As a newer reloader, this was extremely informative in that you explained not only function, but adjustments. Now I’m going to go look for that primer feeder for mine as well.
This was one of, if not, the best video I’ve ever watched on shot shell reloading. In a few days I’ll have received a used MEC 600 Jr. and this will be extremely helpful as I set it up to use. Thank you kindly for this video. Cheers!
You’re most welcome, and thank you for those kind words! If you have any questions setting it up, feel free to email me at thereloadingcraft@gmail.com! ☺️ Happy to help!
That was one of the best instructional videos I’ve ever seen here. You did well but what else would you expect from someone that can do a near flawless restoration on a device like you did.👍🏻🇺🇸
I have been using a 600 for more years than I care to admit ( about 40 years). I'm currently on my 3rd machine. After MANY thousands of rounds through each machine. I find it much simpler and cost efficient to replace the machine to rebuilding it.
Excellent Detail I was able to obtain a MEC Jr. over 20ish years ago....still in the box. Unfortunately, I have yet to set it up. Being a visual learner... With this video, I'll have NO problem...(fingers crossed)
I just picked up two Mec 600 jr presses with all the dies and attachments for $500. I also got 10 reloading books. Looking forward to getting some work done. Appreciate the good video, thanks!
Thank you every much for making this video. I learn more from you in vides than I learned from talking witn Mec. I have ask a lot of people and you have made this so simple.
Many Thanks! I was given a pre 1982 MEC 300 Jr. like yours and in similar condition . My press is old enough that the handle and other metal parts are blued instead of paint! I dissembled mine and boiled the metal parts for an hour an used a Carting wheel to remove the remaining rust. Boiling water will convert the iron oxide to iron nitrate which can be removed with the carting wheel and not damage the bluing! Your video answered my questions about how to set up and adjust the press.
Nice job explaining how the press works. I've got two of these and they are work horses. They're are kinda like a good 4-wheel drive: They ain't fast - but they get you where you want to go.
Great job on this MEC restoration and the video! I have an old MEC 600 JR, in 20 GA that I bought from a guy at my gun club which was all completely assembled but it does need some TLC work. I don't think I'll add the primer feeder since this is really. single stage press. Thanks for sharing as I hope to get mine operational just as soon as my order from INLINE FABRICATIONS quick-release mechanism arrives.
Excellent video. I have a 10g press I just picked up cause I want to be able to star crimp sometimes instead of just roll crimp. Need to adjust everything now.
Very nice video. I just ordered a brand new MEC 600 JR MK5 for .410, and another one for 28 gauge. I found both of them on eBay. Couldn't find them in the gauges I needed in any of the local sporting goods stores.
Great instructions. Nice rebuild. Love my 600 Jr. Mk V in 410. I find it precise, reasonable to adjust, easy to use especially when compared to the Lee Load All. (I have both). Buckshot must be loaded manually. Does the old version have the ability to tilt the shot and powder bottles backwards? That way they can be emptied without making a mess.
@@thereloadingcraft ballisticproducts has some nice PDF manuals. I have the Small Bore Manual 11th edition which has reliable load data for 410 buckshot. I'm sure if you look around there you will find a manual for the manual you need. They also sell buckshot and other components.
In your demonstration, you did one at a time. Can you stagger the shells so you're doing a progressive load? Would this be an issue? Disregard...I asked before seeing the end. My bad
I get asked that a lot haha, because the ram travels down to different positions for each station (and you need 3 operations in the powder, wad, and shot) so it would put the operations out of step.
You should be able to just buy a “Pro-Check” and replace your screw in your bar and that should keep the wad guide down during that sequence. Mine didn’t have one either, but I do have a Post-85 Mark V
You can order directly through MEC, or I got mine through Ballistic Products Inc. BPI is a huge shotshell reloading retailer and stocks a lot of parts for MEC presses and others. They were a little bit better price than direct through MEC, so I went there.
