Sheriff Dill Posted June 6 Posted June 6 Thoughts on Mec 600 jr vs Lee load All Currently have the load all. Very happy with it. Found a 600 wanted to know everyone’s thoughts on it good or bad. We don’t shoot a lot we shoot 5 matches a year. SD Quote
Rye Miles #13621 Posted June 6 Posted June 6 (edited) 3 minutes ago, Sheriff Dill said: Thoughts on Mec 600 jr vs Lee load All Currently have the load all. Very happy with it. Found a 600 wanted to know everyone’s thoughts on it good or bad. We don’t shoot a lot we shoot 5 matches a year. SD If you’re happy with the Lee just stay with it. I’ve been using a Lee Load All for about 5-6 years. I go to about 12-15 shoots a year. I also buy some factory AA low recoil once in a while. Edited June 6 by Rye Miles #13621 4 Quote
Frontier Lone Rider Posted June 6 Posted June 6 If it is priced right, go for it. I have several Mec 600 jrs and they do what they are supposed to do. It never hurts to have a backup plan. 1 1 Quote
Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971 Posted June 6 Posted June 6 A Mec Jr is plenty of press for five matches a year. I bought one so I could load BP shotshells. Here is MEC's demo video of the MEC Jr: 2 Quote
Sheriff Dill Posted June 6 Author Posted June 6 (edited) 9 minutes ago, Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971 said: A Mec Jr is plenty of press for five matches a year. I bought one so I could load BP shotshells. Here is MEC's demo video of the MEC Jr: I watched several videos on them yesterday they seem like really nice presses that are easy to use once you know how they work and adjust them. 12 minutes ago, Frontier Lone Rider said: If it is priced right, go for it. I have several Mec 600 jrs and they do what they are supposed to do. It never hurts to have a backup plan. $50 is the asking price. Not sure what’s the going price range for one with everything included all ready to reload. Here’s a photo of what is included. Edited June 6 by Sheriff Dill 1 Quote
Rum Crook, SASS #55339 Posted June 6 Posted June 6 I started with a Lee Load All and switched to a MEC 600 Jr. Mark V, and I would say that the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is more durable than the Lee, and it has an adjustable wad inserter. I was concerned with "crushing" the wad with the Lee, but you can, after adjusting the MEC, go full down with the operating handle without worrying about it. 1 1 Quote
Leroy Luck Posted June 6 Posted June 6 (edited) A 600jr with an adjustable charge bar is a hard to beat combination. The press in the pic would be a bargain, considering it has the auto prime system on it. I notice it also comes with an adjustable bar, which alone sell for around $100. My concerns with a 600jr is the resizing isn’t my favorite (I use a Mec supersizer) and it doesn’t have the final taper like the progressives do. You can use the SlixSprings checker for that or buy a cowboy edge taper tool (which is an awesome product). For everything in that picture at new price would be E-Z Prime ($90), press ($267), charge bars ($23-28/each), and the adjustable bar around $100. Over $500 in total. Current prices from Midway as of posting (minus the adjustable bar). I’d be all over it for $50. Edited June 6 by Leroy Luck 5 1 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted June 6 Posted June 6 Looks like a great deal to me!! I have both! The Load All II is more than adequate for most of the SASS loads you’re going to shoot. It’s really simple and it makes fine reloads. For me, it’s a little clumsy because I am left handed and I sometimes have trouble getting the shell from the drop/wad station to the pre-crimp. I use it mostly for small batch 12ga shells for non SASS shooting now. (I have a dedicated press for my 12ga SASS load) I bought my 600jr for my 10ga needs. I had been using a kit designed for use with the Load All to reload my 10ga plastic shells, but it was a little time consuming to use and required using lots of hand held adapters. I spent a bit more for mine than you’re looking at, but it was still a great deal. I added the auto-prime and an adjustable charge bar, two items already included in your deal. That’s almost a $175.00 investment by itself! If everything works, you’ll be getting a great deal on a press setup that will do all you’re ever likely to need! 1 Quote
Sheriff Dill Posted June 6 Author Posted June 6 14 minutes ago, Blackwater 53393 said: Looks like a great deal to me!! I have both! The Load All II is more than adequate for most of the SASS loads you’re going to shoot. It’s really simple and it makes fine reloads. For me, it’s a little clumsy because I am left handed and I sometimes have trouble getting the shell from the drop/wad station to the pre-crimp. I use it mostly for small batch 12ga shells for non SASS shooting now. (I have a dedicated press for my 12ga SASS load) I bought my 600jr for my 10ga needs. I had been using a kit designed for use with the Load All to reload my 10ga plastic shells, but it was a little time consuming to use and required using lots of hand held adapters. I spent a bit more for mine than you’re looking at, but it was still a great deal. I added the auto-prime and an adjustable charge bar, two items already included in your deal. That’s almost a $175.00 investment by itself! If everything works, you’ll be getting a great deal on a press setup that will do all you’re ever likely to need! The only issue I have come across with the load all is trying to do the 6 pt crimps in the back spot. As it is a little awkward to get hands in the right spots and still be able to pull handle. We have loaded about 250 shells and they came out great. 2 Quote
Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428 Posted June 6 Posted June 6 For that price, definitely buy it. Try it out, if you dont like it as much as the load all, keep using the load all and keep the mec as a backup, or sell or trade it. Too good of a deal tp pass up. 2 1 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted June 6 Posted June 6 2 minutes ago, Sheriff Dill said: The only issue I have come across with the load all is trying to do the 6 pt crimps in the back spot. As it is a little awkward to get hands in the right spots and still be able to pull handle. We have loaded about 250 shells and they came out great. YES!! That’s one major issue for me! Fiddling around to get the shell turned just right for the best crimp is bothersome! There’s been more than one instance of tipping the shell over and then having to retrieve the shot from the bench!! 😡 CGB is absolutely right!! It’s a top shelf investment even if you don’t like it!! 1 Quote
Texas Maverick Posted June 6 Posted June 6 Primer tray cover runs around $10 on eBay. I know, I just bought one for a MEC 9000G and they are the same. TM 2 1 Quote
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted June 6 Posted June 6 Been run'n one since 1978. Have the adjustable shot/powder bar in mine. Don't trust Mec bushings to throw what they say they will. 2 Quote
Sheriff Dill Posted June 6 Author Posted June 6 10 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said: Most hulls you'll pick up at a match are usually 8pt. Thank goodness only 100 of mine are 6pt cause my snausage fingers are struggling 2 Quote
Sedalia Dave Posted June 6 Posted June 6 I don’t reload hulls with a 6pt crimp. Those with 8pt crimps tend to be higher quality hulls than those with 6 pts. 3 1 Quote
Sheriff Dill Posted June 6 Author Posted June 6 3 minutes ago, Sedalia Dave said: I don’t reload hulls with a 6pt crimp. Those with 8pt crimps tend to be higher quality hulls than those with 6 pts. That would explain a lot the 6 pt ones I got are cheaper ones from Dicks Sporting Goods before they stopped selling guns and ammo Quote
Wild Eagle Posted June 7 Posted June 7 Buy the MEC. If you don't like it you can sell it in a heartbeat and make a little money. I have used both the Lee and the MEC. For me, the MEC was much easier to use and turned out slightly better ammo. I was running about 300 rounds a month on the MEC 600 Jr. for almost a year without a problem. I found a MEC 9000 progressive once I decided that I was going to keep on shooting cowboy. Still load about 300 12 gage rounds a month. 2 1 Quote
Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655 Posted June 7 Posted June 7 (edited) I started on a lee load all back in about 1994-5 used it for about 5 years something got out of wack on it. About the time it needed repair I inherited a mec Jr have been running that sine early 2000 it has to be 35 years old still going strong added 7/8 and 1oz charge bars as it came with 1-1/8. I did get a 6 point crimp starter which I swap with my 20 guage mec Jr when hulls demand Edited June 7 by Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655 1 Quote
Sam Sackett Posted June 7 Posted June 7 On 6/6/2025 at 9:56 AM, Sheriff Dill said: I watched several videos on them yesterday they seem like really nice presses that are easy to use once you know how they work and adjust them. $50 is the asking price. Not sure what’s the going price range for one with everything included all ready to reload. Here’s a photo of what is included. The unit shown is a very early model 600 or VersaMEC. It is not quite the same as the current 600 jr. the wad guide shown is the original model and is no longer made. This can be upgraded to the new style. Also, the crimp started is the original that takes an insert. The insert needs to be changed out for 6 point or 8 point crimps. This is another easy upgrade. I have a VersaMEC from way back. I made the mentioned upgrades and it is a great machine. If you can get that unit for $50, grab it! You’ll have another $50 or so in the upgrades, but that package is worth the bucks. The adjustable charge bar alone will be worth your cost. Sam Sackett 1 4 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted June 7 Posted June 7 (edited) That auto-primer feed is $75.00 new too! For the price of a ten buck lid for it, you’ll be another $65.00 ahead of the game!! If I didn’t have one already, I’d be glad to have your press just for that adjustable charge bar and the primer feed!! Edited June 7 by Blackwater 53393 3 Quote
Eyesa Horg Posted June 7 Posted June 7 I'll donate him a lid if he buys it! Just let me know Sheriff Dill. 2 2 Quote
