Master Your Ammunition: The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 12 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press

For avid shooters, dedicated hunters, or anyone seeking to gain an edge in competitive shooting, the ability to produce your own ammunition is an invaluable skill. Reloading shotshells offers unparalleled advantages, from significant cost savings to the precise customization of loads tailored to your specific needs and preferences. In an era where ammunition availability and pricing can fluctuate, mastering the art of reloading provides self-sufficiency and ensures you always have high-quality shells ready for the range or the field.

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press in 12 gauge stands as a foundational tool for both novice and experienced reloaders. Crafted with a robust cast iron frame, this machine is renowned for its durability, reliability, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enter the world of shotshell reloading or upgrade from a more basic setup. It's designed to help you consistently produce uniform, high-performance ammunition, ensuring every shot counts.

Why Reload Your Own Shotshells? A Compelling Case for Self-Sufficiency

Many shooters ponder whether the effort of reloading is worth it. The answer, for countless enthusiasts, is a resounding yes. Here are the primary reasons why investing in a quality shotshell reloader like the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V can transform your shooting experience:

• Significant Cost Savings: Factory-loaded shotshells can be expensive, especially for high-volume shooters participating in sporting clays, trap, or skeet. Reloading allows you to reuse hulls, purchase components (primers, powder, wads, shot) in bulk, and drastically reduce your per-shell cost. This saving translates into more shooting time and practice without breaking the bank.
• Customization and Performance Optimization: Unlike factory loads, which are generic, reloading empowers you to fine-tune every aspect of your ammunition.
  • Powder Charges: Adjust for different velocities and recoil levels.
  • Shot Sizes and Materials: Choose specific shot sizes (e.g., #7.5 for clays, #4 for pheasants, BB for waterfowl) and materials (lead, steel, bismuth) to match your quarry or target.
  • Wad Types: Select wads that optimize patterns and protect barrels.
  • Hull Selection: Experiment with different hull brands and their characteristics.
  This level of control allows you to create loads perfectly optimized for your firearm, shooting discipline, and even specific environmental conditions, leading to improved accuracy and confidence.
• Enhanced Consistency and Quality Control: When you reload your own ammunition, you control the entire process. A well-maintained press like the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V ensures consistent powder drops, precise crimps, and uniform overall length, leading to more reliable and predictable performance shot after shot.
• Self-Sufficiency and Preparedness: In times of ammunition shortages or economic uncertainty, having the capability to produce your own supply provides peace of mind. You are no longer reliant on external supply chains, ensuring you can continue to enjoy your shooting activities regardless of market conditions.
• Environmental Responsibility: By reusing spent shotshell hulls, you contribute to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to shooting sports.

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V: A Closer Look at its Engineering and Operation

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is not just a tool; it's a precision instrument designed for longevity and consistent performance. Its reputation as a workhorse in the reloading community is well-earned, stemming from its thoughtful design and robust construction.

Robust Cast Iron Construction: Built to Last

The foundation of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V's durability is its heavy-duty cast iron frame. This material provides exceptional stability during the reloading process, minimizing flex and ensuring precise alignment for every operation. Unlike lighter presses, the cast iron frame absorbs vibrations and stands up to countless cycles of reloading, promising decades of reliable service. This solid construction is crucial for maintaining the precise tolerances required for consistent, high-quality ammunition.

Efficient Five-Stage Operation: Streamlined Reloading

While often referred to as a "junior" press, the 600 Jr. Mark V is a highly efficient progressive reloader, meaning multiple operations occur with each pull of the handle. It typically processes shotshells through five distinct stages, optimizing your workflow and significantly increasing your output compared to single-stage presses.