Very informative video. Do you have one in .410? my shot tube has always had a problem with shot binding or clogging as the shot drops. I’ve replaced the tube with same results. The tube is brush cleaned. Mec rep said to coat the shot with foot powder, I’ve also tried dry graphite but no luck. The shot still jams as it falls. Any advice?
@@thereloadingcraft 7 1/2, 8 for my Judge snake gun. I use that due to rifling in the judge. It gives a decent pattern at 2-3 paces. However just added a semi 410 and may try different shot size.
So choosing the bar just comes down to figuring out what amount of shot you want. (7/8, 1oz, 1.25 oz, etc…) From there, a loading manual should have a chart saying for X-grains of a certain powder, use bushing number whatever for this load. Basically you figure out what load you want to use, then get the right size shot bar and then bushings to match the proper powder charge. Check on a scale after setup to ensure its correct, of course.
Some sizing dies don’t have a long enough extraction stroke to fully push out high brass shells. You’ll have to pull them out manually the rest of the way, or use a dedicated collet type sizer.
Depending on where you’re located, mom&pop style gunshops can be your best friend for finding shot, so you don’t have shipping costs. If not, there are places like BPI and RotoMetals that will ship shot to you.
Yep, that’s where it settles to whenever it resets, I’ve tried to adjust it but no luck. It feeds primers just fine and doesn’t interfere with anything so I haven’t worried about it
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As a newer reloader, this was extremely informative in that you explained not only function, but adjustments. Now I’m going to go look for that primer feeder for mine as well.
Happy to help!
This was one of, if not, the best video I’ve ever watched on shot shell reloading. In a few days I’ll have received a used MEC 600 Jr. and this will be extremely helpful as I set it up to use. Thank you kindly for this video. Cheers!
You’re most welcome, and thank you for those kind words! If you have any questions setting it up, feel free to email me at thereloadingcraft@gmail.com! ☺️ Happy to help!
I enjoyed the video. I'm long to start doing 410. You highlighted lots of info others have failed to mention. Thanks!
Happy to!
I just picked up a 600 “jr” for $20. Thanks for the video. I plan to fix it up and use it for sure.
Nicely done!! Hell of job filming one handed, plus went over everything in detail with easy to understand instructions. Great job!
Thanks! 😁
Post-editing stabilization helped too haha, but it still took some work 😉
You know a LOT about how it works! Excellent video! Excellent explanations! Thank you!
You’re most welcome, thanks for watching!
That was one of the best instructional videos I’ve ever seen here. You did well but what else would you expect from someone that can do a near flawless restoration on a device like you did.👍🏻🇺🇸
An outstanding video that clearly explains the tweaks and tips on how to operate the MEC 600 jr. Well done!
Thank you! 😁
I have been using a 600 for more years than I care to admit ( about 40 years). I'm currently on my 3rd machine. After MANY thousands of rounds through each machine. I find it much simpler and cost efficient to replace the machine to rebuilding it.
Nice work bringing that old Mec back to life 👍 Good info 👍
Thanks!! It was rewarding for sure, and they’re not too hard to work on honestly.
Excellent Detail
I was able to obtain a MEC Jr. over 20ish years ago....still in the box. Unfortunately, I have yet to set it up.
Being a visual learner...
With this video, I'll have NO problem...(fingers crossed)
Happy to help! If ya have a questions, I’d be happy to answer as well
I just picked up two Mec 600 jr presses with all the dies and attachments for $500. I also got 10 reloading books. Looking forward to getting some work done. Appreciate the good video, thanks!
Nice of you to make this video. I bought a pre 82 at pawn shop for $45 yesterday. Missing the containers and primer attachment pocket.
Primer pocket , bottles , and powder bushings ordered !
@@PoppaWheeliesGot a deal there. 👍
I’m picking on of these up tomorrow second hand. Thank you so much for this video,
Thank you every much for making this video. I learn more from you in vides than I learned from talking witn Mec.
I have ask a lot of people and you have made this so simple.
Glad to hear it! ☺️
If you’ve got any other questions, feel free to drop a comment or email me! (Email address on my info page)
Many Thanks!
I was given a pre 1982 MEC 300 Jr. like yours and in similar condition .
