mec jr 600 pre 82 questions?

[Jghoat]

I bought a Mec jr 600 pre 82 that is missing the charge bar and bottles. I was wondering if the universal charge bar will fit/does it work well?
Any problems that the pre 82's have? I am new to reloading?
Thanks
Old Goat

[Graybeard]

Prolly but I HATE those things. In fact I prolly have one around here somewhere I'd let go of cheap if you really want one. I'd recommend you just get the bar and bottles from MEC and forget that adjustable bar.

[alleyyooper]

I have a adjustable charge bar on a Mec 9000 for my 20ga. The bars are simular size and shape for the 600 JR. I would never tell you not to use one as I like mine so well. Just follow the instructions on how to use it and use the scales to get the settings you want.
I have a 1970's edition of the 600JR. it came with a bar set up for red dot powder and a load of shot for a 16ga. back then you had to buy the whole bar if you wantwed to change the load.
I believe it was back in the early 80's they came out with the bushings to change the loads.  those bushings pile up over the years and you need a score sheet to keep track of what does what.
bottles and bars can be bought from Mec, and many sporting goods shops that sell reloading supplies have them.
the baffles do help a lot with the adjustable bars.

   Al

[.45 COLT]

The adjustable will fit. Whether or not you should get one , that would depend on what you plan on loading. One or two loads, probably fixed bars. Changing loads often, then the adjustable would make sense. I have presses with adjustable and with regular bars. Both work fine for what I'm doing.

DC

[Hank08]

There are different adjustables for the different model MECs.  I have adjustables on my 600s, 20 ga. 16 ga. 12 ga.- greatest thing since sliced bread.  On my 600 .410 I only use one load so just use the bar but sometimes I'll have some cases that hold a little more or a little less and the adjustable would be nice to get a perfect crimp. Sometimes there are speciality loads that you want (like cowboy action loads)
that there are no bars made for, no problem with the adjustabe bar.
H08

[McDerry]

my 12 gauge 600 jr mec is from the 70's.   I'm using the universal charge bar on it as well as using the newer spindex pre crimpers( $5 upgrade).  Bottles are same as the newer units that are mounted next to it.  I do 2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2" all on the same old press.