MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5 Review

A Practical Look at the MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear in everything from sterile labs to dusty fields, I’ve learned to appreciate tools that simplify complex tasks without sacrificing precision. My recent dive into reloading, specifically shotgun shells, brought me to the MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5. This kit promised to adapt my established MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 press for a wider range of gauges, a capability I desperately needed. My old press, a workhorse for years, was suddenly feeling a bit limited as I explored different shotgun disciplines. I was running into compatibility issues with some of the more obscure loads I wanted to experiment with. The idea of a single press handling multiple calibers without buying entirely new machines was incredibly appealing. My first impression of the kit was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering. The components felt substantial, hinting at the durability I expect from MEC. While I briefly considered the prospect of fabricating adapters myself, the sheer time investment and the risk of compromising accuracy quickly steered me back to a purpose-built solution. Receiving this die set felt like a sensible upgrade, a practical solution to a growing need.

Real-World Testing: Putting MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put this die set to work on my cluttered workbench, a space that sees a constant rotation of tools and projects. The process of swapping out the existing dies on my MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 was straightforward. I tested it with two different common gauges I hadn’t previously accommodated: 12 gauge and 20 gauge, as these are widely used. The real-world conditions were typical for my reloading bench: decent lighting, stable temperature, and the usual presence of fine dust particles.

Performance was surprisingly smooth, especially considering the initial setup. Once the correct die was installed for a given gauge, the press operated with a familiar, albeit slightly different, feel. The ease of use was high; while I’m familiar with the 600 Jr. Mark 5 press itself, installing and calibrating the new dies for a different gauge took minimal effort. There were no significant issues or surprises after the first-time use, which in the reloading world, is always a welcome outcome.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, processing batches of both 12 and 20 gauge shells, the die set continues to perform admirably. I’ve reloaded dozens of shells with each gauge using this kit, and the wear and tear are practically non-existent. The components still feel as solid and precise as they did on day one, with no signs of cracks, stiffness, or performance degradation.

Maintenance has been minimal, essentially just a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each reloading session. There’s nothing particularly complex to clean, just the exposed parts of the dies. Compared to some other gauge conversion kits I’ve encountered or heard about, this MEC kit holds up exceptionally well. It truly feels like a permanent, reliable upgrade rather than a temporary fix.

Breaking Down the Features of MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5

Specifications

The MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5 is designed to adapt the venerable MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 press across a broad spectrum of shotgun gauges. This includes popular options like 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as the .410 Bore. The kit is constructed from high-quality materials, a hallmark of the MEC brand, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

Included in this comprehensive kit are several key components crucial for gauge conversion. You receive a KO bushing, a deprime and reprime punch, a resize ring for ensuring proper shell diameter, and a star crimp head. Additionally, a cam crimp assembly, a wad guide, a rammer tube, a shell holder, and a drop tube are all part of the package. The inclusion of helpful instructions further simplifies the process for users.

These specifications are critical because they detail the adaptability of the press. Instead of purchasing multiple presses for different shotgun calibers, this single kit allows for versatile use of an existing machine. The high-quality materials ensure that the dies will withstand the pressures and repetitive motions of reloading without premature wear. The specific included parts like the resize ring and crimp heads are essential for ensuring each reloaded shell meets proper specifications for reliable function.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – converting the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 press to accommodate different gauges – this die set performs exceptionally well. The accuracy of the crimp and the reliability of the resizing and priming stages are consistently maintained. Swapping between the 12 and 20 gauge dies, for instance, resulted in perfectly formed shells for each respective caliber.

The biggest strength of this kit is its seamless integration with the existing press, offering true multi-gauge capability. On the weakness side, the initial setup might require a bit of careful adjustment for absolute precision, especially for those new to gauge conversions. However, once dialed in, it consistently meets and often exceeds expectations, delivering reliably loaded shells that function as well as factory ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5 is evident from the moment you handle the components. The metal feels robust, with a smooth, durable finish that suggests it can handle years of shop use. The overall feel of the components is one of precise engineering, designed for a specific purpose.

The ergonomics are inherently tied to the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 press itself; the dies are designed to fit and operate within that established framework. There’s no significant learning curve associated with using the dies once they are properly installed. Practical design details like the clearly machined threads on the dies and the precise fit of the shell holders contribute to an efficient reloading process.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their construction from high-quality materials and the nature of reloading dies, this kit is built for the long haul. Under normal use for its category, which involves repetitive mechanical action, the durability is expected to be excellent. I anticipate many years of reliable service from this set.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth or one lightly oiled for rust prevention is generally all that’s needed to keep these dies in top condition. There are no complicated parts to disassemble for cleaning. Potential concerns are minimal, though like any precision metal component, avoiding excessive force or cross-threading during installation is always prudent.

Accessories and Customization Options

This kit is a self-contained conversion solution; it doesn’t typically come with a wide array of separate accessories in the way a new press might. However, the included components themselves are the “accessories” that enable the press’s newfound versatility. The key parts, such as the star crimp head and the cam crimp assembly, are what allow for proper shell finishing in different gauges.

While the kit itself isn’t directly “customizable” in the sense of swapping out internal electronics, its purpose is to enable customization of the press for different calibers. It integrates seamlessly with the existing MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 press, allowing you to leverage your established reloading workflow for various shotgun shells.

Pros and Cons of MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5

Who Should Buy MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5?

This die set is an ideal purchase for anyone who owns a MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 press and wishes to reload more than one shotgun gauge. It’s particularly suited for reloaders who participate in various shooting disciplines that require different shotshell loads, such as trap, skeet, sporting clays, or even specific hunting applications. Home workshop enthusiasts who appreciate efficient tool utilization will also find great value here.

Those who absolutely only reload a single shotgun gauge, or who do not own a MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 press, should probably skip this product. Anyone looking for an entry-level single-stage press might be better served by a different machine entirely. For users who fit the profile, consider stocking up on relevant wads and primers for the gauges you intend to load, as this kit is the key to unlocking that capability.

Conclusion on MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5

The MEC Reloading Die Set Kit for Model 600 Jr. Mark 5 is a testament to MEC’s commitment to providing adaptable and durable reloading solutions. It effectively transforms the already capable 600 Jr. Mark 5 into a far more versatile tool, accommodating a wide array of shotgun gauges without the need for purchasing multiple presses. The build quality is robust, and the performance consistently delivers, ensuring that your reloaded shells are as reliable as factory offerings. Considering the price point of $154.49, the value proposition is strong, especially when weighed against the cost of acquiring separate reloading presses for each gauge. I would absolutely recommend this kit to any MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 owner looking to expand their reloading horizons; it’s a smart, practical investment for any serious shotgun reloader.