1. Station 1: De-prime and Resize: The spent primer is pushed out, and the brass base of the hull is resized back to its original dimensions, ensuring smooth chambering in your shotgun. The MEC's "Power Ring" resizing system, a hallmark feature, ensures consistent resizing of the brass to facilitate easy chambering and ejection.
2. Station 2: Prime and Powder Drop: A new primer is automatically seated into the hull, and a precise charge of smokeless powder is dispensed into the hull. The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V features an E-Z Prime Auto Primer Feed system, which automatically feeds primers into position, making the process faster, safer, and more convenient by eliminating the need to manually place each primer. This significantly speeds up production and reduces the chance of misfeeds.
3. Station 3: Wad Seating and First Crimp: A shotshell wad (which separates the powder from the shot and holds the shot column) is seated firmly into the hull, followed by the first stage of the crimp formation.
4. Station 4: Pre-crimp: The hull's mouth begins to fold inward, forming the star-crimp pattern. This preparatory stage ensures a clean, uniform final crimp.
5. Station 5: Final Crimp: The crimp is completed, giving the shell its final, factory-like appearance. The MEC's cam-operated crimp mechanism ensures a consistent, tight, and professional-looking crimp every time, which is essential for uniform patterns and reliable performance.

User-Friendly Design for All Skill Levels

Despite its advanced capabilities, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is designed with user convenience in mind. Its intuitive layout and straightforward adjustments make it approachable for beginners, while its robust performance satisfies the demands of experienced reloaders. The adjustable rammer tube accommodates various hull lengths, and the auto-charge bar ensures consistent powder and shot drops, contributing to the overall ease of operation.

Real-World Applications: Who Benefits Most from the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V?

The versatility of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V makes it an ideal choice for a wide array of shooting disciplines and personal needs:

• Competitive Clay Target Shooters (Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays): These disciplines involve high volumes of shooting. Reloading 12 gauge shells specifically for these sports significantly reduces ammunition costs, allowing for more practice and competition. Furthermore, competitors can dial in custom loads that provide the exact recoil impulse and pattern density they desire for optimal scores.
• Hunters (Upland Game, Waterfowl, Turkey): Custom loads allow hunters to select the ideal shot size, velocity, and pattern for specific game and environmental conditions. For instance, creating specialized waterfowl loads with non-toxic shot or heavy turkey loads for dense patterns at extended ranges is easily achievable.
• General Target Shooters and Enthusiasts: For anyone who enjoys spending time at the range with their shotgun, reloading makes this hobby more affordable and accessible. It's also an engaging and rewarding aspect of the shooting hobby itself.
• Preppers and Survivalists: The ability to produce your own ammunition is a critical component of self-reliance, ensuring a reliable supply regardless of external market conditions.
• Those Seeking Unique or Obscure Loads: If you have an older shotgun or need a very specific load not readily available commercially, reloading opens up a world of possibilities for creating exactly what you need.

Getting Started: The Basic Steps of Shotshell Reloading with the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V

While specific components and load data are crucial, the general process of reloading 12 gauge shotshells on the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V follows a consistent pattern. Remember, always consult reputable reloading manuals for specific powder and shot charges.

1. Preparation of Hulls: Begin with clean, inspected, once-fired hulls. Discard any hulls with cracks, tears, or excessively deformed bases.
2. Station 1 - Depriming and Resizing: Place a hull onto the first station. As you lower the operating handle, the spent primer is ejected, and the brass base of the hull is precisely resized by the "Power Ring" collet system.
3. Station 2 - Priming and Powder Dropping: Advance the hull to the second station. The E-Z Prime Auto Primer Feed system automatically positions a new primer, which is then seated into the hull as you operate the press. Simultaneously, the auto-charge bar dispenses a precise amount of smokeless powder into the hull.
4. Station 3 - Wad Seating and First Crimp: Move the hull to the third station. A shotshell wad is placed over the powder, and as the ram descends, it seats the wad firmly, initiating the formation of the crimp.
5. Station 4 - Pre-Crimp: The hull then moves to the pre-crimp station, where the star fold pattern of the crimp is partially formed, preparing it for the final closure.
6. Station 5 - Final Crimp: At the final station, the crimp is fully formed and pressed closed, creating a professional-looking, secure shotshell. The cam-operated crimp ensures consistent, tight crimps that contribute to reliable ammunition performance.
7. Inspection: Remove the finished shell and visually inspect it for proper crimp, primer seating, and overall appearance.

