Shotgun shell reloading

Do we have any shotgun shell reloaders here?

Many years ago I used to reload 20 ga Winchester AA skeet loads. I used to shoot skeet quite a bit.

Have an older MEC press...cannot remember the model #.

Anyone know what I might have to change on the press to go from 20 ga to 12 ga.

I have a bunch of 12 ga AA hulls I could load.

Only thing that comes to mind right off is a change in the charge bar....

Boy its been a long time...Can anyone give me any current info.

Many Thanks

I have a Mec 600Jr that has not been used in 20+years ... Most Mecs require changing several components for each guage. I loaded 10, 16, 20, and 12 when I was loading for shotshell.

The depriming pin, wad guide, shellplate, crimping stage are different for each guage in the 600Jr. maybe several more parts that I can not recall off the top of my head. If you are interested, I will take a look at it and try to post some pictures what it takes to change guages .... Better yet, here is the link for every Mec operators manual -- even the discontinued models --

http://www.mecreloaders.com/OwnerManuals/OwnerManuals.asp

The charge bar and bushings will work for all guages - they just measure the amount of shot and powder. I do have a good assortment of both bars and bushings around here somewhere. Of course you can drop a 1oz shot charge in either the 12 or 20 guage.

I actually quite loading shotshells when we were required to use steel shot for waterfowl. I was loading shotshells for the entire family and many friends. At that time, it was a NO NO to attempt to load steel shot. Today there is a lot of steel shot loading data out there.

Been thinking about breaking it out and attempting some buckshot - tactical rounds for my Remington Marine 870. Great WSHTF weapon!

What model do you have?

I have a Rem 870 with 2 barrels...one 18.5 one 28 in

Looks like I have a 20 ga only MEC if I have to change out that much stuff to go to 12 ga.

Thanks for the links

I have a bunch of 12 ga AA hulls that are worthless I guess

Been thinking on a Mossberg SPX for WSHTF gun...would be a good complement to AR

What model Mec do you have? If my stuff will fit, you are certainly welcome to use it for awhile and load all 'emm AA Hulls up -- if not, are you interested in parting with the AAs?

Changing out the parts for the mec 600jr is not worth it imo. I have 2 Mec 600Jr's. One is set up for 20ga and one is set up for 12ga. I was planning on getting rid of one and just changing out when I wanted to but after doing that once I decided it wasnt worth it considering I had only paid around $60 each for the presses.

msredneck wrote:Do we have any shotgun shell reloaders here?

Many years ago I used to reload 20 ga Winchester AA skeet loads. I used to shoot skeet quite a bit.

Have an older MEC press...cannot remember the model #.

Anyone know what I might have to change on the press to go from 20 ga to 12 ga.

I have a bunch of 12 ga AA hulls I could load.

Only thing that comes to mind right off is a change in the charge bar....

Boy its been a long time...Can anyone give me any current info.

Many Thanks

Like Merp said, it cost more to convert the Mecs than it does to get a good used one. I started on the Lee Loadall with my 12 gauge shells, then bought a Mec, and got my 20 ga. conversion for the loadall for $13 from the factory. They do have the conversion for the 12 to 20 ga, but it's high. A couple of the pawn shops around Starkvegas had the 12 gauge mecs for $50-$60.

psychogoc wrote:
Like Merp said, it cost more to convert the Mecs than it does to get a good used one. I started on the Lee Loadall with my 12 gauge shells, then bought a Mec, and got my 20 ga. conversion for the loadall for $13 from the factory. They do have the conversion for the 12 to 20 ga, but it's high. A couple of the pawn shops around Starkvegas had the 12 gauge mecs for $50-$60.

Keep an eye on craigslist too. That's where I found my 12ga Mec. Got the press, some wads, shot, and hulls for pretty darn cheap.

Have been loading shotshells since the mid 70's. In the early 80's got into sporting clay shooting and got a 12 ga. MEC Sizemaster which in my opinion is about the best single stage press anywhere. Have loaded thousands of shells with it. Predominately for clays and doves. One oz. of magnum (high antimony) 7 1/2's or 8's and 17.5 gr. of Red Dot for about 1,200 fps using windjammer wads (claybuster) and AA and Rem hulls. With one ounce loads can get 400 loads from a bag of shot. Have found that if you put a thin card wad over the shot before crimping I get a very good looking, tight crimp that is supposed to aid in powder combustion and load effeciency. These wads come from Ballistic Products via MidwayUSA.