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Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 5 Location: NC

I'm new to reloading and have a MEC 600 Jr. for reloading 16's.

My reloader is new out of the box, and I'm reloading the black RGL shells.

In the first stage the resizer really seems to be taking a lot of brass off the shells...basically flaking all of the gold color off of the brass.

Should I lube the resizer or does this sound normal?

If I need to lube, what should I use?

Just joined the low pressure group. Lot's of great info.

Thanks!

Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 185 Location: Boulder,Colorado

I use the same reloader as you and found that the reloaded shells would not fit into the chambers very readily Surprised

. I bought the MEC re-sizing tool and re-size every shell with that after having removed the primer. It's an extra couple steps in the reloading process, but I like shells that will chamber ! Wink

Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 5 Location: NC

Thanks! I think I may invest in the MEC resizing tool.

Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 596 Location: 17603

Salter,
I'm a big fan of the MEC SuperSizer. I've got all the collets now for all the gauges, and it can be adjusted to do some innerestin' sizing operations. Tony has adjusted one to resize 24ga, I've used mine to put a taper crimp on rounds for autoloaders, WELL worthwhile if you plan on getting in to reloading.
Dig around on Ebay, they come up regularly, and the various collets are readily available.
Cheers,
R*2

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHOTGUN-SHELL-SUPERSIZER-MODEL-SS77_W0QQitemZ370126764608QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mec-Supersizer-20-Ga-Collet-and-Pad_W0QQitemZ230314774909QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item230314774909&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570

Member Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 665 Location: Louisiana

As chamber size may vary, the bases of some shotshells may be 'fireformed' to sizes not compatabile with all chambers. Certainly the Super sizer is a good and reliable solution to that problem. However, if you are averse to spending the dollars and adding an extra step to your loading routine there is a dry lubricant that will help and will not complicate the situation.
Ballistic Products sells a dry, mica based lubricant that will ease sizing problems when using a ring type re-sizer. Simply dip the base of every 4th or 5th shell in the powder while loading, tap off the excess on the side of the can and you will notice a significant decrease in the effort required to resize your hulls. I have used this method when I load specialty loads on an old 600jr. for decades now and it works very well with no accumulation of lubircant or debris in shotgun chambers.

Member Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Maine

I used to have the same problem, esp. with RGL's. Polishing the inside of the resizing ring cured the problem.

Your problem stems from the shell heads being made of steel and not brass. The Mec 600 Jr was designed when brass was used. It works fine on brass heads. Unfortunately, there are no 16 ga sheels presently made with brass. they are all steel now. Steel is less elastic and harder to size down with a ring sizer. The newer MEC sizing rings have been made a bit tighter to squeeze the steel down more. This explains why the brass wash over the steel is being removed. Some dry graphite powder will ease your resizing difficulties until you get a collet type resizer. The collet resizer is adjustable and far easier to use. The MEC sizemaster and the grabber have one already installed. Perhaps you could trade up. will solve your problem as well.

Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 23 Location: Ontario

I load a lot of 12ga shells with steel heads that have been fired out of many different guns. For re-sizing I use an old MEC case conditioner that uses the same ring re-sizer your 600Jr has. I never have any problems, likely because the sizing ring is very smooth after years of use.

Try polishing the ring as pumpgun mentioned, before spending more money.

Member Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 1975

I have a MEC 600 made about 1982 and have no problem resizing any hulls. I have a brand new sizing ring from my Lee loadall that I use a go or nogo die and it allways slides on and off with no problems.

I use a pre '82 Versamec 700 with ring resizer and it never scalps off the brass wash shell head plating.

Ask for help at http://www.mecreloaders.com/AboutMEC/about.asp

Their customer service folks will correct your problem.