Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

Very long time rifle and pistol reloader. But never shotshell. Looking at a MEC 600jr. My question is can you tell by looking at the crimp a reloaded shotshell compared to a new one. Is loading with a MEC Jr a auto operation, in other words, do you have to wiegh out th powder and shot like for rifle and single stage.

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RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

If you're looking at the MEC they offer an adjustable bar for your shot and powder and it can be adjusted this is what I went with and it works well. Most crimps come out pretty good to fool most people but you have to watch as the odd one will go to **** on the first stage and you have to redo it. You can also adjust the final crimp to stop swirls and gaps.

My JR isn't a progreesive press you have to move the shell through each station individually but it my have changed. But definately look at the adjustable charge bar.

Crawdaddy

RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

Loading Duck Loads. Getting tired of this crippling ducks things at 30 yards. I know ducks are tough, but I can knock down Pheasents at 40 yards. I have to blast these things 3 times.

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RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

Is there any duplex Lead/steel loads out there? I doubt it.

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RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

I know, but I can't seem to down ducks this year. I think they are wearing dire hard blue steel feathers. Went out this morning, (5th trip) and still no dead birds. I was using #4's and an outfitter told me to switch to BB's. Thought about reloading hevishot, but you really don't save very much. So I thought about duplexing BB's and #2 steelshot.

RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

Steelmaster is the press you want to look at. If you are going to load lead as well, i.e. trap loads, look to the junior and get the steel conversion kit. Then you can switch back and forth. I've had good luck with shooting the bismuth and I picked up three boxes of Hevishot on close out at Wally world for $13 a box. All they had or I'd have had more. Can loose a lot, gun, boat, right to hunt, etc for shooting ducks with lead. I wouldn't risk it!

RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

Well, I guess its the end of my duck season. I have all year to figure out what to load next year. All the creeks in the bay is frozen up with this cold spell.

RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

Check out Ebay for reloading needs. I picked up some dies and brass at a great price.

RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

Yea, I picked up I think all three of my press's off ebay. Decent deals.

RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

In response to your original Q:
You DO need to check-weigh powder & shot weights, when beginning a run, but after everything is set up, it is good to go.

It is Not an auto-operation - One pull of the handle for each operation, six pulls to load one shell (this really isn't as bad as it sounds!, and it goes pretty fast)

And, yes, you can tell the difference between a reloaded shell, and a new one, though there is not necessarily any practical-application difference, in the two!

I bought a MEC 600 Jr. (12ga) about 20 yrs ago. Later on, I added a Pro-check, and the auto primer feed, effectively updating it into the Mark V model. Later on, I also picked up kits to convert it to 20ga and .410. It will load from 2 1/2" to 3" shells. I also have about 20 charge (shot)bars, and nearly the full set of powder bushings for it, so haven't seen the need for the adjustable bar. It would be an excellent idea, if you are just starting. This press has met all my shotshell reloading needs with complete satisfaction. It is slower than the progressives, but I view reloading as an enjoyable pastime, of itself. Since you are a waterfowler, I guess you need the steel-related parts also. I would not hesitate to recommend this press to anyone who does not need the volume associated with the progressives. In a heavy shotgunning year, I MIGHT load ten boxes. It has served me well, and should last at least a couple more lifetimes. Mec is also very good about customer support, and parts availability, should you ever need service. Would I like to have a more expensive, fancier, progressive press? Sure! Do I need one? Definately not! That said, you might also check out the RCBS Mini-Grand. I have heard quite a bit on them lately (as with any NEW product), but can't offer any opinion there.

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RE: Need advise about shotshell reloading
 

I'm not that addicted to shooting, I can stop at any time........really......I load and shoot 250 a week b/c I want to......not because I NEED........TTTOOOOOOO......I'm shaking....the machine is calling>........

BTW, it's the RCBS Grand and I really like it!