Thank you Vaughn Precision. It was your video’s that started me loading shot shells. I bought the Mec 600 Jr Mark 5 and what a blast. I did as I was as instructed too in your video’s and perfecto. I have learned a bunch from that video intro to reloading. Now I am reloading Brass with my Hornady LNL and just living and breathing reloading all thanks to you. I was never so happy as I was the day when I shot my first 12 gauge shell that I loaded myself ( Iwas scared to death until after that first blast) but I was like a proud papa. I now am loading with the Hornady and the forester. I load 223, 9mm, 45 caliber beside all those shot-shells. I plan to begin loading 6.5 Creedmoor and others. Keep doing what your doing for all us newbies you changed our lives honestly you did. Wow a purpose to live another day for this old man.
Great job explaining the Mec 600 Jr. I've had my Mec 600 since the 70's can't tell ya how many shells went thru it and to this day I'm still reloading at least 2 boxes a week. Yes you can be a real speed demon on this, about 6 to 7 minutes for a box of 25.
It sure isn’t hard to get in to a grove and pump out a box. I’ve heard of so many people using the 600 for years and years without issue. Thanks for watching
I was just going through my dad's old stuff and found his MEC 600 Jr. No mark.... I think it may have been one of their first ones. He used it all the way through 2010 or so. Nice to see how to make it all work.... Thank you!
Nice to see you back. Even better that it’s shotgun reloading. I’m huge into waterfowl hunting and sporting clays. I just got a Caesar Guerini summit sporting O/U. I use an original mec 600 from the 70’s that I converted to reload 3” steel. I also use a mec size master to make my sporting 2-3/4”.
Man I'm glad you are back I missed your videos excellent job on the mec I used to shoot trap religiously(500-750] rounds a week More if we had a sanctioned shoot I had to upgrade to a progressive its well worth the investment great too see you
Good video! I got a 600 Jr. a couple weeks ago at a yard sale, missing a few parts or the manual. I was able to find everything I need at he MEC site, including the exploded view letting me know where everything goes. MEC had the parts in stock, and they should be winging their way to me today or tomorrow. About three hours to clean it up, mildly seized due to dirt and congealed lube, should work a charm once I get it adjusted. So far I'm into this for about $60, so feel I'm way ahead of the game. It did come with a charge bar set up for #8 shot, I might get a new bar and insert for other loads.
Great video better than the MEC video answered most of my question. Have a LEE Precision I got before reading the Lyman shotshell reloading manual would have saved my money gone with the MEC. The MEC uses bushing but it’s powder weights are are over it’s +/- 10gr. Seems with MEC the powder baffle resolves that but also the bushing don’t match the recipes in the Lyman shotshell book. Like the fact that there is universal charge bar and that the powder and shot bottles can be taken off with out making a mess. LEE does not have that feature.
Nice video, I get you can't talk and go fast. Sounds strange but I find the same issue running my XL650 or RL550. Something about the pie hole being open wont give me full speed...
You make it look so easy and it is if you get the rig adjusted correctly. But, it can be so frustrating and you may ruin dozens of hulls before that happens!
WAA12 wads work the best for 1-1/8 loads in cold weather those wads your loading those spacers will sometimes crack or break when you compress them my 1-1/4 loads I use federal S4 wads
Nice thing about MEC 600, sizemaster, and 9000 is they can be mounted on a board and that's stable enough which is great since I dont have a bench. But I also mount a sheet pan (like a rimmed cookie sheet) between the board and the press to catch all those spills (at least a lot of it). I have just received a MEC metallic press and am anxious to see if that will work on my board/pan with the MEC quick change plate.
Best mec video on youtube. I purchased 2 used 12ga. mec loaders 600 jr. And versa mec. Some parts may be missing,,, how do i source parts mec site is not that helpfull to " self " find my vintages or parts info.
Great video! Years ago I stopped reloading because it got to be more cost effective to buy a box of 25 instead of making them with the MEC 600 Jr. In the last few years, especially in the last 3 months shot gun shells have almost double in price. Based on the cost of reloading components at todays prices vs the cost of a new box of shells which is less expensive. My favorite all around shell is a Remington ShurShot 12 gauge, 2 3/4", 1 1/8 ounce of 7 1/2 shot. Velocity 1,255 FPS. A box of 25 of the mentioned Remington shells are now $10.00. Other manufactures seem to have priced their prices at the same price. My question is, in todays economy is it cost effective to buy a reloader, of any brand, powder, wads, primers and hulls or just pay the price of a new box of shells? Thanks...
I don’t have any solid information but I’ve heard manufacturers will be producing biodegradable wads that will be acceptable to use in the UK. You might want to call around to some local ranges and see if they have any information.
I’ve been wanting to do that for a long while now. As soon as I can find components I’ll shoot the video. It’s just been impossible to find all the things I need..!
