Unlocking Value: The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 16 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press

For avid shotgunners, hunters, competitive clay target shooters, or anyone seeking greater control over their ammunition, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 16 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press stands out as an indispensable tool. This robust, cast-iron workhorse is specifically designed to empower shotgun enthusiasts to craft their own 16 gauge ammunition, offering a gateway to significant cost savings, improved performance, and a deeper connection to their sport. Whether you're a seasoned reloader or contemplating your first foray into the rewarding world of ammunition manufacturing, this press provides the reliability and precision needed to produce consistent, high-quality shotshells.

Why Reload Your Own 16 Gauge Ammunition?

Many shotgun owners, particularly those who shoot frequently or possess classic 16 gauge firearms, encounter challenges with factory ammunition. The 16 gauge, while cherished by its devotees for its elegant balance between the 12 and 20 gauge, often sees limited factory load options and higher prices compared to its more common counterparts. Reloading with a dedicated press like the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V offers compelling advantages:

• Significant Cost Savings: Factory shotgun shells, especially for less common gauges or specialized loads, can be expensive. By purchasing components (hulls, primers, powder, wads, shot) in bulk and reloading them, users can drastically reduce their per-shell cost, making shooting more affordable and accessible. This can lead to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars saved over time, effectively allowing for more shooting sessions.
• Tailored Performance for Specific Needs: Do you need a lighter load for training or a heavier, more potent load for hunting waterfowl? Factory ammunition offers limited choices. Reloading grants you complete control over every variable – powder type and charge, wad column, shot type and weight, and crimp depth. This allows for the creation of custom loads optimized for specific firearms, shooting disciplines (e.g., trap, skeet, sporting clays), or game animals, ensuring optimal pattern density, velocity, and recoil.
• Enhanced Consistency and Accuracy: Handloaded ammunition, when crafted with care and precise tools, often surpasses the consistency of mass-produced factory shells. The meticulous process of reloading allows for tighter tolerances, leading to more uniform performance shot after shot. This can translate directly into improved scores on the range and more effective hunting trips.
• Preserving Classic Firearms: For owners of vintage 16 gauge shotguns, finding appropriate ammunition can be a challenge. Reloading ensures a steady supply of ammunition perfectly suited to the specifications of older firearms, often allowing for the use of lighter loads that are gentler on classic barrels and actions.
• The Rewarding Hobby Aspect: Beyond the practical benefits, reloading is a deeply satisfying hobby. The process of transforming raw components into functional ammunition is a skill that many find enjoyable and meditative. It fosters a deeper understanding of ballistics and the mechanics of firearms.
• Environmental Responsibility: Reusing spent shotshell hulls reduces waste. While primers, powder, wads, and shot are new, the most significant bulk component, the hull, can often be reloaded multiple times, minimizing environmental impact.

Who Benefits Most from the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V?

This shotshell reloading press is an ideal choice for a diverse range of individuals:

• The Beginner Reloader: Its single-stage design simplifies the reloading process, breaking it down into distinct, manageable steps. This makes it perfect for those learning the ropes, allowing them to focus on precision and safety without being overwhelmed by multiple operations at once.
• The Dedicated 16 Gauge Shooter: Given the scarcity and cost of factory 16 gauge ammunition, owners of these firearms will find the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V invaluable for ensuring a consistent and affordable supply of shells.
• The Hunter: Whether pursuing upland birds, waterfowl, or small game, hunters can craft specialized loads that perfectly match their quarry and hunting conditions, from dense patterns for close-range flushing birds to high-velocity loads for longer shots.
• The Clay Target Enthusiast: Trap, skeet, and sporting clays shooters consume vast quantities of ammunition. Reloading significantly reduces the cost per round, allowing for more practice and competition without breaking the bank. Custom loads can also fine-tune patterns for different target presentations.
• The Cost-Conscious Shooter: Anyone looking to maximize their shooting time while minimizing expenditure will find this press to be an excellent long-term investment.

Key Features of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 16 Gauge Press

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is a testament to MEC's decades of experience in reloading press manufacturing, combining robust construction with user-friendly features.

• Durable Cast Iron Construction: The heart of the 600 Jr. Mark V is its rugged cast iron frame. This heavy-duty construction provides exceptional rigidity and stability during the reloading process, minimizing flex and ensuring consistent, precise operations. This durability means the press is built to last for generations, withstanding countless reloading sessions.
• Single-Stage Operation: As a single-stage press, the 600 Jr. Mark V performs one reloading operation at a time. While slower than a progressive press, this method offers superior control and precision, making it easier to monitor each step and ensure quality. It's particularly beneficial for new reloaders to learn the fundamentals and for experienced reloaders seeking the utmost consistency for specific loads.
• Integrated Resizing and Decapping: The press features an integrated resizing station that ensures fired hulls are returned to their proper dimensions, allowing for smooth chambering in your shotgun. Simultaneously, it decaps the spent primer, preparing the hull for a new one.
• Automatic Primer Feed: A significant time-saver, the automatic primer feed system ensures that a new primer is automatically indexed into position for seating with each stroke of the handle. This eliminates the need to manually place each primer, speeding up the process and improving safety.
• Cam-Lock Crimper: Achieving a perfect crimp is crucial for shotshell performance. The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V utilizes MEC's renowned Cam-Lock Crimper, which produces a consistent, professional-looking, and highly functional crimp that holds the shot and wad securely in place. This contributes directly to reliable ignition and optimal patterns.
• Powder and Shot Measure: The press includes MEC's standard powder and shot measure, which can be adjusted to dispense precise amounts of propellant and shot. This ensures consistency in your loads, which is vital for performance and safety. Additional bushings (sold separately) can be used for even finer control over charge weights.
• E-Z Prime Auto-Primer Feed System: This system makes primer loading simple and efficient, automatically feeding primers from a tube into the seating position.
• Universal Charge Bar Compatibility: The press is compatible with MEC's popular Universal Charge Bar (often included or readily available), which offers a wide range of adjustable settings for various powder and shot combinations, enhancing its versatility.
• Easy Adjustments and Maintenance: The design prioritizes ease of use and maintenance. Adjustments for crimp depth, wad seating pressure, and charge weights are straightforward, allowing users to fine-tune their loads with minimal hassle. Its robust construction also means fewer delicate parts to worry about.

