Need Shotgun Reloading advice.

[Jumping Frog]

I currently reload a number of pistol calibers, but not shotgun and have zero shotgun reloading equipment or supplies.

Someone offered me a MEC 600 Jr 12Ga reloader that includes
1 Oz Charge Bar
1-1/8 Oz Charge Bar
8 Point Spindex Star Crimp (43A)
6 Point Spindex Star Crimp (43B)
Primer Catch tray (19)
Powder bushings - 28, 30, 32

Is this a decent setup to start reloading shotgun with? How does it compare with other choices in the MEC line? What is the MEC brand's reputation and service like?

 

[SASS#23149]

It is their entry level loader,and loads fine ammo.NOt fast,but it will get the job done.
there is an aftermaret adjustable shot/powder bar that I"VE always thought was a good idea.
You won't save much money son shotshell reloading,not like metallic,but it's a good hobby/past time.
It will last for years and years most likely.

 

[NCsmitty]

The Mec 600 JR is a fine loader that will produce factory-like ammo. It is the low priced Mec in the line, but it only means that it produces at the slowest rate, 200-250 rounds per hour, I believe.
The bushings that are offered will cover many different powders from the different companies.
I recommend using the one ounce shot load with something around 1200fps for clay targets. Winchester Super Target (WST) powder and primers that are recommended for the specific load listed.

www.hodgdon.com has shotshell loads at their site.

Here's the bushing chart at Mec to show their range of use.
http://www.mecreloaders.com/documents/Miscellaneous/PowderBushingChart.pdf

The only advice I offer is that reloading 12 & 20ga ammo does not save a lot of money over factory budget pak ammo from Walmart, but does give you choices in producing custom ammo for your needs.



NCsmitty

 

[Geneseo1911]

That would be an excellent unit to start with. I think 200-250 rnds an hour is being a bit optimistic. I load on a single stage and can complete about 2 boxes an hour if I'm watching Netflix, or maybe up to 100 rnds./hour if I'm "in the zone". www.mecreloaders.com has replacement parts, ebay is a good source as well. MEC is pretty much the standard for shotgun loading equipment. If you already load metallic, you'll have no problem with SG. There are a few things to look out for though, for example, changing the brand of primer can make the difference between a safe or unsafe load.

The powder manufacturers will be you best source of data. I use Alliant's Promo exclusively because it is cheap and it will load a fairly full range of shotgun shells as well as handgun loads.

The only shortcoming of the 600 jr. is that it does not resize. If you want to run shells through multiple guns, or shoot an autoloader, you will most likely need to invest in a MEC Super Sizer or a simliar tool.

 

[snuffy]

The only shortcoming of the 600 jr. is that it does not resize. If you want to run shells through multiple guns, or shoot an autoloader, you will most likely need to invest in a MEC Super Sizer or a simliar tool.

Wrong! The 600 jr. does resize. It uses a sleeve type resizer that slides over the brass plated steel base of any shotgun hull. It my have to be adjusted to do high brass shells, possibly a longer bolt from MEC might be needed. It is incorporated in the first station that also punches out the fired primer.

The 600 will serve you well, the bars included will load any target load you might need. Other bars are needed for the heavier 1-¼ ounce field loads, and the 1-1/8 ounce field loads might need a different powder bushing.

 

[jfrey]

Get yourself a #29 bushing and a can of 700X powder and load away. Makes a great 1 1/8 oz. load. The new Winchester powders work well too. Mec makes a great loader. I don't know how many thousands of shells I have loaded with mine. I quit counting at 10,000 and that was years ago.

 

[Rugg_Ed]

Good starter will work well to learn and go forward.

 

[Geneseo1911]

Wrong! The 600 jr. does resize

I stand corrected! Thanks for straightening me out on that. That was one of the big reasons I never bought one. The website doesn't mention that it does resize, but upon looking at the manual, I see that it uses a ring like my Load-All that slips over the top of each hull.

 

[PADutchman]

I have a 600 JR, 650 Sizemaster, and even a 9000G once. They are a good brand of press. The #28 bushing, Winchester Super Target powder, and 1 1/8 ounce of shot in either Winchester AA hulls or Remington STP hulls will give you a nice trap load at about 1200 ft/sec. I have used that load for years.

 

[RainDodger]

Good press to learn how it's done... but s-l-o-w. There's more to loading shotshells than some people think, so spend your time learning on that press and then you'll want to upgrade if you shoot more.

I was an experienced reloader when I figured out how much fun trap shooting is.... and how easy it is to go through shells. So, I bought a Mec 9000G. Wow, is that baby fun. Complicated, but fun. It's very easy to screw up though, and end up with a load of shot rattling around the press, and you've got a mess to clean up. So learn the business well on the 600, figure out how much you're really going to shoot, and then decide if you need something faster.