COMPARED: Mark 7 Evolution + Mark 7 APEX 10 (All changes)

[@garyh.7282]

I would love to have an Apex but right now it would only collect dust as I can barely get enough supplies to feed a single stage loading setup.

[@Factory400]

I think these are a great value - what you get per dollar is really nice. Essentially, you are buying time at the range since you will spend a LOT less time reloading. While I like reloading, I don't want to spend all weekend doing it. I prefer to reload for a couple hours during the week here and there and then shoot all weekend.

[@OneBMF0779]

I found a Old New stock Evolution today and went with it over the Apex. I’ll probably update to the new case feeder and priming system down the line. Happy to get the billet CNC. But I’m sure the Apex is a great machine even if it’s Cast CNC’d.

[@Matt-xy6cf]

just the reduction in tolerance stacking on the cast i like better. Also Billet aluminum scratches so easy and is just softer . I like the toughness of cast iron, also cast iron smooth bore is more wear resistance than a aluminum smooth bore. Cast iron threads are stronger for die's and most dies are stainless steel, tool steel etc and the hardness of them can wear on the aluminum threads more and more over time. These are all facts. Im a 20yr Journeyman machinist and Apex 10 all day. I would like the Apex 10 .

[@ThatGuy3714]

If they include 5k small pistol primers so I can use it I will buy one right now.

[@tylergordon696]

That would cost more than the press lol

[@D70340]

Just 5K primers, really, thats all? Pfffff, 5K would barely get my wife an i through the weekend, maybe. If anything, for what these presses cost, they should be throwing in 25K primers INCLUDED with the deal.

[@bradmohr7398]

Love the Mark 7 Presses. I have the Revolution so yes I spent a boat load of money on a press that I only use a few times a year, but just go tired of pulling the handle. I like the improvements in the Apex 10 Press. The one thing i really wish they would have changed is the powder thrower. The dispenser has a screen in the plastic section that is intended to screen out large objects like a bullet. The problem is that it interferes with dumping the powder out quickly. This was easily changed as I replaced the plastic portion with Pyrex glass one. This solves the problem of discoloring of the plastic by the powder and eases dumping powder out for powder change over. Anyway love the video so keep up the great work.

[@jakethejackalope3473]

Well fellow reloaders. We gave the Mark 7 Press and all of its bells and whistles nearly a year. What a fiasco that press turned out to be. Poor machine quality, customer service and parts availability. Could write a book on all of the issues. So back to our good old Red LEE presses and equipment and dust off our Dillon 750XL and the Venerable Dillon 1100. Still waiting on powder, primers and bullets to arrive by mid December from back East. Picked up some new 10 round, 50 round and 100 round SAAMI QC Blocks. Plenty of die sets for all.. Spare parts But, etc. But plenty of components to finish fine tuning and begin to punch ammo out. So stay tuned for a new batch of reloading videos and pictures in 2022. Happy Holidays Jake the Jackalope 112721

[@r1ght1left1]

Watched the whole thing, the Evolution clearly was a higher quality CNC product. While there are minor functional updates its pretty clear to most reloaders that the manufacturing changes were primarily to reduce cost by Mark 7 but there was no corresponding discount passed on to consumers. At this price point, I'm really unclear why I wouldn't go with a Dillon Super 1050 and still save ~$1000 after tax.

[@BigPrince]

This. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a Mark7 Evolution but I will probably just save money next time I find a Dillon in stock given the lower value now with still high price and lesser quality.

[@WoodrowWoods2007]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Now if I was starting my own reloading operation or small business and had the budget for auto-drive and all that, I’d probably be looking at Mark7 straight away, but for us normal doods, Dillon is still the way to go, imho. $3K vs $650 for a Dillon 750? I know which one I am choosing!!!

[@r1ght1left1]

​@@WoodrowWoods2007 Yeah, the majority of small manufacturers use semi-professional automated systems like Camdex or Ammo Load that offer higher volume features. For me it just doesn't make sense at this price point, especially with the Frankford Arsenal knock-off coming to market for $650 and the lower (but increasing) cost of the Dillon 1050 Super or RL1100.

