MEC 844728 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press Cast Iron 28 Gauge

MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press: Mastering Your 28 Gauge Ammunition

Are you a shotgun enthusiast looking to take control of your ammunition supply, save money, and tailor loads precisely to your shooting needs? Whether you’re an avid clay target shooter, a dedicated hunter, or simply someone who appreciates the art of craftsmanship, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press in 28 Gauge offers an unparalleled solution for producing high-quality, consistent shotshells right in your own home. This robust, cast-iron workhorse is specifically designed to empower you with the ability to reload your own 28 gauge ammunition, transforming your shooting experience from a costly hobby into a rewarding and cost-effective pursuit.

Why Reload Your Own Shotshells, Especially for 28 Gauge?

Reloading shotshells, particularly for less common gauges like the 28 gauge, addresses several critical challenges faced by shooters:

• Significant Cost Savings: Factory ammunition, especially premium loads or those for niche gauges, can be incredibly expensive. Reloading dramatically reduces the per-shell cost, allowing you to shoot more for less. Many users report saving 50% or more compared to retail prices, with some saving even more for specialized loads.
• Unmatched Customization: Do you need a specific shot size, powder charge, or wad combination for a unique hunting scenario or competitive advantage? Reloading grants you the freedom to fine-tune every component, creating loads perfectly optimized for your shotgun and intended use. This level of precision is simply unavailable with off-the-shelf ammunition.
• Consistent Performance: Handloaded ammunition, when meticulously crafted, can often surpass the consistency of factory loads. This leads to tighter patterns, more predictable recoil, and improved accuracy – vital for competitive shooting and effective hunting.
• Availability and Self-Sufficiency: During times of ammunition shortages or when specific loads are hard to find, being able to produce your own shells ensures you always have access to the ammunition you need.
• Environmental Responsibility: Reloading reduces waste by reusing spent shell casings, contributing to a more sustainable shooting hobby.

For 28 gauge shooters, these benefits are even more pronounced. While the 28 gauge is celebrated for its low recoil and effectiveness on upland game, factory ammunition can be scarce and prohibitively expensive. The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V provides the ultimate answer to these concerns, making the delightful 28 gauge a more accessible and enjoyable platform.

What Makes the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 28 Gauge Press a Top Choice?

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V has earned its legendary status among reloaders for a reason. Its design philosophy centers around durability, simplicity, and consistent performance, making it an ideal press for both beginners embarking on their reloading journey and experienced reloaders seeking a dedicated setup for specific gauges.

Engineered for Durability: Robust Cast Iron Construction

The foundation of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V's reliability is its heavy-duty, one-piece cast iron frame. Unlike presses made with lighter materials, this solid construction provides:

• Exceptional Stability: The substantial weight and rigid frame minimize flex and movement during the reloading process, ensuring precise alignment of dies and consistent results with every stroke. This translates directly into more uniform and reliable ammunition.
• Long-Term Durability: Cast iron is renowned for its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. This press is built to withstand tens of thousands of reloading cycles over decades, making it a true generational tool that can be passed down. It's an investment that pays dividends for a lifetime of shooting.
• Reduced Vibration: The inherent mass of cast iron absorbs vibrations, contributing to smoother operation and greater comfort during extended reloading sessions.

Streamlined Single-Stage Operation for Precision and Simplicity

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V is a single-stage reloading press, meaning each operation (decapping, priming, powder drop, shot drop, crimping, etc.) is performed individually at a dedicated station as you cycle the handle. While progressive presses perform multiple operations simultaneously, the single-stage design offers distinct advantages, particularly for 28 gauge reloading:

• Ideal for Beginners: The sequential nature of the single-stage press makes it incredibly intuitive to learn. You can easily observe and understand each step of the reloading process, building confidence and proficiency.
• Unrivaled Control and Inspection: With each operation performed separately, you have the opportunity to visually inspect every stage of the shell's transformation. This heightened level of control ensures quality, consistency, and safety. You can easily catch potential errors before they become issues.
• Precision and Consistency: For those prioritizing the absolute finest loads, the deliberate pace of a single-stage press allows for meticulous attention to detail at every step. This leads to extremely consistent crimps, uniform powder charges, and perfectly seated primers, which are crucial for optimal shotgun patterning and reliability.
• Ease of Gauge Conversion: While this model is set up for 28 gauge, MEC presses are designed for relatively straightforward gauge conversions (with separate conversion kits), allowing the core press to serve multiple gauges if your shooting needs evolve.