Dapper Dave Posted June 8 Posted June 8 So, to jump in here, another newbie shotgun reloader with MEC jr questions. First, this happened today. Thank you, Kid Rich! I am going to find a nice thick board to mount it on, but I have never used a MEC or reloaded shotgun other than tool-less black powder shell loading. I was kinda apprehensive until I saw the video above - this thing looks really easy to use! 3 Quote
Shepherd Book Posted June 8 Posted June 8 Been loading on my 600 Jr for over 45 years. Replaced an occasional part or two. It keeps on cranking out shells...everything from my cowboy loads to buckshot. Can't beat it to start with! SB 2 1 Quote
High Spade Mikey Wilson Posted June 8 Posted June 8 I've had many different makes and models of presses over the years, but you just can't beat the simplicity and reliability of a MEC 600 Jr. 4 2 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted June 8 Posted June 8 6 hours ago, Dapper Dave said: So, to jump in here, another newbie shotgun reloader with MEC jr questions. First, this happened today. Thank you, Kid Rich! Kid Rich is an old reprobate!! I wouldn’t take ten million dollars for his friendship!! Bess is a saint for putting up with him and the both of ‘em have come to my rescue more than once!!!! Looks like you got a nice rig there!! 5 Quote
John Barleycorn, SASS #76982 Posted June 8 Posted June 8 I have three Lee load All II’s one set up for my wife and I’s loads, one set up for Lil JB’s loaded and one set up for BP loads. I do have a Mec Grabber it is currently used with the taper crimp die for finished shells. 1 1 Quote
J.S. Sooner, SASS #73526 Posted June 8 Posted June 8 On 6/6/2025 at 9:56 AM, Sheriff Dill said: I watched several videos on them yesterday they seem like really nice presses that are easy to use once you know how they work and adjust them. $50 is the asking price. Not sure what’s the going price range for one with everything included all ready to reload. Here’s a photo of what is included. Great price for that package. Well worth 4x the price. I bought 2 Mec 600 jr's at a yard sale a couple years ago, found a couple missing parts and flipped them, more than doubled my investment. The primary parts missing on these presses are the priming cup, anvil and spring. Primer catch trays are usually gone but any small plastic works. 2 1 Quote
Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971 Posted June 8 Posted June 8 DD, you can download manuals from MEC's website. These show how to make adjustments if needed. There are metal and rubber washers between the bottles and the sliding charge bar. These are often missing on used presses. Without them the charge bar will leak powder. I've worn out some and bought replacements online. They are inexpensive and readily available. Glad you found the video useful. 2 Quote
Abilene, SASS # 27489 Posted June 8 Posted June 8 1 hour ago, John Barleycorn, SASS #76982 said: I have three Lee load All II’s one set up for my wife and I’s loads, one set up for Lil JB’s loaded and one set up for BP loads. I do have a Mec Grabber it is currently used with the taper crimp die for finished shells. You have one more than me. I've used one LoadAll 2 for 25 years for BP shells (I dip the powder), and bought another during Covid when I started loading smokeless. I've never loaded on anything else so hard to make any comparison, but it has been fine for me. Nothing to adjust, hard to beat the simplicity and the shells drop out of the Slix checker. 1 1 Quote
Sheriff Dill Posted June 8 Author Posted June 8 6 minutes ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said: You have one more than me. I've used one LoadAll 2 for 25 years for BP shells (I dip the powder), and bought another during Covid when I started loading smokeless. I've never loaded on anything else so hard to make any comparison, but it has been fine for me. Nothing to adjust, hard to beat the simplicity and the shells drop out of the Slix checker. Have you ever had to replace the retaining washer holding the metal bars from base to handle ? I just noticed mine has ran away this morning when inspected it before reloading this morning Quote
Abilene, SASS # 27489 Posted June 8 Posted June 8 Just now, Sheriff Dill said: Have you ever had to replace the retaining washer holding the metal bars from base to handle ? I just noticed mine has ran away this morning when inspected it before reloading this morning No. One of the little retainers seems to be missing on one arm, and every once in a great while the handle rod pops out of the lower unit on that one, I just pop it back in. Quote
Sheriff Dill Posted June 8 Author Posted June 8 When I looked at and used mine this morning it pops out every other motion of the handle. It’s at the top of the bar on left side where it goes into handle piece. There are four of them two on each bar one at handle and one under base. Lee sells them on their site but shipping cost more than parts. Going to head to hardware store and try my luck there. Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted June 8 Posted June 8 (edited) A good hardware store should be able to furnish you with the appropriate sized “E” clip style lock ring. I’d grab a couple of spares… Since you obviously don’t have it fastened down on inspection, take the bar with you to the hardware!! Edited June 8 by Blackwater 53393 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.