[@Sapphire1987]

Reduce cost, same price, more profit. Ow wait we get some small stupid upgrades...

[@cobysnyder385]

10 stations vs 7 on Dillion. Upgraded primer system included, small and large primer and case feed included. upgraded case feeder. the casting is stronger and included secondary guide rod and simplified case holding ring. rod. All for same price sounds like a fair trade off.

[@charleshetrick3152]

Awesome press by the time I queued up the funding there might even be components available.

[@moscasucio1686]

With primers gone...who is going to upgrade their setup.

[@MindZye]

I've watched a number of your videos now, and they always come across as more of an infomercial than an unbiased review. I also noticed that while you say "drop a comment and we'll start a discussion," you rarely reply at all - even if people are trying to ask you a question about something you're showing off.

[@Bourbon-Canted-Ky-Windage]

(EDIT)Changing jobs soon. When I do, I intend to order the Apex. With a brother in law and two nephews, we can go through some pistol ammo. Its a big jump. I haven't reloaded since around 1979. Originally, I miss spoke. The Dillon 750 will run my rifle ammo fine and dandy. And I do have some Dillon questions I'd like to bounce off you via LL about caliber conversions.

[@markh181]

Just got my apex 10 .. have to agree with some of the comment, referring to the cast vs bullet aluminum CNC .. but it is for sure a solid machine.. got it with the bullet feeder .. now just waiting on the Auto drive and express primer to come in .. felt like a kid and couldn't wait to get it up and running .. one thing I will say is with the placement of the case feeder controls, they are on the back side if the mounting pole .. wish it was on the front for easier access to the speed control and reverse button ( which i love ) .. I would recommend this press as nothing is perfect .. I went with this over the dillon 1100 because of there are several things this dies that the dillon doesn't .. im very happy with my decision and can't wait to get the rest of my order in ...

[@Matt-xy6cf]

Cast iron threads for die threads are a way better fit in terms of wear properties than aluminum threads. Aluminum 3 piece tolerance stacking is a down fall over the One Piece Cast iron. And again cast iron bore finishes are stronger in terms of wear over time vs Aluminum. Billet aluminum is cool for a engine block or head due to weight savings and using the aluminum for tensile strength vs surface wear.

[@Mayhemsr1]

Been 2 years still feel the same. I have a 1100 thinking about the apex 10 vs a 2nd 1100

[@mikeblake1171]

Already have an Apex 10 on order ! Can't wait to get it and start using this amazing press.

[@donnguyen7833]

Did they give you an estimate of how long until u get it to your front door??

[@mikeblake1171]

@@donnguyen7833 I should have it next week. It shipped today.

[@mikeblake1171]

@@GarfieldEnjoyer1878 I am planning on setting it up first thing in the morning. I will let you know how it goes. Excited !!!

[@mikeblake1171]

@@GarfieldEnjoyer1878 I hope not, but will let you know for sure. Did you assemble one ? If so any pointers ?

[@jordanc8926]

@@mikeblake1171 How did the setup go? How is the press running? Any quirks? It seems like a pretty smooth press. I'm stuck between the Apex10 and the RL1100.

[@thomaspuma434]

Looking at the Apex 10

[@MScholtz]

The complexity of the caliber change means this is setup for high volume production of one cartridge and that's that. I can't see someone doing 500 9mm for a weekend switching and doing 500 .223 after. Reality is once you have a machine dialed for your ipsc load you have 3 days of anxiety about changing the case mouth flare. That makes this a very niche press. Probably the best way is 10 guys pitch in and one pulls the handle for a few hours on rotation. But then does a square deal for a fraction not do a good enough job and you can probably afford one.

[@DimaProk]

I guess you'll have to make more rounds at a time!

[@rodgerbooth1064]

Definitely would like an Apex to replace a Dillon Super 1050 which I have issues with since new. But like others here "No Primers"!

