The Ultimate Guide to the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press for 20 Gauge

Are you a dedicated hunter, a passionate sport shooter, or perhaps someone looking to significantly reduce the cost of your shotgun ammunition while achieving superior performance? If you shoot a 20 gauge shotgun, you know that factory ammunition can be expensive, and finding loads tailored precisely to your needs can be a challenge. This comprehensive guide introduces you to the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press, a robust and reliable piece of equipment designed to empower you to produce your own high-quality 20 gauge ammunition with precision and efficiency.

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is more than just a reloading tool; it's an investment in your shooting future, offering a path to greater self-sufficiency and unparalleled control over your ammunition. This press is widely regarded as an excellent choice for both novice reloaders taking their first steps into the world of shotshell crafting and seasoned enthusiasts seeking a dependable, high-performance machine.

Why Reload Your Own 20 Gauge Shotshells?

Before diving into the specifics of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V, let's explore the compelling reasons why countless shotgunners choose to reload their own ammunition. Understanding these benefits will highlight the immense value this particular press brings to your reloading bench.

• Significant Cost Savings: Factory shotgun shells, especially specialized loads, can quickly deplete your budget. By reloading, you can dramatically cut your ammunition costs, often saving 50% or more per shell. This means more rounds downrange for the same investment, enhancing practice opportunities and enjoyment.
• Superior Performance and Consistency: Factory ammunition is produced for mass appeal. When you reload, you gain the ability to fine-tune every component – primers, powder type and charge, wads, and shot size – to create loads that are perfectly matched to your firearm and specific shooting discipline. This results in incredibly consistent velocities, uniform patterns, and reduced recoil, leading to improved accuracy and a more enjoyable shooting experience.
• Customization for Specific Applications: Whether you're chasing pheasants, competing in trap or skeet, or pursuing waterfowl, the ideal shotshell load varies. Reloading allows you to experiment and develop custom loads optimized for specific ranges, game types, or clay targets. Need a fast, light load for skeet? Or a heavier, harder-hitting load for large game? The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V puts that power in your hands.
• The Rewarding Hobby: Beyond the practical benefits, shotshell reloading is a deeply satisfying hobby. The process of transforming components into functional, high-performance ammunition is a craft that many find incredibly rewarding. It fosters a deeper understanding of ballistics and firearm dynamics.
• Self-Sufficiency: In uncertain times, being able to produce your own ammunition offers a sense of independence and security. You're not reliant on fluctuating market availability or prices for your shooting needs.

Unpacking the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V: Core Features and Design

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V, specifically the 20 gauge model (MEC 844720), stands out due to its thoughtful design and robust construction. It's a progressive press, meaning that with each pull of the handle, multiple operations occur simultaneously on different shells, leading to efficient production.

Robust Cast Iron Construction

At the heart of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V's durability is its heavy-duty cast iron frame. This material choice is critical for several reasons:

• Longevity and Durability: Cast iron is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear. This press is built to withstand tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of reloading cycles over decades of use. It's an heirloom-quality tool that can be passed down through generations.
• Stability and Reduced Flex: The sheer mass and rigidity of cast iron minimize any flex or movement during the reloading process. This stability is paramount for maintaining precise tolerances, ensuring consistent crimps, and accurately seating primers, all of which contribute to the quality and reliability of your finished ammunition.
• Vibration Dampening: Cast iron naturally dampens vibrations, leading to smoother operation and less fatigue during extended reloading sessions.

Multi-Stage Progressive Operation

The "Jr." in its name refers to its compact size, but the "Mark V" signifies its refined multi-stage operation. This press streamlines the reloading process by performing a series of distinct operations at different stations as the shells move around the press.

1. Resizing and De-priming: The spent hull is first resized back to its original dimensions, and the spent primer is pushed out. This ensures the hull will chamber correctly and prepares it for a new primer.
2. Primer Seating: A new, live primer is automatically seated firmly and safely into the primer pocket.
3. Powder Dropping: A precisely measured charge of smokeless powder is dispensed into the hull. The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V utilizes a reliable charge bar system for consistent powder drops.
4. Wad Seating: The appropriate shotshell wad is inserted and seated over the powder charge.
5. Shot Dropping: The correct amount of lead or steel shot is dropped into the wad.
6. Pre-Crimp: The hull is given an initial crimp to start forming the star closure.
7. Final Crimp: The crimp is finished, securely holding the components in place and providing a professional-looking, factory-like closure.

This progressive action significantly speeds up the reloading process compared to a single-stage press, allowing you to produce a substantial volume of ammunition in a shorter amount of time.

Adjustable Charge Bar and Bushing System

Precision is key in reloading, and the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V delivers with its highly regarded adjustable charge bar and bushing system. This system allows you to accurately measure and dispense both powder and shot.

• Interchangeable Bushings: MEC offers a wide range of bushings that can be easily swapped out to achieve specific powder and shot weights. This versatility means you can fine-tune your loads to exact specifications recommended by reloading data.
• Consistency: The design of the charge bar and bushings ensures consistent drops, which is critical for safety and performance. Deviations in powder charge can be dangerous, and the MEC system is engineered to minimize this risk.

E-Z Prime Automatic Priming System

One of the often-cited benefits of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V for new and experienced reloaders alike is its E-Z Prime automatic priming system.

• Simplicity and Safety: Primers are fed automatically from a tube, eliminating the need to handle each primer individually. This not only speeds up the process but also enhances safety by keeping primers contained until they are seated.
• Reliable Seating: The system ensures consistent and proper seating of each primer, which is vital for reliable ignition.

