Re-thinking my decision to sell the Mec 600 Jr.

[gamestalker]

I was considering selling my 600 Jr. with all the shot bars and powder bushings because of the cost of components. Any more, I pretty much only load when bird season rolls around due to the extreme cost of shot. But I thought, what the heck and decided to see how much I could save if I really tried.

So I checked with Powder Valley, and if I buy enough powder, primers, and wads at one time, Hazmat and shipping really isn't that bad. Even with the cost of shot being so high, I can still load 1 oz. shells for about $4.75 per 25 round box.

And when my range has reclaimed shot available, they sell it to members for like $15 per 25 lb. bag, we supply the container. It's all cleaned and graphite, and honestly, I can't see any visible difference from the new shot that's $40. That right there gets the cost down to about $3.25 per box. And I'm good on hulls for a while, I have several thousand hulls, good stuff, AA's, STS, and a lot of old Blue Magics from the mid 80's that I couldn't part with.

What do ya all think?

GS

 

[cfullgraf]

I have stopped shooting much shot gun of late but I would not sell any of my Mec 600jrs (4 of them).

When I do load some shot shells they are invaluable since what I load is not available in stores.

 

[gspn]

I haven't used my MEC 600 Jr in years...but I'm not gettin rid of it!

It just sits on the bench, waiting for the day when it's needed. I don't do much shotgunning anymore though. I used to use it to load shells all summer as we practiced for dove season. Fun times.

Now that you've mentioned it, I need to call the club and see if they have any reclaimed shot.

 

[FROGO207]

If you sell it now and decide to get another later the cost to replace it will be MUCH higher. I have lots of stuff (dies, molds, MEC's) to reload with that are not at todays prices practicle to reload. Say the 7.62X54 or the 303 BRIT. But if the supply of finished ammo dries up then I already have loads worked up that will work quite well with on hand supplies. Also the savings with buckshot or slugs will be mediate if you choose to reload them. Anything .410 also will be worth it already as well. Your call, but stuff on hand when needed beats wishing you could find anything at all to be able to use a particular firearm in a future shortage IMHO. I wonder about the person that says this, that, and whatever will be positively true if a certain event happens. They have most probably not even been involved in a perfect storm of problems before either. I am a belt and suspenders type of guy and have managed to shoot as much as I needed to keep in practice in the last few years despite component/ammo shortages. I believe I have my bases covered fairly well. YMMV

 

[oneounceload]

Make sure you sweep your reclaimed for steel and inspect for rocks, otherwise it's good stuff. I reload 3/4oz 12 and 20 gauge loads = 533 rounds from 25# of shot versus 400 for 1oz loads. For practice that is over 5 extra boxes per bag.

 

[rsrocket1]

Wow, that's a a great price for reclaimed shot. I load 3/4 oz 12 gauge target loads with reaclaimed and can get down to about $3.30/box but I really save when I load buckshot and slugs (these are just for fun shooting, but the cost is still very low). Don't tell anyone, but at that price, you can melt the lead and cast your own bullets for a better price than buying lead from just about anyone ($1/pound is typical).

I've seen some reloaders make up a trough out of folded cardboard with salvaged hard drive magnets to capture any steel shot. If the rolling angle is shallow, you can also trap severely out-of-round shot as well as rocks.

 

[Candyman87]

Wow great price! I'm not loading right now but if I could get those prices I would!

I'm still up around $5.90 a box. Last flats I bought were $5.30 a box.

 

[jgh4445]

My range doesn't do reclaimed shot. I think I just paid about $53 for a flat out the door. Hard to reload for that. I have two Mecs, both 12's. One is a 600 JR that has never been put together. The other a 650N or Sizemaster. I can't recall. Anyway, I wish they were a 20 and a 410 instead of both 12's. Probably will trade or sell them one day.

 

[FROGO207]

^^^^ Just get a conversion kit for one or both presses, convert permanently and go to town. It takes a bit of time to set up the conversion but when left converted it is the best option. I bought a spare used 12 GA 600 JR and converted it to .410. Now I have a nearly new spare set of 12 GA conversion parts for my dedicated 12 GA press and a .410 press all for less than 1/2 the cost of a new 12 GA 600 JR. What's not to like.