[@JR-lg7fd]

Raise your hand if you're sick of people complain about primer availability. 🤚

[@adrianr8486]

I would be glad to get my hands on a single stage press. Only ones I find are double and triple the price.

[@RaddestDad]

Apex 10 is in stock on MidwayUSA and the Evolution isn’t. Haven’t seen anyone sell an Evolution on the secondary market.

[@slugmaster64]

At $4k, I can see why they’re in stock. Lol

[@RaddestDad]

@@slugmaster64 they just released the Apex 10. Even at $4k you’re getting a lot. Especially since your turret can is setup to use standard die threads or you can use the oversized custom die threads for use with custom dies.

[@slugmaster64]

@@RaddestDad still too rich for my blood.

[@jrnyan3054]

I want an Apex 10,but have to order outside Norway. Have not seen that press adverticed in norvegian netstores :(

[@lovemacheeen1777]

Just bought one..it will be delivered around 5/30/ 2021....I have never reloaded before..but I have a few buddy’s that do I watched a little and knew I didn’t want to do it that way..so when it comes in and I get going I will report..If I can find primers.

[@OFFICIALUND]

Yikes. . . . jumping from never reloading into a rig like this is a lot to take on. How's it going?

[@runrundave]

I ordered a apex 10. Not sure when it will arrive. They pretty hush about estimated delivery.

[@michaeldierickx5488]

Just ordered the Apex10 today as well and never have reloaded before. Once I get familiar with it I will also use buy the Autodrive. Does it come with those base plates you have in this video? If not, do you know where I can purchase them?

[@johnreynolds2554]

Is the apex 10 the best? Dillon RL 1100?

[@goldendoodleondeck]

Hi Gavin. Great video comparison and differences. Quick question. Are the shell plates that work with the Evolution case feeder compatible with the Apex case feeder? Trying to determine if i may need new case feeder shell plates.

[@jeanpierrelabonte2868]

Already have a Dillon XL650 and a Mark VII autodrive. When everything works everything’s fine. A lot of maintenance is due every week or so, cleaning a greasing readjusting. Was wondering if with Apex 10 it would be the same. Wondering cause having to sell beforehand is a big trouble.

[@iShootFast]

I've got the Revolution, so a little different than Apex-10 - but still, concept is the same. Once you have it running and dialed in, other than periodic greasing (about 10k rounds) and oiling (couple spurts before I start each session) , its relatively low maintenance. Even on the 10k greasing, it takes about 5 minutes. Every 20k rounds or so, I take the shell-plate off and grease down in there too. That's a little more involved. Not hard, just takes a bit more time to get the tool-head off, retaining screws, shell-plate, and re-assemble. It could probably go longer between greasings, but because its running so high speed - you get some powder splashes here and there. So it ends up getting pretty gritty. Then I occasionally have to clean the optic sensor on the decap-sense (spent primers are dirty little SOBs) and occasionally clean and tweak the priming system. You'll also get more out of the Apex, having those extra stations is awesome.

[@shootloadrepeat]

If they reduced the manufacturing cost, then it should be cheaper to the consumer. I see they made it cheaper but more expensive to buy now. Nice machines, not gonna lie, wish I could afford to replace my S1050's with them.

[@chuckcullup1384]

I would love to change out my Dillon 1050 super for the apex 10

[@mattkegan8567]

When in operation, is the new metal case feeder louder or quieter than the Evo plastic one ?

[@michaelshaw8370]

The Apex 10 is a good improvement on an already great system. Is there a auto drive addition available yet? If not is there any idea how long before one is expected?

[@chrishilborn]

yes you can use the existing auto drive system that Mark 7 offers

[@ipsc4ever]

Yes, I've insalled the APEX 10 on a EVO autodrive plate today, it works ! ( a Photo isn't possilbe here)

[@MikeStJohn-du5ue]

I love it, I wish I could aford it.

[@CplSkiUSMC]

Those are uber pricey rigs but I've never seen a progressive yet that could do proper case preps... some people don't give a fig about case prep, I ain't one of 'em.

