Used MEC 600 - what to look for

[mgmorden]

Hey guys. I've been loading for rifle and handgun for about 10 years now, and with turkey season coming up soon I figured I might want to dabble in reloading for shotgun.

Not really for cost savings - financially I know I'd be ahead just buying factory ammo as I'll probably shoot less than a dozen turkey loads throughout the season, but I've always liked shooting my own loads. I'd like to load a pretty good variety - turkey loads, buckshot, and small game. I don't envision loading and slug loading or anything like that.

Despite the tempting price, the internet seems to have convinced me to avoid the Lee Load All II for now. Instead I've been looking at the MEC 600 Jr. There seems to be some fairly good deals on these used, but I just wanted to know what I need to check for, and what might be missing from such a setup (ie, powder and or shot bushings, etc). Is it even worth looking at the used ones they may be missing parts or should I just pony up for a new one?

Thanks!

 

[243winxb]

There are not many parts that normally get lost. Some models came with a few extra parts to change over to 3" shells. I would expect to pay about $90 to $100 for used. If there are some components included, a little more. Run a want ad in your local paper. 12/20 ga are common. Harder to find are 28 & 410.

 

[Muddydogs]

I have 3 600 jr's 2 of which I purchased used and a 650 purchased used. Take a look at factory pics or a store model so you know what you are looking at in the sale pics, ie make sure the press has all the stuff hanging off it it should. I try and stay away from the real rusty crusty presses but Mec stuff cleans up very good. Last press I bought a month ago was a 1 year old 600 jr with 3/4 of a bottle of 4 shot for $20.00. My other 2 presses came off ebay. When ordering parts go with online reloading suppliers as they usually beat Mec factory prices.

 

[gamestalker]

Good thinking there in avoiding the Load All, it's just not built like a Mec..

Make sure it has the priming cup, spring, and rebound washer that sits on top of the spring inside of the cup.

Also make sure the start crimp and finish crimp hanging off the arm. Also, know which type's are on it, as in either the 6 or 8 point crimp.

I would imagine the seller will have at least one shot bar and some powder bushings to go with it.

If I were buying a used 600 jr. that looks like it has a fair number of miles on it, I would be looking at spending $50 or in that area. My Son bought one a few years back for $25 and it was in very good condition and came with both 6 and 8 point crimp, a few bushings, and a couple shot bars too. Oh ya, find out if it is set up for 2-3/4" or 3". One very good thing about the Mec 600 jr. is most replacement parts & accessories aren't expensive.

I'm gearing up for a busy spring turkey season myself this year, can't hardly wait, as it's my most favorite hunt of the year. I like to use 3" magnum loads and a 2 oz. pay load of copper plate BB. Deadly on a big gob!

GS

 

[cfullgraf]

Hey guys. I've been loading for rifle and handgun for about 10 years now, and with turkey season coming up soon I figured I might want to dabble in reloading for shotgun.

Not really for cost savings - financially I know I'd be ahead just buying factory ammo as I'll probably shoot less than a dozen turkey loads throughout the season, but I've always liked shooting my own loads. I'd like to load a pretty good variety - turkey loads, buckshot, and small game. I don't envision loading and slug loading or anything like that.

Despite the tempting price, the internet seems to have convinced me to avoid the Lee Load All II for now. Instead I've been looking at the MEC 600 Jr. There seems to be some fairly good deals on these used, but I just wanted to know what I need to check for, and what might be missing from such a setup (ie, powder and or shot bushings, etc). Is it even worth looking at the used ones they may be missing parts or should I just pony up for a new one?

Thanks!

The MEC 600jr is a good shot shell loader. I have four, one for each gauge.

You are correct, the Lee Load All will leave you with something to desire.

The standard charge bar for the 600jr is fixed cavity for shot with replaceable bushings for the powder side. The end of the bar will indicate the shot charge thrown.

Bushing have gotten expensive, relatively speaking, if you have to buy a bunch. But, if you use the bushings, I would pick a powder charge then buy the bushing on each side of what the MEC bushing chart says. I think there are lead shot bars and steel shot bars. they are different colors, the lead bars are red. I do not remember what color the steel shot bars are.

There are universal charge bars available.These are adjustable. I used one regularly for .410 but preferred and used the fixed bars for the other three gauges. I do have an extra universal bar incase I could not get the right powder charge from bushings.

Changing a 600jr from one gauge to another is a pain. You might do it once but never again. If find a great deal on one gauge, you can get the change parts to convert it. If you plan to load more than one gauge, get more 600jrs.

As far as converting from 2-3/4" to 3", I never had the need for that so I cannot comment.

There is an automatic primer feed available. When I was loading regularly, it worked great. When I went to sporadic loading, the primer feed began to act up. Even so, I really did not find them much a time saver on the 600jr. So, in buying a used one, I would not consider the primer feed as a premium option.

The gaskets for the powder and shot bottles should have a rubber ring and a brass ring. The latter rides against the charge bar. No great loss if not with the used press but you should get them if they are missing.

For 1-1/8 ounce load 12 gauge, the tall bottles for shot are handy. Not as necessary for the smaller gauges.

When operating the press, alway put the plug back in the bottom of the powder/shot bottles. If you forget, you will only do it once as you will spill powder or shot all over the place when tilting the bottles back for removal.

Hope this helps.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

The primer cup assembly can fall out and easily get lost. The entire assembly is $10 from MEC.

Also, the drop tube where the powder and shot fall can fall out and get lost as well. The replacements are plastic now and are only a few dollars from MEC.

 

[germ]

You can download the parts lists from MEC's site. This particular page is for discontinued models, but you'll find links in the left column for current models.

 

[Vol46]

I bought a used Mec 600 jr. years ago off e bay. It was missing the primer cup, drop tube & crimp starter, but I'm pretty sure the handle poked a hole in the box it was packed in during shipping and they fell out. Make sure if you buy used that you instruct the sender to pack it securely.
MEC has fantastic customer service, & the 600 design has not changed in 30 years - some of the new parts are plastic instead of metal, but they will work fine- they will get you any missing parts with minimal fuss & minimal cost.

 

[oneounceload]

Typically what might be missing will be the charge bottles (or they might be so old and cracking if turned yellow). Check the primer seating area to make sure nothing is missing. There are three parts to that.

If it does not have the auto primer feed (an add-on) it is definitely worth it as it speeds things up a lot

The bushing chart is NEVER right and is usually light

You will want to add the red plastic PC powder baffle to help the drops be more consistent.

I can load 4-6 boxes per hour easily by maintaining a constant pace. The basic machine is pretty indestructible and easy to use. Used at garage sales or flea markets should be somewhere between $50-$75