Mech 600 Jr. Reloader Question

[Zenja]

Have a question for reloaders familiar with the older mech 600 Jr., which I just purchased set up for 410,
I am buying a 20 gauge die to set up for 20 gauge reloading,
my question is do I also need to buy a different charging bar to set it up for 20 gauge?
I'm trying to make sure I have all necessary parts while they are available

Thank you
Z

[Cheep]

The charge bar is for metering the shot. If your charge bar will drop the correct amount of shot for both, then you are good to go. I think you will need different charge bars for changing between 20ga and 410.

[sargenv]

The first thing I did when I got my first press is to get one of those adjustable shot/powder bars.. I can swap it between machines and it will do everything from about 10-50 ish gr of powder and 1/2 oz - 2.25 oz of shot..

[jglabe]

The first thing I did when I got my first press is to get one of those adjustable shot/powder bars.. I can swap it between machines and it will do everything from about 10-50 ish gr of powder and 1/2 oz - 2.25 oz of shot..

This is a really good idea. I have been using my mec jr for about 20 years now. I have 4 charge bars and numerous bushings. All of which cost more than the Universal charge bar.

[BigBronco]

If your charge bar throws the correct amount of shot for your 20ga load and the bar is designed for interchangeable powder bushings then perhaps not. However the odds are you will need to replace it. Also if you are new to shotshell loading buy yourself the Lyman shotshell loading manual.

[Revoman]

Most 410 loads are .5 ounce, most 20 loads are .75 to .875. I have not seen a wad in 20 that will go to .5 ounce, although I have not seen everything.

You would prolly be better off using a different bar for each. They are easy to change out. Depending on the powder charge, you will most likely also need a few bushings for the 410. They normally run small to very small. #7ish thru #11ish. If the load you are looking for is say a #9 bushing, buy one bushing lower and one higher, they are never exactly right. Even then, you may need another higher as they seem to err on the low side on the bushing chart.

410 is by far the toughest shotshell to reload, there simply is no room/margin for slop inside that small hull. All components need to be fairly precise.

In reality, you're prolly better off buying another loader for the 20 ga, just easier to switch out an entire loader than to reset all of the adjustments for different gauges. 600 Jrs aren't that costly and can readily be found used.

[Zenja]

Thanks guys,
I reload pistol and rifle but haven't gotten around to shotshells just yet, but looking forward to it,
getting all the gear while it is "gettable,"
since I'm not yet familiar with the equipment wasn't sure what accessories to get with it, those little nuts and bolts that stop the whole show if you don't have it,
I have a universal charger bar on my 12 gauge reloader, sounds like a good idea for the 20, perhaps buying another setup for 20 makes the best sense,
I do wonder if it would be a good idea to buy several crimp accessories for each gauge, it sounds like shotgun shells have several crimp designs that require a separate accessory,
thanks a lot for your very helpful advice

z

I'm so looking to forward to learning 410 shotshell reloading,
there is something special about the 410 (perhaps that could be the special price and lack of availability of ammo, not to mention the controversy over the 410 and lethality,
I have an older Savage combination gun with 22/410 that is much spiffier than the later Savages, fine little survival/backpack weapon

[Revoman]

Yeah, the 12/20 has either a six or an eight fold crimp. The 410 however, has six only....hmmm, I'd have to check actually because it could be five fold crimps.

Either way, the newer black-plastic crimp starter stations are better than the old chrome metal ones. They 'float' better. The crimp starter station has to float in order for the crimp to find the folds. The float allows the starter to turn/rotate to find the folds so that it aligns with the folds for the crimp to start.

Depending on which hulls you use, you will have to adjust the machine to match.

I see many loaders for sale at some of the shoots that I attend, you might try going to one and see for yourself if there is one that suits your needs. (Components too.)