trim 223. Best to check or ask this in the Facebook Mark 7 Reloading group or on the Brian Enos forum.
Thanks for the great review. Would you still advise to go for the A10 over RL1100 despite all of the A10s issues you ran into? I'm planning on operating the press manually, but it would be nice to upgrade later on.
Hi, thanks for your comment. I love my Apex 10! It took a while to get to know the press and tweak it to my liking, but now it runs smooth with little to no issues. I still have the S1050, which is the model before the RL1100, which serves as my back up, and which I did not have to use so far ;-) Both presses are great, but I still prefer the Apex 10 over the Dillon, mainly beacuse of the 10-stations vs. 8 stations of the Dillon. At the end I think it's mainly a budgettary decission. If you have the budget I would recommend the Apex 10.
@@ipsc-guru Thank you! I think this is what I’m going to do. They’ve also had a lot more time to “work out the bugs” since the initial release of the A10, not to mention the price drop. Cheers and happy reloading!
Can you give us a ball park price on your set up " everything including bullet feed and automation " ?
Rough estimation: ~$11K
@@ipsc-guru Thank You for the reply .
Oh my!!!!!!😮
@@jamesrobertson6255 That's also what my wife said ...
Also, what is a good forum to get into for info/advice about this press?
M7 Reloaders group on Facebook and also the Brian Enos Forum.
good morning I am planning on buying this press Apex 10 and my question is did you recommend the product for a first-time reloader guy?
Hi Luis, thanks for your question. My first press to reload was the Dillon Super 1050, with soon thereafter followed by the Apex 10. When I was considering which press to buy, several fellow shooters/reloaders told me to start with an "easy/simple" press (ex: Dillon 550). After doing my own research, determined how many rounds I would make and how much time it would take me, and my budgets, I decided to directly go for the above mentioned presses. Didn't regret it at all! I think all presses need some time to get to know and dial in to your taste. I don't see why you could not invest in an Apex 10 form the start. "Buy once, cry once" :-) Be patient, follow the instructions and Mark 7 videos and just take your time to set it up, dial in each die.
@@ipsc-guru thank you for your wise answer i will do the homework and of course keep in mind my budget.
Regards
I kind of agree and disagree. I agree in the fact that if you have patience and go slow and develop a basic mechanical aptitude, you’ll be ok. I disagree with the above if you don’t have the patience or desire to go slow. Also, its always worth it to have a backup press, and singe stage and turret presses aren’t overly expensive, especially used :). Ill never sell some of my non automated ones for that reason, and something like a redding t7 can get alot done fairly quickly
@@outboardprsnlstndup well I finally decided on to buy the Mark 7 apex 10 did my first 100 rounds but have to stop because something is not right with the powder measure I think I have to dial it in a little bit less I still learning it is a long way but I am not in the hurry, I got one question for you guys an is i got my press in the garage and I just keep the gun powder in the measuring tube it is that ok or do I have to remove it from there?, I have to add I leave in FL.
Hi, I’ve been reloading for 4 years after retiring as an Airline Capt. And Mechanic. I don’t leave my powder in the tube for extended periods of time. 3 days maybe….I just dump it back in the original container and store it. Also I ALWAYS leave the plastic/foam piece that you cut off or open to pour the powder out in the cap. Ans, as a tip ALWAYS put the bottle of powder you’re using next to the scale or machine so you never accidentally mix two powders. Enjoy my friend! 👍 and God bless you!
Does the primer express only work with autodrive, or can it be used with a manual hand crank?
Hi, the PE also works on a manual A10.
@@ipsc-guru hey, thanks very much