MEC shot shell reloader

[Wildbillz]

Hi All
I was at a gun club swap meet today and found a MEC shot shell reloader (600Jr I think). I couldn't find any markings on it as to GA other then where someone had written 12 GA on the powder bar. For the price I figured I would take a risk and see if it would clean up. I got it home and sure enough a 12 GA shell will not fit the base. So I am thinking its a 20GA. Any idea if I can buy the parts to convert it to a 12GA or do I need to keep looking for a 12GA one?

Thanks
WB

 

[MW3840]

If you look at the rear of the press, they usually have the gauge stamped on the base plate. The charge bars are interchangeable for all the gauges, depending on the ounces you need to load for that particular gauge. You'll also need the various powder bushings. Unless you buy a Universal Charge Bar.

It could also be a 16 ga. loader. And yes, you can buy a 12 ga. kit to convert it.

 

[au_prospector]

Yes these should be convertible. Some people buy more than one because it takes some time and TLC each time you set up for a conversion. Quicker and easier to have more than one if you load for more than one gauge.

https://www.mecshootingsports.com/c-43-die-sets.aspx

 

[Wildbillz]

Thanks guys.

I just found the making on the shell plate. Its a 20Ga all right. I will look into getting the conversion and see if I can get this thing all cleaned up.

Thanks
WB

 

[BLU]

Wildbillz.... I bought one for a song too but kept it a 20 gauge w/o converting it to 12 ga. Here's the site, (MEC): https://www.mecshootingsports.com/p-679-600-jr-mark-5-parts.aspx

I just bought one of these for the 12 gauge shells since I primarily use 20 ga. It's an option and cost me less than the conversion for the MEC. I like it. It's no MEC but it certainly gets the job done.

This one is new for $76. http://leeprecision.com/12g-load-all-ii.html

This reconditioned for $42!!: http://leeprecision.com/reconditioned-12g-load-all-ii.html

 

[gamestalker]

It's really not worth it to convert it to 12 ga.. Buying the parts necessary to do it would probably cost you as much as just buying another used 600 jr.. You would have to buy all the shell plates, and everything else at each station. And it's a pain to do it. About the only thing you wouldn't have to swap, would be the frame and the handle.

GS

 

[243winxb]

+1 a pain.

 

[kostner]

You do have a real good reason to buy a 20 ga. shotgun and it will improve your skills if you shot clays.

 

[cfullgraf]

Converting a MEC 600jr to another gauge is kind of a pain, but for a one time thing, it is doable and really not that bad.

Converting a 600jr on a regular basis is not worth while. They are not that expensive.

For when I was shooting competitive skeet, I got a 600jr for each gauge. I still have them by the way even though I do not compete anymore.

Look at the costs of parts though. It may be more worth it to look for a used 12 ga and turn the 20 gauge over.

 

[witchhunter]

I would get another MEC for your 12 gauge to. Most of us that reload for shotguns have one for every gauge, they are that much of a pain to change over. Look on Craigslist for another used one in a 12, maybe sell your 20 there too. Shotgun reloading is a lot different than rifle and pistol. Follow the recipe exactly.

 

[gamestalker]

Well ya, like cfullgrafsaid, if your going to just do it once, that might be doable, but certainly not something you would want to switch back and forth, no way, Jose.

But now you have a reason to buy a 20 ga, shotgun, then pick up another Mec in 12 ga, there ya go, problem solved!

GS

 

[Wildbillz]

Thanks guys.

Looks like I will clean it up and sell it. Keep looking for a 12ga one.

WB

 

[oneounceload]

Go to your local trap/skeet/sporting clays clubs and place a WTS for your 20 and a WTB for 12 on their bulletin boards. Many folks move up to progressives and sell off the single stages for $50-$75. You can convert - I changed a 12 to 28 one time, but I found an older kit in an old hardware store and got it for $10; I'm sure the prices are a little higher now.

 

[FM12]

Watch ebay. I got an excellent deal on a steelmaster one time. Can also find parts, charge bars, bushings, etc.

 

[BLU]

WildBillz:

Here you go... http://www.ebay.com/itm/MEC-600-JR-...f&pid=100005&rk=4&rkt=6&sd=281601330602&rt=nc

I may bid too!

 

[SwaneeSR]

I was at my LGS tonight picking up some 8 shot. Bought two 25lb bags for $43 a piece. First increase in a couple years (was $40). Powder shelf was very sparse.

They had several used MECs including 600jrs,even a 9000g like mine ranging from $75 to $200. I like my 9000g for $200.

I actually started reloading on a MEC 600jr when I was a kid. I have that one here too. I was thinking of using the 9000g for trap loads and loading a few game loads or buckshot or slugs on the 600jr.

Look around for a used shotshell loader, maybe not even a MEC, you should be able to pick one up for a decent price. I would hang onto the 20gauge reloader. Heck, I even have an old 16gauge in the gun cabinet. It would be great to find a MEC 600jr in 16gauge.

Swanee

 

[clone]

I bought my 12GA MEC 600jr for $40 at a yard sale. It only needed a crimp starter and guide fingers, which was about $5 worth of parts.

Deals are out there, just have to look around, and be in the right place at the right time.