I’ve run the Mark 7 Apex 10 manually and with autodrive. Kyle Shields most recently used it, with some new upgrades, to process over 40,000 pieces of .223 brass! (Also check out Mark 7’s Halloween promotion!)
Disclaimer
Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.
Available Upgrades
The Mark 7 Apex 10 is an incredibly versatile machine with a variety of available sensors to make both rifle and pistol reloading as efficient as possible.
Available sensors include the SWAGESense, PowderCheck, DecapSense, BulletSense, and Primer Orientation. The Autodrive isn’t the only accessory Mark 7 offers.
They also have the Primer Xpress, digital powder measure, Power Trim XPress, and caliber conversion kits.
New Changes
Mark 7 has made two changes to their flagship press—returning the toolhead to a billet aluminum and upgrading the priming system. The billet CNC toolhead comes in four different colors: red, gold, silver, and black, which comes standard with new presses. Kyle noted that having different colored toolheads could come in handy for visually identifying different calibers.
Mark 7 brought the aluminum back in response to consumer feedback—they pride themselves on listening to their customers. While the cast iron toolhead worked fine and held up wonderfully during our Mojo Precision/FW Arms mega brass processing project, Kyle and I both prefer the look of the aluminum toolhead.
Kyle made sure to strip down the press, clean it, and lubricate it before installing the Gen 2 priming system. It was as simple as dropping it in and bolting it down. Kyle replaced the priming block at the same time—it was showing some wear and tear after 40,000+ cycles.
The new priming system worked right off the bat—no adjustments necessary. The operating design is the same, but the Gen 2 priming system is CNC-machined with an anodized finish for easy cleaning.
The load plate is all metal and the primer disc has enhanced geometry for easy removal.
The end stop adjustment also now uses a locking Helicoil. Mark 7 also added a compressed air cleaning port!
(Send in your Gen1 priming system to Mark 7 for credit towards a Gen 2 priming system!)
Testing and Demonstration
It’s evident from the design and functionality of the Apex 10 that the staff at Mark 7 use their own products.
In example, Kyle decided to deactivate priming during the testing session, unscrewing one of the bolts and swinging the priming system to the side. This was not only simple and intuitive, but a function only reloaders would generally think of.
Many reloaders tackle their projects in three sections: case preparation, priming, and loading. This deliberate separation keeps tumbling media, case lube, and other things from causing issues during priming. Kyle ran the Apex 10 on 2,000 rounds per hour with a FW Arms hold-down die installed. The machine ran flawlessly, even with mixed headstamp brass. We were able to speed it up to 2,500 cycles per hour with no issues.
Conclusion
Mark 7’s changes are really refinements to make the press better.
All new presses will include the upgrades. Now through October 31, 2024, take advantage of Mark 7’s promotion to get your own! (Send in your Gen1 priming system to Mark 7 for credit towards a Gen 2 priming system!) Also, stay tuned for our video on the Mark 7 Primer Xpress.
Get the Gear
Mark 7 Apex 10 – (Send in your Gen1 priming system to Mark 7 for credit towards a Gen 2 priming system!)
Mark 7 Apex 10 Automated Bundle with Autodrive
Mojo Precision – Use Code UR10 to Save 10% on All Casings
FW Arms – Use Code UR10 for 10% Off Your Entire Purchase!
Don’t miss out on Ultimate Reloader updates, make sure you’re subscribed!
Thanks,
Gavin Gear