Author Topic: mec reloaders (Read 1366 times)

doublebeard · « **on:** December 29, 2004, 07:58:32 AM »

Hi! I want to start reloading 16ga 2 1/2 shotshells. I e-mailed mec about this and they said that you can only use the 600jr, versamec, mark v and the sizemaster to reload shotshells smaller than 2 3/4. I would like to know, which reloader is the better mec.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2004, 08:08:19 AM »

The 600 does not have a resizing die for the metal head. The Versamec has a sizing die with a ring similar to a conventional metalic resizing die. The Sizemaster has a collet type resizer that requires less pressure to resizing the metal head. The Sizemaster is the replacement product for the Versamec 700.

If I was in your position I would try to find a Sizemaster. I have two of them in 12 and 20 gauge and they are very easy to use. Deepending upon what chamber your cases were originally fired in, you may get by with the 600, but the Sizemaster will resize them to original specifications.

the rifleman · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2005, 09:52:15 PM »

For a single stage loader I agree with Thomas, the Sizemaster I doubt you could get a Versamec any longer, other than used. They were good units though. I have pumped thousands of rounds through mine, and it dosent give me one bit of trouble.! :-)

Ka6otm · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2005, 07:21:25 AM »

Actually, the Mec 600 JR. does have a resizing die (ring) for the brass head. It's just that it's a ring and not a collet like the Sizemaster, but it works very well on the 3 MEC 600 Jr.s that I have.

Ka6otm

Chuck White · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2005, 11:32:13 AM »

Thomas Krupinski wrote:
["The 600 does not have a resizing die for the metal head. The Versamec has a sizing die with a ring similar to a conventional metalic resizing die. The Sizemaster has a collet type resizer that requires less pressure to resizing the metal head. The Sizemaster is the replacement product for the Versamec 700.

If I was in your position I would try to find a Sizemaster. I have two of them in 12 and 20 gauge and they are very easy to use. Deepending upon what chamber your cases were originally fired in, you may get by with the 600, but the Sizemaster will resize them to original specifications."]

I have two MEC 600 JR,s (410 and 12ga) and they both resize the brass! Maybe not as well or as easily as some of them, but I haven't found a chamber yet that they wouldn't simply fall into!

texasbilly · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2005, 03:25:18 PM »

Doublebeard: What MEC is referring to is that each of these reloaders can be fitted with an accessory plate that fits on the base of the press. The plate allows normal resizing, depriming, case filling, and crimping by raising the shotshell 1/4 inch. This means you can load 2 1/2 inch shotshells on a press that normally is used to reload 2 3/4 inch shotshells. You can buy the accessory on the MEC website.

Which reloading press should you purchase to load the 2 1/2 inch 16 gauge shotshells? Any of them will work fine.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2005, 10:16:30 AM »

I use the Sizemaster because I don't shoot enough to benefit from a progressive press. I really like this machine. It really simplifies the priming step, which saves quite a lot of time. I mounted mine to a wooden cutting board and I keep it under my reloading bench when I'm not using it. It is very simple and reliable and I believe it was worth the extra money versus the 600.