Yesterday's Weapons Forums

What you have I believe is a Mec 600 Junior series machine, but I can't tell you what vintage it is. There are different models of the 600 and take some different parts from one to another. You would be wise to call them and try to figure out what you've got before you take another step. They can also send you a parts catalog that shows all the components of the various models. I don't have one any more to refer to.

One thing I can tell you, when you get a used shotgun loading press SET like this, unless you know the equipment real well, you need to assess what is there and what is missing. Since you are just starting off with this press, you probably do not know it well enough to know what is missing, especially since you don't have any paper with it. I have discovered that you can get as much money in replacement parts (powder/shot bars, bushings, crimping heads, etc), as the cost of a new set. Loading shot shells is a bit more demanding that metallic cartridges (at least in my view), so don't be in a rush to get at it. Research and prepare thoroughly first. It's frustrating not to have the right stuff to do this kind of work, but without the right items, your shotshells may disappoint you.

I have looked over used shot shell presses offered on Ebay. Often, you can tell that the seller hasn't a clue about what he is selling; the wanker probably just picked the junker press up at a garage sale last weekend. From the pictures on Ebay, you can see that some of these used presses offered are hopelessly short of many of the small components, and some are merely strippers. A Mec 600 junior you can buy new for, what, $130 or so? If you have to re-oufit a stripped press with all the small stuff, it's like trying to build a car one piece at a time, and unlike Johnny Cash, you ain't gonna be getting it for free.

On the other hand, if you run across some geezer who has a used press and two of everything to go with it who has gotten tired of it and wants to make you a deal on the whole rig, that can be a real sweet thing.

Don- One good thing you've got going on this one to start with is it has the adjustable charge bar (an aluminum knob on each end), which is an accessory that costs about $65 additional by itself. It eliminates the need for different shot and powder bushings.

On another post, we were discussing IMR 4227 powder. Since you are going to be loading .410 shells, you might want to consider using 4227 as long as you get RP hulls and wads to go with it. If you have some 4227 around for the .410's, you can also use it in your .357 and reduced milsurp rifle loads if you want.

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"The great object is, that every man be armed."
- Patrick Henry

"Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the people's liberty teeth ...... firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. When firearms go, all goes..."
GEORGE WASHINGTON

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It's 5 o'clock and it's watermelon time.....................
because you can't drink beer & load rockets - TXPete