Flared Base for Stability

The wide, flared base of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V contributes to its overall stability. This design allows the press to be securely bolted to your reloading bench, minimizing any movement or wobble during operation. A stable press is essential for repeatable, high-quality results.

Who Is the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V For?

This press is an ideal solution for a diverse range of 20 gauge shotgun enthusiasts:

• The Cost-Conscious Shooter: If you're tired of high ammunition prices and want to maximize your shooting hobby without breaking the bank, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V offers a clear path to significant savings.
• The Novice Reloader: Its straightforward operation and robust design make it an excellent choice for those new to shotshell reloading. While it's a progressive press, its setup and adjustments are intuitive enough for a beginner to grasp with proper instruction and attention to detail.
• The Dedicated Hunter: For hunters who demand specific performance from their loads for different game or conditions, this press allows for meticulous customization of shot type, size, and velocity.
• The Competitive Clay Target Shooter: Trap, skeet, and sporting clays enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to produce large volumes of consistent, low-recoil practice loads, as well as specialized competition loads.
• The Self-Sufficient Enthusiast: For anyone who values the ability to create their own resources and reduce reliance on external supply chains, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is a cornerstone tool.

Setting Up and Using Your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V

Getting started with the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is a relatively straightforward process. While the press comes pre-set for 20 gauge, a few initial steps are necessary to ensure optimal performance.

1. Secure Mounting: The most crucial first step is to securely bolt the press to a sturdy reloading bench. The cast iron base has pre-drilled holes for this purpose. A stable mounting surface eliminates flex and ensures consistent operation.
2. Powder and Shot Adjustment: Using a reloading manual specific to 20 gauge shotshells, you will select the appropriate powder type, charge weight, and shot weight for your desired load. You'll then install the correct bushings into the charge bar assembly. Always verify your powder and shot drops with a precise scale to ensure safety and accuracy.
3. Primer Loading: Load your 20 gauge shotshell primers into the E-Z Prime automatic priming system.
4. Component Feeding: Keep your supply of empty, clean 20 gauge hulls, wads, powder, shot, and primers readily available.
5. Operation: With components loaded, you begin the reloading cycle by placing a hull at the first station and pulling the handle. As you continue to pull and release the handle, empty hulls are fed into the first station, and partially processed hulls advance through the subsequent stations, until a finished, ready-to-shoot shotshell emerges.

MEC provides comprehensive instructions with the press, and there are numerous resources available online and in reloading manuals that offer step-by-step guidance for safe and effective operation.

Maintaining Your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V

Like any precision machinery, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V benefits from regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure decades of reliable performance.

• Cleaning: Periodically remove powder residue and other debris from the press, especially around the charge bar and priming systems. A soft brush and compressed air work well.
• Lubrication: Apply a light lubricant to pivot points and moving parts as recommended by MEC to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the various components for wear or damage, particularly the plastic bushings and rubber seals. Replacement parts are readily available.
• Storage: When not in use, store your press in a clean, dry environment to prevent rust and protect it from dust.

The MEC Advantage: A Legacy of Quality

MEC (Mayville Engineering Company) has been a cornerstone in the shotshell reloading industry for over 60 years. Their presses are synonymous with durability, reliability, and precision. When you choose a MEC 600 Jr. Mark V, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in a legacy of American manufacturing excellence and a product trusted by generations of shooters. This trust is built on a foundation of consistent performance and a design that prioritizes both the quality of the finished ammunition and the ease of use for the reloader.

Many reloaders start with a MEC 600 Jr. and continue to use it for decades, even if they later acquire more advanced or specialized presses. Its role as a reliable workhorse for consistent, high-volume production of quality 20 gauge ammunition is well-established. Its simplicity in design, combined with its robust build, makes it a favorite for those who value dependable performance above all else.

Where to Find Your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V

For those ready to embark on their 20 gauge shotshell reloading journey, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press is available through reputable firearms and reloading suppliers. You can find this essential reloading tool, along with all the necessary components and accessories, at DEGuns.com, a trusted source for quality shooting sports equipment. Investing in a MEC 600 Jr. Mark V from DEGuns.com means you're getting a genuine product backed by a reliable vendor, ready to help you save money, improve your shooting, and enjoy the fulfilling hobby of shotshell reloading.

Product Specifications and Details

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V for 20 gauge is a testament to functional design and robust engineering, making it an indispensable tool for any serious 20 gauge shooter looking to manage their ammunition costs and optimize performance.

Feature	Description	Benefit
Model	MEC 600 Jr. Mark V	Renowned for reliability and ease of use in progressive shotshell reloading.
Gauge	20 Gauge	Specifically designed and optimized for producing 20 gauge shotshells.
Type	Progressive Shotshell Reloader	Performs multiple operations simultaneously, significantly increasing production speed.
Construction	Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Frame	Ensures maximum durability, stability, and minimizes flex for consistent, precise reloading.
Priming System	E-Z Prime Automatic Primer Feeder	Simplifies primer handling, speeds up the process, and ensures consistent primer seating.
Powder/Shot Drop	Adjustable Charge Bar with Interchangeable Bushings	Allows for precise and consistent measurement of powder and shot charges.
Operations	Resizes, De-primes, Re-primes, Powders, Wads, Shots, Pre-crimps, Final Crimps	Comprehensive, multi-stage process for complete shotshell production.
Mounting	Flared Base with Mounting Holes	Provides excellent stability when securely bolted to a workbench, reducing movement during operation.
MEC Part No.	844720	Specific manufacturer identifier for the 20 gauge model.
UPC	098489011822	Universal Product Code for identification and inventory purposes.