About 1 month ago, I ended up with my father-in-law’s MEC 600 Jr. Last time he used it was 1988. It took some cleaning, but I got it going. Within the first 100 rounds, I did exactly the same thing you did. I didn’t put the caps on because I thought, there is absolutely no reason to lift that while I’m reloading. Clearly I found a reason. As a result, my bench and floor got a really well needed cleaning. I’m glad I’m not alone!! Perhaps, in a future video, if you could explain the various adjustments, that would be greatly appreciated. I know mine is slightly different, but the basics are the same, and I had a hard time finding useful videos. Specifically addressing issues around the final crimp. Great video, as usual.
I was handed down a couple dillon precision presses. I took had to take then completely apart and replaced a couple things. But they still run amazing. They had not been touch not nearly as long as you but it feels amazing to continue to produce rounds. It's so sad so many people chose to buy ammo. Well I still haven't had to pay for premade ammo in over a yr. I don't have a 12 gauge but I plan on it being my next purchase. Any suggestions for a good first shotgun? I am stuck between the older remingtons or mossberg
Hello. Thought I'd give a suggestion . A first shotgun depends on a lote of things. But I'll suggest a Remington 870 of some model. You can pickup a good used one for couple hundred and have plenty of product support. And after you decide to buy others a good dependable 870 is good to have around.
finaddict Well, my dad brought me duck hunting and there were 2 shotguns with us - a Remington 870 Wingmaster and a Browning Auto 5. First shotgun I bought was an 870 (good for duck, geese, turkey, deer, clay and just about anything). Second shotgun I bought was a Browning A5. While they are nostalgic for me, I have no regrets.
My grandfather gave me a Browning "Sweet 16" 16 ga A5 when I was 11. Shot most of my birds for years with it. Overall, for durability, mountability, and options, my favorite shotgun is a Mossberg 835 Ultimag. Have had it since I was 16. Tens of thousands of rounds. Turkey loads to target loads. Never broke any parts yet.
Hey Curt, thanks for the video. It actually helped me decide to order one. I have a question though. I notice that you have a Lee Bench Plate as do I but you didn't use it when it came to fastening the 600 down. Is that because the base of the 600 is just too big for the Lee Bench Plate? Also, since I don't know when my 600 will arrive, most things are being delayed right now, could you please tell me the dimensions of that bottom plate of the 600. Thanks very much. I appreciate it. And I'm glad to see you up and around.
I'm curious as to whether it's worth the price difference over the budget Lee press. The two seem comparable in speed and ease of use. I doubt the Lee is as durable, but does that matter if you're not reloading hundreds of rounds every year?
What am I looking for with the pressure on the wad? Is it just for seating various makes of wad? I'm new to shot shell reloading. I picked up one of these at an estate sale. I've not used it yet. Very good video showing this machine and it's functions. Just what I was looking for.👍
I have a MEC Jr., pre 1982. It has the "Adjustable" charge bar (such as the one your not using) from back in the day, so they are nothing new. It's made of Melamine and starting to craze from age. Just the bar itself, not including the knobs, is about 1 X 1 inch square and 7 7/16 long I would like to purchase a bar like yours. Any info on it? Thanks.
@@KarolDzierdzik I shop a few places. Powder Valley Ballistic Products Midway USA Precision Reloading These are the most popular to find supplies. They usually have some, but it’s still sparse at times.
awesome video. I just got a supernova and am excited to maybe start reloading my own shells. Where do you recommend getting the materials for reloading?
Thanks for doing a good job in your presentation. I'm new to reloading, but due to the lack of 410 rounds, I have decided to reload my own shells. I prefer to use 3 inch shells, but have a number of 2 3/4 inch. Will this machine do both. Can I switch it out to do 12 gauge.
...I did have a question on your lathe...I’m looking at upgrading to something that has a bit more precision...have you run into trouble with the 1 1-/2” spindle bore?...I’m looking at Grizzly with dro vs Mathews....Mathews has 2” spindle bore was wondering if it’s that big a deal...thank for your input...
Quick question. Can you use this setup for slugs? I seen a video of a guy loading 7/8 oz slugs and crimping them on a lee load all. Just wondering if it could be done on this machine as well
To be honest I don’t have a huge amount of experience loading slugs. I know for sure some of the operations can be made on this press but most of the time people roll crimp the hulls. Roll crimping can’t be done on this machine to the best of my knowledge. Wish I could give you more info but I’ll be loading slugs later this year and I’ll be posting videos on it when I do.!
I'm completely new to this. Can I assume this kit would be everything I'd need for the tool side, for making new shotgun rounds? I assume so, after watching the video and looking at the stuff on gbot. Just wanting to make sure this is everything I'd need.
It depends on what you plan on reloading. This machine is set up for loading 1-1/8oz 7.5-8 shot 2-3/4” shells. Also, depending on the powder your using your may need a selection of powder bushings
Want to get into reloading my own duck loads in tungsten & bismuth for next season. Will this machine do the job? How accurate/precise is the factory charge bar delivery? Is it true your bound to only a certain type of powder or shot sizes etc?