Getting Started with Your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V

Embracing shotshell reloading is a journey that begins with understanding the process and ensuring you have the necessary components. While the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is designed for ease of use, a foundational understanding is key. The basic steps involved with this press are:

1. Decap and Resize: The initial pull of the handle decaps the spent primer and resizes the base of the hull, bringing it back to factory specifications for reliable feeding.
2. Prime: A new primer is automatically fed and seated into the resized hull.
3. Powder Drop: The predetermined amount of gunpowder is dropped into the hull.
4. Wad Seating: A plastic or fiber wad is firmly seated on top of the powder, creating a seal and separating the powder from the shot.
5. Shot Drop: The measured amount of shot is dropped into the wad.
6. Pre-Crimp: The initial stage of crimping begins, folding the hull mouth inward.
7. Final Crimp: The Cam-Lock crimper completes the process, forming a professional, secure crimp that holds all components in place.

To begin reloading, you will need:

• Shotshell Hulls: Clean, once-fired hulls are often reusable, or new hulls can be purchased.
• Primers: Specific shotshell primers (e.g., shotshell 209 primers).
• Smokeless Powder: Always use powders specifically designed for shotshells and follow published load data meticulously.
• Wads: Designed to fit the gauge and powder/shot combination, these separate components and provide a gas seal.
• Shot: Lead, steel, bismuth, or other non-toxic shot types depending on your hunting regulations or shooting discipline.
• Reloading Manual: An essential resource containing verified load data for various components. Never deviate from published data.
• Safety Equipment: Eye protection is non-negotiable.

For acquiring this reliable MEC 600 Jr. Mark V press and all the necessary reloading components, enthusiasts consistently turn to reputable sources like DEGuns.com. They are known for providing a comprehensive selection of reloading equipment and components, ensuring you have everything needed to begin your reloading journey with confidence.

Common Questions About Shotshell Reloading

Users frequently have questions when considering a reloading press or starting the reloading process. Here are some of the most common inquiries addressed:

• Is reloading safe? Yes, reloading is perfectly safe when proper procedures are followed rigorously. Always adhere to published load data from reputable manuals, wear safety glasses, and never work distracted. The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is designed with safety in mind through its precise operation.
• How much space do I need? The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is relatively compact and can be mounted to most sturdy workbenches. A dedicated space with good lighting is recommended for organizing components and ensuring an uninterrupted workflow.
• How long does it take to reload a box of shells? With the single-stage MEC 600 Jr. Mark V, a beginner might take a bit longer initially, but with practice, many reloaders can produce a box (25 shells) in 20-30 minutes, or even faster. The focus should always be on quality and safety over speed.
• Can I reload different gauges on this press? The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is typically gauge-specific. This particular model is set up for 16 gauge. MEC does offer conversion kits for some models, but it's important to verify compatibility and invest in the appropriate parts.
• How do I choose the right components? Start with a reloading manual. It will list tested recipes for specific powders, primers, wads, and shot weights. Choosing components outside of published data is extremely dangerous.
• How many times can I reload a hull? The number of reloads depends on the hull's quality and the pressure of the loads. High-quality hulls (like certain Remington, Winchester, or Federal hulls) can often be reloaded 5-10 times or more, especially with lighter target loads. Inspect hulls for cracks or damage before each reload.

The MEC Legacy

MEC (Mayville Engineering Company) has been a cornerstone of the shotshell reloading industry for over 60 years. Their commitment to quality, durability, and innovation has earned them a reputation as a trusted name among reloaders worldwide. The 600 Jr. Mark V is a proud continuation of this legacy, embodying the rugged reliability and precise engineering that MEC is known for. Owning a MEC press means investing in a tool that will serve you faithfully for decades, providing consistent performance and value.

In conclusion, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 16 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press is more than just a piece of equipment; it's an investment in your shooting passion. It offers the freedom to create custom, high-performance ammunition while significantly cutting costs. Its robust cast iron construction, user-friendly design, and the precision of its components make it an outstanding choice for anyone serious about 16 gauge shooting or looking to embark on the rewarding journey of shotshell reloading. This press provides the reliability and consistency needed to produce ammunition you can truly depend on, shot after shot, season after season.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	MEC 600 Jr. Mark V
Type	Single-Stage Shotshell Reloader
Gauge	16 Gauge
Construction	Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Frame
Primer System	Automatic Primer Feed (E-Z Prime)
Crimping System	Cam-Lock Crimper
Key Operations	Decaps, Resizes, Primes, Powder Drops, Wads, Shot Drops, Crimps
UPC	098489015431
Part Number	MEC 844716
Manufacturer	MEC (Mayville Engineering Company)