My press is old enough that the handle and other metal parts are blued instead of paint!
I dissembled mine and boiled the metal parts for an hour an used a Carting wheel to remove the remaining rust.
Boiling water will convert the iron oxide to iron nitrate which can be removed with the carting wheel and not damage the bluing!
Your video answered my questions about how to set up and adjust the press.
Happy to help! I love how well MEC made these machines that even years later they’re still easily maintained
Very well done! You explain things clearly and thoroughly.
Thank you for posting this. I've been thinking about upgrading and now I'm going to for sure. Love the setup and walk through.
You are most welcome, and glad you found it helpful! If you’ve got any questions, feel free to drop a comment, or contact me via email!
Nice job explaining how the press works. I've got two of these and they are work horses. They're are kinda like a good 4-wheel drive: They ain't fast - but they get you where you want to go.
Well said!
An amazing video with great detail 👌 you are a natural teacher ❤
Well thank ya! ☺️
Happy to help 👌🏻
Just got an old one myself. Missing the final crimp die and the 2 bottles but that appears to be it. We will see. Excellent video thank you.
You’re most welcome! If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know!
Great video, thanks for sharing you wisdom!
Happy to help!
Thank you! That was very well explained.
Great video, i've just been given two Mecs and this is a big help.
Thank you! ☺️
Great job on this MEC restoration and the video! I have an old MEC 600 JR, in 20 GA that I bought from a guy at my gun club which was all completely assembled but it does need some TLC work. I don't think I'll add the primer feeder since this is really. single stage press. Thanks for sharing as I hope to get mine operational just as soon as my order from INLINE FABRICATIONS quick-release mechanism arrives.
Thank you! Have the in-line fab setup myself and love it!
Fantastic walk through. Thank you!
You’re most welcome! Glad it could help!
Excellent video. I have a 10g press I just picked up cause I want to be able to star crimp sometimes instead of just roll crimp. Need to adjust everything now.
Thank you!
Great Video - very clear and concise
Thank you!
WOW JUST WOW! Great job!
Thank you!
Excellent details, thanks.
Most welcome, thanks for watching!
Very nice video. I just ordered a brand new MEC 600 JR MK5 for .410, and another one for 28 gauge. I found both of them on eBay. Couldn't find them in the gauges I needed in any of the local sporting goods stores.
Thank you!
Very informative
Happy to help!
Great instructions. Nice rebuild.
Love my 600 Jr. Mk V in 410. I find it precise, reasonable to adjust, easy to use especially when compared to the Lee Load All. (I have both).
Buckshot must be loaded manually.
Does the old version have the ability to tilt the shot and powder bottles backwards? That way they can be emptied without making a mess.
Yep! The Pre-82 model can tip the top backward as well. Any recommendations for buckshot? That’s next on the list!
@@thereloadingcraft ballisticproducts has some nice PDF manuals. I have the Small Bore Manual 11th edition which has reliable load data for 410 buckshot. I'm sure if you look around there you will find a manual for the manual you need. They also sell buckshot and other components.
I will give them a look!
Very good video! Thanks
Thank you!
In your demonstration, you did one at a time. Can you stagger the shells so you're doing a progressive load?
Would this be an issue?
Disregard...I asked before seeing the end.
My bad
I get asked that a lot haha, because the ram travels down to different positions for each station (and you need 3 operations in the powder, wad, and shot) so it would put the operations out of step.
🔥🔥🔥great job 🤝
Thanks! 😁 if ya have any questions feel free to ask or email me!
You should be able to just buy a “Pro-Check” and replace your screw in your bar and that should keep the wad guide down during that sequence. Mine didn’t have one either, but I do have a Post-85 Mark V
It would definitely be helpful! Also agreed, mine is a Pre-82 model though. Would it be compatible?
What brand and color of paint did you use? I have an older 20 gauge press I want to restore but MEC doesn’t sell the paint. Thanks
Where did you get the plastic type pre crimp and crimp/taper pieces?