 

[gamestalker]

All good advice, and the more I think about it, the more I think I should hang onto it. I parted with my 20 ga 600 Jr., and I'm still kicking myself pretty hard for that, especially after seeing that the new one goes for. When I bought mine in the early 80's, it was like $99 I think, and that came with one shot bar of choice.

Ya, I think I'll probably keep it, and also keep my eye's open for a used 20 ga. 600 Jr.. Impulsiveness is probably one of my greatest flaws.

GS

 

[oneounceload]

I converted a spare 12 to 28 gauge, using the older conversion kit and it cranked out great ammo. Kit cost me $10

 

[Arkansas Paul]

What do ya all think?

I haven't sold mine. That's what I think.

Seriously, I don't even shoot very much shotgun stuff. The main thing for me is, I have the capability if I ever need it. That is worth more to me than the $80-$100 I could get for the presses.

 

[Louca]

I haven't used my MEC 600 Jr in years...but I'm not gettin rid of it!

Same here. But I'm one of those guys who likes reloading just for the fun of doing it, and doesn't really care if I save a lot.

Lou

 

[jmorris]

I still use mine from time to time but use my 366's more often. They are not worth enough to sell, mine was given to me.

 

[243winxb]

I think about selling my Mec 600's in the 4 gages, but maybe, just maybe this fall i will shoot some skeet. Have #9 shot and a trash can full of wads. Tons of primers. Loaded shells in all gages. Then i would have to sell the GD 6 12 ga & Gd 3 Skeet set. What about the Trap O/U. Nope, got to have loaders for the guns.

 

[jgh4445]

Conversion kits from 12 to 410 or 20 appear to be about $100.00 each. Its a lot cheaper to buy a used Mec 600 Jr in the guage you need.

 

[SwaneeSR]

I have my Dad's MEC 9000 press and the old 650jr, both in 12.

I am not sure why I am loading shot shells for trap.

A bag of shot is $43/25lb bag Eagle at my LGS.
$45.99 for same at a bigger store. Lawrence is $49.99/25lb bag.

I have been using up some IMR 800X powder but coming to an end.

I would think the 650jr would be fun for loading slugs. Sounds like the recommendation is to hold onto it even though not using now.

 

[gamestalker]

Speaking of lead, is there any hope or chance of the US going back into the lead mining business?

Maybe if we get the RIGHT president?

Or have the liberals won the war, therefore it's etched in stone?

GS

 

[Patocazador]

Two things:

1) Price of lead - I went to the local recycling joint last week and he told me the metals market was very low right now. He was selling pure lead scrap for 25-30 cents/lb. That's great for bullet casters but not shotgunners. However, the low price should translate to lower shot prices if it continues.

2) Recently, a generous forum member gave me an older MEC 600 Jr. in 20 ga. I have loaded > 12 boxes of shells from components I had on hand. Even if it is more expensive, I have the ability to load 3/4 oz. shells for my granddaughter and "magnum" 1 1/16 oz. loads for turkeys etc.
Versatility is worth something, as is the means to produce your own ammo.

 

[gwpercle]

Keep the loader, it's paid for and you don't know what's going to happen in the future.
May come a day when the only way to get a loaded shell is do-it-yourself.
Besides being able to load your own means you are not dependent on what the store stocks.
Gary

 

[oneounceload]

Want US lead, go to Lawrence/West Coast and buy some great stuff

 

[gamestalker]

I like Lawrence also, really great shot, I've used it for years.

I'm gonna probably keep the press, I've had it so long and it make great loads, and I'd probably end up buying another at some point in time anyway. The other reason I was considering selling it, is I was trying to get rid of some excess reloading gear that I either don't need, or don't use, and then apply it towards a nice custom bolt build. But since I have multiple single stage RCBS presses, and multiple dies in the same calibers, I think I'll just sell some of that stuff instead. And I only have one 12 ga. loader, so I would be without a way to load 12 ga., and I know I'll still want to load for turkey, dove, and upland game bird.

Thanks for the sanity check guys!

GS