This continuous process allows you to produce a finished round with nearly every pull of the handle once you get into a rhythm, making batch production highly efficient.

Essential Components for Reloading 12 Gauge Shotshells

To begin reloading with your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V, you'll need a few key components in addition to the press itself:

• Reloading Manual: Absolutely essential for safe and accurate load data. Never guess powder charges.
• Powder Scale: For verifying powder charges and ensuring consistency.
• Shotshell Hulls: Once-fired, clean, and in good condition. Sort by brand and type, as different hulls require different components.
• Primers: Specific shotshell primers (e.g., #209 primers) compatible with your load data.
• Smokeless Powder: The correct type and charge weight as specified in your reloading manual.
• Wads: Designed for 12 gauge, matching your hull type and chosen load. Wads separate powder from shot and provide a gas seal.
• Shot: Lead, steel, bismuth, or other non-toxic shot in the desired size.
• Shot Measure/Bushings: To ensure consistent shot drops (often included with the press or sold separately).

Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Aspect of Reloading

Reloading ammunition is a safe and rewarding hobby, but it demands strict adherence to safety protocols. Always prioritize safety:

• Consult Reloading Manuals: Always follow published load data from reputable sources like Hodgdon, Alliant, or projectile manufacturers. Never deviate from recommended charges.
• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Especially when handling powder.
• Wear Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses to protect against accidental spills or unforeseen events.
• Keep Your Workspace Clean: Prevent contamination of components and ensure a clear area for operation.
• Store Components Safely: Store powder and primers in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, away from heat, open flames, and out of reach of children.
• Double-Check Everything: Consistency is key. Periodically verify powder and shot drops.

Maintaining Your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V for Years of Service

The cast iron construction of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V means it’s built to last, but like any precision machinery, it benefits from regular care.

• Cleaning: Periodically wipe down the press to remove powder residue, dust, and grime. A soft cloth and mild solvent (like gun cleaner) can be used, but avoid getting solvents on plastic components if possible.
• Lubrication: Apply a light film of gun oil or machine oil to pivot points and moving parts to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust. Avoid excessive lubrication, which can attract dirt and powder residue.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the press for any signs of wear, loose bolts, or damaged components. Address any issues promptly to maintain optimal performance and safety.
• Storage: Store your press in a dry, temperate environment to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these simple maintenance steps, your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V will continue to deliver consistent, high-quality ammunition for many shooting seasons to come.

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V: A Smart Investment for Any Shooter

In summary, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 12 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press offers an unbeatable combination of durability, efficiency, and ease of use. It solves the critical problems of ammunition cost, availability, and the desire for personalized performance. Whether you're a high-volume competitive shooter, a discerning hunter, or simply someone who enjoys the self-reliance of producing your own ammunition, this press is a trusted tool that will quickly pay for itself in savings and enhanced shooting experiences. Its robust cast iron build, coupled with features like the E-Z Prime Auto Primer Feed and the Power Ring resizing system, ensures consistent, high-quality output for years.

When you are ready to take control of your ammunition supply and elevate your shooting performance, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is a premier choice. You can find this exceptional piece of reloading equipment, along with all the necessary components and accessories, at DEGuns, a trusted source for all your shooting and reloading needs.

Product Specifications & Details

Feature	Description
Model	MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press
Gauge	12 Gauge
Frame Material	Cast Iron
Operation	5-Stage Progressive
Primer System	E-Z Prime Auto Primer Feed
Resizing System	Power Ring Collet Resizer
Crimp System	Cam-Operated Crimp
Adjustable Rammer	Yes
UPC	098489017374