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Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 863 Location: NoDak

Hi all does anyone have a short kit for a Mec 600jr they want to get rid of?

I'm interested in one to start to reload 2 1/2" 16ga loads.

Thanks so much!

All the best!

Greg

Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 171 Location: western PA

I didn't buy a short kit for my mec 600 jr. I just cut a piece of 1/4" plywood and put it under the steel frame that holds the shells. I think it was Dave M. that told me about that.

Ben

Sure a chunk of Alum , Plywood , or plastic that is .250 thick will work very well just lift up the lower plate and place it under the plate and off you go , I will post a pic if you dont understand what the cut out looks like . Let me know .

Regards Charles

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

You can also just shim up your existing plate with some washers in about 3 different places. As long as there's no wiggle in the plate, it should work.
About two 1/4" flat washers in each spot should do it. Wink

Member Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 279 Location: Mn

I have sizemasters, I assume this will work for this model as well? I am not sure I understand were the washers or plate goes. When I look at my reloader I see a plate that holds the shell for the intial and final crimp. Areyou suggesting that the plate/washers are to go under this thin metal plate? Given a purchased kit is $40 it would be nice to see this work. Any help would be appreciated.

Joined: 05 Jan 2008 Posts: 31 Location: Wisconsin

CV, If it's like the 600JR just remove the screw that holds the plate on and pry up the large spring on the main post with a screw driver. The crimp shell holder should slide right off. Using a piece of index card trace the pattern either from the base of the loader or the crimp shellholder or a combination of both. Transfer the pattern to a .250 inch thick piece of plastic, aluminum or masonite depending upon your intentions for use. Obviously the more you use it the more durable you'll want it. Cut out the piece. Drill a hole in the appropriate spot for the screw. slide the crimp shellholder on the new piece, pry the spring up again and slide the whole works under the spring. Install a bit longer screw if needed and start crimping 2.5" shells. RD

Member Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 279 Location: Mn

Thanks RD, that was helpful.

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

Member Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 40 Location: California

Guys

The correct amount to shim the loader is NOT 1/4", although that will work, but 3/16". You don't make 2 1/2" loads, you make 2 9/16" (65mm) loads. The difference from 2 3/4" current SAAMI standards is 3/16". Your older American and a lot of European 16's are chambered for 2 9/16" not 2 1/2". That is also the dimension you should be cutting your new hulls down to. I cut mine down to 2.555" + or - 0.005" as the hulls expand 0.005" to 0.008" in length when fired and this is also what the factory does - a touch shorter than the nominal chamber dimension; in this case 2.5625". Why handicap yourself - you can use all the length you can get for components and an excellant crimp.

Having said that, my refurbished MEC 600 Jr. loads short shells (2 9/16", 65mm) without any shimming, there being enough adjustment in the individual stations to accomodate the required activity. This is no big deal.

P

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

Member Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 279 Location: Mn

Great Info guys. By the way, I was ordering from Precision today and asked about the short kit for sixteen. They can get it on special order (they carry the others) for about $16.00....a whole lot less then their competion. Not as cheap as washers, but maybe a solution for my sizemaster. Charlie

Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 863 Location: NoDak

Thanks all for all the great ideas!! Sure do appreicate it!!

All the best!

Greg