[@JR-lg7fd]

awesome video. cool press.

[@ben_shoots_]

That new case feeder looks pretty fantastic. Question: I have an auto drive on my 1050 that is supposed to work on the Evo, will it also work on the Apex 10?

[@chgofirefighter]

If it works on the Evo it’ll work on the Apex. Checkout Mark7 website which will answer that same ?

[@gpav1]

Waiting for my local dealer to get one for months…

[@jeejay98]

Great video but not financially practical as of the moment. I am still waiting for the back-ordered Chucker 7.

[@kitanisthe]

I want the APEX but the price is still a hard sell for me.. but maybe.. just maybe...

[@leonardjanda6181]

Great machine’s for sure 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ChuckBrewsterDOTcom]

Billet aluminium CNC switched to cast and you said that at the same price the original evolution was offered at was good? Gavin, I really like your videos, but you sound like a salesman in this video. You said 5 times in this video how the manufacture lowered the cost to make the apex. This is a swing and a miss with the apex, it should be a much lower price point. Just like you said in the video, cast is much cheaper, and they don't have to assemble 3 pieces of the machine in manufacturing. This is a story of a big company coming in and buying up a company that made a great product, made it much cheaper, in terms of coast and quality, and charged the same price. Nobody, and I mean nobody, if they had the choice between cast, or CNC billet aluminium for the same cost would choose cast. I don't care if they threw in a couple small extras, the apex either needs to be cheaper, or give the buyers the choice to buy the evolution at the same price. I'm sorry to say your review of the apex makes me not want to buy one. I understand they sent you one to review as it's not shipping until April, and beings you would like to stay in good standing with them I'm sure you wouldn't want to say anything negative about it. If you go and look at all the potential customers who want to buy a evolution, and who were waiting for the apex, they're all mad as hell, and I agree with them. Add one more to the list who won't buy an apex at that price point.

[@DimaProk]

@@t3h8ar0n As far as additional stuff you get is now you get both swage rods. That's it!

[@paulwarren7847]

Have the Evo love it, do like that I can upgrade the primer system when it become available.

[@eSCaRboNx]

@@DimaProk also upgraded casefeeder and hold down die

[@r1ght1left1]

@@eSCaRboNx Whether their in house case feeder is "an upgrade" is still to be seen. The hold down die is ~$35 value.

[@talisikid1618]

No dude. You get a more complete kit. And you way over estimated the cost savings. Stop muddling through life on your feelings & emotions. Stick to facts. If you are too poor to buy this it’s no reason to complain about it. Just move on along & pick up a Lee or similar.

[@DimaProk]

Didn't Dillon switched from rotary primer shuttle to sliding one and it was hailed as much better system? If so then why is Mark7 going backwards?

[@jyc2201]

Look again at how the Lyman rotary system works. It rotates similar to how the 550/750 slides to recieve a primer from main tube unlike the 650 where the primers would stack and cause a chain detonation.

[@DimaProk]

@@jyc2201 I don't know how lyman system works but Hornady uses same sliding shuttle and picks up one primer that gets primed, if it detonates it's away from the tube. This is what Dillon switched to with RL1100 and I believe Evolution had that, so why go back to rotating shuttle? I heard it wasn't that reliable in Dillon, don't know about Mark 7.

[@jordanc8926]

@@DimaProk There's only 1 spot for a primer in this disc, it's not a continuous rotation, it rotates back and forth. Basically the same as the linear just in a circle.

[@Llandari]

@@jordanc8926 This is a very important thing to know. The Apex is way too expensive for me anyway, but thinking that they switched to a system similar to the Dillon 650 didn't make sense to me, knowing that Dillon swapped to sliding bar on the 750.

[@deaczorz]

yes you have some nice machines there that normal ppl wont buy. where is the progressive press mega test?

[@samsungtv4u]

Evolution= formula 1.. apex 10 = Nascar... Disappointed... More money for Lymen ,,,,they using the high quality brand name now as marketing,, switch and bait ,,,just to sell off a copy Dillons product with subpar milling.... There has to be value. For the same price product without stature the value drops.. it has to cost between a Evo and Dillon for me to want to own .