You can order directly through MEC, or I got mine through Ballistic Products Inc. BPI is a huge shotshell reloading retailer and stocks a lot of parts for MEC presses and others. They were a little bit better price than direct through MEC, so I went there.
great info thank you sir
You’re welcome!
Just picked one up. Is the cost same as buying the 12 gauge?
Very informative video. Do you have one in .410? my shot tube has always had a problem with shot binding or clogging as the shot drops. I’ve replaced the tube with same results. The tube is brush cleaned. Mec rep said to coat the shot with foot powder, I’ve also tried dry graphite but no luck. The shot still jams as it falls. Any advice?
Interesting 🤔 since mine is only in 12, I don’t know if the shot tubes are different sizes between the models.
What size/type of shot are you using?
@@thereloadingcraft 7 1/2, 8 for my Judge snake gun. I use that due to rifling in the judge. It gives a decent pattern at 2-3 paces. However just added a semi 410 and may try different shot size.
Hmm, 7.5 or 8 shot should be plenty small enough to drop reliably, I’d think. What’s an approx. diameter on the drop tube?
I have a Mec on the way 28ga. I’m hoping it’s easy to adjust. My shells are new and already primed up
They’re relatively easy to adjust. If you have any questions I may be able to help!
Does this work on high brass or do you need another die set up?
What are both the bottles filled with? Sorry new to this and would love to try this out cheers!
Shot on the left. Powder on the right.
Can this press crimp shell hulls with LEE Lead-cast slugs in it? Thanks!
I've got an old Mec jr that I'd like to set up for Turkey loads but I'm confused how to choose what bar an bushing to use
So choosing the bar just comes down to figuring out what amount of shot you want. (7/8, 1oz, 1.25 oz, etc…)
From there, a loading manual should have a chart saying for X-grains of a certain powder, use bushing number whatever for this load.
Basically you figure out what load you want to use, then get the right size shot bar and then bushings to match the proper powder charge. Check on a scale after setup to ensure its correct, of course.
Will it do 3 1/2 inch
Can these do buck shot, primary 00?
They can, however the buckshot will need to be loaded into the wad by hand.
@@thereloadingcraft Thanks!
I have a mec 250 available for 40 bucks but just wonder if it’s too old to try n use.
Can you give me some information on how to get the squirrel out of the crimp
Just saw one for $80 shipped on eBay. Not bad.
How do you tell the differance between the pre 83 and post 83.
Easiest way for me is to see if the dies are steel or plastic, and to look at the wad guide, though there are other small nuances as well.
Why when I try to reload high brass? Does it get stuck in the seizer die? I've tried to adjust it, but it just doesn't seem to want to work.
Some sizing dies don’t have a long enough extraction stroke to fully push out high brass shells. You’ll have to pull them out manually the rest of the way, or use a dedicated collet type sizer.
@@thereloadingcraft Thank you
No problem!
What kind a where can I get the powder you recommend
Shotshell powder is fairly hard to find still. Some of the dual purpose pistol/shotgun powders are the easiest to get currently.
I'm not sure how old my MEC is, the resizer is a squizer resizer.
Can you load other shells like9 MM OR 223
Not on this press. It is shotshell only.
What powder do you use?
I have used several. Hodgdon Clays, Alliant Clay Dot, and Titegroup all have different loads that work well
almost impossible to obtain shot. any recommendations?
Depending on where you’re located, mom&pop style gunshops can be your best friend for finding shot, so you don’t have shipping costs. If not, there are places like BPI and RotoMetals that will ship shot to you.
Still use one for 16 & 20 gauge loads. They run forever.
They really do. Very durable and maintainable
How much order this machine details sir
Google "MEC 600 Jr".
Would you mind telling me what you paid for it? Thanks
How much ?
Because they’ve been out so long, you can get a used one for $100 up to a new one for $300-350
Your primer tray feed tube is on an angle, not down all of the way.
Yep, that’s where it settles to whenever it resets, I’ve tried to adjust it but no luck. It feeds primers just fine and doesn’t interfere with anything so I haven’t worried about it
Just say no to clickbait arrows.