You will need different charge bars for different metals/sizes you want to run. MEC has them available most the time. This machine will do it, I’ve loaded steel shot on it. The charge weights are close, not perfect but none of them are and never will be. The shot isn’t perfect round so it never stacks the same, that’s also true with powder. That said, it’s very consistent and reliable. I don’t regret owning this machine is what I’m saying.
hello any load data for federal top gun plastic base using straight wad for 1 ⅛ and 1 oz lead shot with fed 209a primer. looking to use hogdon clay or universal powder. thx curt..
@@vaughnprecision I'll have to do some more research right picked up reloader for 75 bucks that came with the powder the shot and everything and I've never done it before last thing I want is to put too much gunpowder in
@@JBWorkshop90 MEC has a bushing chart. It will show you what bushing number for each powder and how much the charge weight will be. It’s a very accurate chart.!
@@vaughnprecision thank you for a quick reply! I don’t really load target loads, mainly hunting loads. I use a few different hulls, mainly Remington STS and fiocchi for 1 3/8oz predator loads and federal gold medal grands for 1.5oz predator loads and turkey loads.
I've owned a few MEC 600 Jr presses over the years. They make a pretty nice load that feeds through most guns I have used them in. I noticed that over time the crimps sometimes flare on hulls like Federal Top Gun if they aren't used within a couple weeks of loading. Have you ever experienced that?
Dan Selvig not yet I haven’t, but I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it. I’m using mainly the Remington STS hulls once fired. Maybe a hull issue.? Not sure on that one
@@vaughnprecision I have to think that Federal uses a softer plastic than the other manufacturers. I never see that problem in their factory loads, so I think that their factory crimps may have been heat set. I have tried setting the crimp in place using a taper crimp attachment, but that only slows down the "crimp creep". Guess I'll have to rethink whether I should shoot up my remaining Top Gun reloads and load Win AA hulls only.
Are the progressives nice, absolutely i have one MEC 9000 but i run 2 600 jrs as well. In 20 and 16 ga. If you want to speed it up a little without the investment in a press get the primer feed for the single stage. Big big increase in productivity.
Hello Vaughn. Thanks for the great video. I shoot competitive sporting clays and ive been thinking about reloading my own. Is it any cheaper than buying ammo at the current price of $10 a box?
It comes out roughly the same in cost, you might save a little especially if you buy in bulk. The major upside, when the stores are all out of ammo you can load up and keep competing
@@vaughnprecision Thank you sir. My math was definitely off, i was thinking i would end up paying .20 cents per round if i reload. I usually pay $400 after tax for 1000 rounds. Which double what i used to pay.
Just jot into (back into) reloading after about 52 years. My dad and I used to reload on an old MEC Jr. but then life happened and I didn't even hold a shotgun for decades. But what I wanted to say is that your "tip" at the 7:07 mark of the video was gold. Yeah, don't do that. Thanks for the video!
Great video! I had a MEC 600 Jr. back in the early 80's. Don't remember if it even had a "Mark #". Loaded thousands of Winchester AA hulls. I obviously sold it to someone years ago. Just the other day I was digging through some old boxes in my shop that I haven't opened in probably 30 years and found my box of powder bushings and shot bars! I hove know idea who I sold it to or I'd give them the rest of these parts!! Glad to see your doing well and back into shooting stuff. Best Wishes.
I've found that I can usually load a box faster with my 600 jr. than I can with my MEC progressive. Mostly because if your progressive has a glitch, like having a primer not feed, or hang up a wad, or someone comes in and starts talking to you, it takes a few minutes to fix the mess you just made. Usually load a box on the jr. in about 6 1/2 minutes but have gone sub 6 minutes more than once.
I have used my 600jr for over 20 years. Great machine. Converted to 16ga for my Browning 525. 1 1/8 oz lead, 800x. I use the adjustable charge bar and am satisfied. It does hang up once in a while using #6 lead but not a real concern. Keep the powder hopper full to maintain consistant charge. Great video to introduce the MEC. Jim
Susan Lorden that’s one thing I’ve heard is they can hang up. I’ve got some #6 shot that I wanted to load for hunting to. Either way, I’m very happy with the MEC, good Reloader for sure.!
But can it do shorter shells? say like replicating the aguila mini-shells? I'd like to experiment with overall shell length to see what the shortest possible to go w/ a Mossberg 500 is, without needing an Opsol adapter.
3.50 a box? Cheapest I can make is around 6.80 a box. Using 7/8 oz loads. 9 bucks for magnum loads. Beats 12-18 bucks at the stores..If you can find any.
Welcome back to the sport.! I’m just getting back in to it myself after years away from shotguns. I’ll be posting a video in the not to distant future on the MEC 9000 progressive. Loading tons to keep up with the competitions.!