[@LloydMack4]

Whew, all most bought the evaluation, glad I waited.

[@mikehoshall6150]

I am one who thinks these types of presses are not going to serve a purpose as time moves forward here. This shortage of reloading supplies is not going to go away for years if at all, so what possible purpose does a press like this serve for someone who has very limited supplies. Primers for example either will see a massive increase in price or remain completely unavailable to most people. This shortage of guns, ammo and reloading supplies is unprecedented and its being brought about for reasons, reasons that aren’t going to go away any time soon.

[@trevorj.8401]

I'd love to have one of the apex 10's if I could afford it lmao 🤣

[@joejr9653]

Way too pricey.

[@kriszml]

Well the price is 4000 Euro in Europe not including bullet feeder and 6400 ish with autodrive. I would have to sell my kidney...

[@chrishilborn]

it's only 2995.00 USD without Mr. bullet feeder in the states

[@slugmaster64]

@@chrishilborn still about $2k too rich for my blood

[@kriszml]

@@chrishilborn Happy for you. I am not in the US. Only 3000 :) The European price is 4830 dollar without the bullet feeder and the full package is 7730 dollar. Maybe next time...

[@mitchbertone3809]

Nice, not $3,000 nice. Good if you want to crank out thousands of rounds with fairly consistent quality. 98% of shooters/re-loaders don't need that. and 1% hand load each round on a single stage or arbor press or have ammo sponsors because they are competitive shooters . This is for the guy who collects presses, guns, cars, etc. Pass.

[@21mejia25]

Fuck, you just described me.

[@jordanc8926]

@@21mejia25 lol

[@Mayhemsr1]

Damn he described me. Just saved me $2,500 almost pulled the trigger until you called me out

[@hdnz7802]

There is no difference between them, they both require you to re-morgage the house to buy one.

[@psdozer]

Gavin, I’ve watched your videos for years and enjoyed them in the past. Lately though, you seem to be out of touch with most reloaders. I’ve noticed the same trend in gun magazines too. The focus seems to be on marketing not on the practical. It seems to me these types of presses are for people who have enough money to just buy all the ammo they want. Way past the hobby or vocational stage.

[@talisikid1618]

Wrong. This is for people who need large amounts of ammo & this reduces their costs. Among other reasons.

[@rodgerbooth1064]

The priming system really SUCKS!!! especially the "Primer Express" you will spend more time taking the entire machine apart to remove stuck primers than you will reloading! The component waste, primers, bullets, and powder is absolutely a shame! And then there is the getting of parts! 2-4 week wait! The whole experience really destroys Reloading! Definitely cheaper to buy new, I use 9mm ammo. First impression was great but as time wore on it was definitely a mistake! Now they have a new machine the "Genesis" Looks great but then I thought about all of the grief of the Apex 10 priming system and NO WAY am I going to bow $6K away and go through the grief all over. They can't make one electronic part work imagine what a whole electronic machine would be like!! Not me! Learned my lesson the hard way! I'll just buy new ammo from now on!

[@chgofirefighter]

Meh, Evo all day its a superior built press, cnc vs cast iron. Upgrade the case feeder on the Evo, purchase the new Mark7 Auto priming system and be done~

[@scbane]

Used to watch this channel all the time. Gavin lives 50 miles from me. It used to be an informative reloading channel, that gradually morphed into a sales/"review" channel. Fair enough, Gavin had thousands of hours and dollars into this channel. Success is great. However, I like a no-bs approach to reviews. I want to hear about potential problems, before I drop hundreds or thousands of dollars on equipment. This isn't the channel for that. I wish you all the success in the world, Gavin, but your "reviews" suck, big-time. Worse, some of them are downright deceptive, which convinces some of your audience to waste money on a problematic pos. CoughLeeProgressivecough. I still watch occasionally, to see new stuff, but nothing like I used to.