Press Perdicament

[John Joseph]

I'd like to be able to load my own 12 gauges shells because of the moronic laws passed which will curtail ammunition sales here in CA.
I don't know if shot shells are included in the legislation or not, but I'd like to be ready.
I fear the cheap target shells from Walmart that made reloading shot shells not cost effective might be going away if registration and taxes come into play in January.
Here is what I'd like to reload---2-2/4" target loads, both 1 oz and 7/8 oz, and 3" magnum steel hunting loads. Plenty of powder and 209s are currently available in my area for stocking up and I've been saving my good hulls(STS and AAs)
I already have plenty of buck shot so I' not going to deal with loading those now.
What I have in the way of a press is a MEC 600, pre '83 which I picked up for a few bucks on a whim, cheap because it is lacking the dies.
I can buy a new MEC die set that is made for the pre-83 MEC for about $90, or a new Lee Load-all press with all the bushings for about $70, incl. tax.
What to do? The MEC is said to be a better machine but the once and done with a Load-all for less $$ is tempting.

[Divernhunter]

Buy Quality. Buy Mec

[bigbossman]

Instead of buying the 600jr die set for $90, pay attention to CL and the "for Sale" forum here. I have had zero problem finding whole complete 600jr presses for around $50, and 650's (progressives) for around $100..... mostly in 20 and 12 gauge. Divernhunter is right - the MEC presses are never-fail workhorses, with plentiful parts available from the manufacturer as well as technical support.

Personally, I'd hold out for a 650 - the 600jr will produce a box of shells in about 20-30 minutes, and you will get tired of that slow rate, especially if you are a volume trap or skeet shooter.

[Revoman]

bigbossman once again has hit it on the head. A 600 will get tedious right away, the 650 is the entry level progressive style press. I like the 650 over more automated presses however. They are more manual with less frills and very little to adjust or go wrong with less frills.
Do yourself a favor and get the 650 minimally in order to get yourself some good output.

[Bill Steele]

I agree with the notion that either the Jr, or Load All II will get old within a box or so. They are terrific for load development where a more progressive press (I hate even using that word...) is more trouble than it is worth. When I say load development, I mean recipe testing, as what you are doing is getting column and crimp right and then checking pattern.

I am not very fond of the MEC progressives, but that is just me.

[AandO]

They are terrific for load development where a more progressive press (I hate even using that word...)

SMH and oh no. I've never thought to edit progressive from the vocabulary re presses.

Pray tell, what should we call them now? Think I'll call the political term progressive to what it really is "REGRESSIVE" and stick with my "Progressive Press"