Comprehensive Reloading Capabilities in One Machine

This press is a complete system for producing finished 28 gauge shotshells. It integrates all the necessary functions:

1. Decapping and Resizing: Efficiently removes the spent primer and precisely resizes the brass base of the shell casing, preparing it for a new primer and ensuring it chambers correctly. The resizing ring is designed to restore the base to factory specifications.
2. Priming: Automatically feeds and seats new primers safely and consistently. The integrated primer feed system ensures a smooth and reliable supply of primers for continuous operation.
3. Powder Charging: Accurately drops a precise charge of smokeless powder into the shell. MEC's measure system is renowned for its reliability and consistency in powder delivery.
4. Wad Seating: Guides and seats the appropriate 28 gauge wad firmly over the powder charge, creating a seal and proper column height for the shot.
5. Shot Charging: Precisely meters and drops the chosen shot size into the wad, ensuring consistent payload weight for optimal patterns.
6. Pre-Crimping: Begins the crimping process, starting to form the top of the shell closure.
7. Final Crimping: Finishes the crimp, creating a neat, strong, and consistent closure that securely holds all components in place and promotes proper ignition and ballistic performance.
8. Final Sizing: Ensures the finished shell's dimensions are correct for smooth feeding and ejection in your 28 gauge shotgun.

Is the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 28 Gauge the Right Reloading Press for You?

This press is an excellent choice for a wide range of shooters:

• Beginner Reloaders: Its straightforward operation and robust design make it an ideal starting point for anyone new to shotshell reloading. The clear, sequential steps help you learn the process without feeling overwhelmed.
• Dedicated 28 Gauge Shooters: If the 28 gauge is your primary shotgun, or if you regularly shoot a significant volume of 28 gauge ammunition, this press will quickly pay for itself through ammunition savings.
• Hunters and Clay Target Enthusiasts: Whether you're chasing quail or breaking clays, having custom-tuned ammunition can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment. The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V allows you to dial in specific loads for specific applications.
• Shooters Seeking Consistency and Control: For those who prioritize precision and the ability to closely monitor every stage of the reloading process, the single-stage design offers unparalleled control.
• Value-Conscious Shooters: Recognizing the long-term investment, the durability and performance of this press make it an economical choice over its extended lifespan.

Getting Started with Your MEC 600 Jr. Mark V 28 Gauge Press

To begin your reloading journey with the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V, you'll need a few essential components and accessories, all readily available through DEGuns:

• Reloading Manual: An absolute must-have. A comprehensive reloading manual provides critical load data (powder types and charges, primer types, wad types, shot weight) for safe and effective ammunition production. Always strictly adhere to published load data.
• Components:
  • Empty 28 Gauge Hulls: While the press resizes, starting with good quality, once-fired hulls is ideal.
  • Primers: Specific shotshell primers (e.g., shotshell 209 primers).
  • Smokeless Powder: The correct type of powder for shotshells, as specified by your reloading manual.
  • Wads: Plastic wads designed for 28 gauge and the specific load data you are using.
  • Shot: Lead, steel, or bismuth shot, depending on your application and local regulations.
• Safety Equipment: Always wear safety glasses when reloading. Proper ventilation is also recommended when handling powder.
• Other Tools:
  • Powder Scale: While the MEC press has a reliable powder measure, a digital or beam powder scale is crucial for verifying charge weights and ensuring accuracy and safety.
  • Calipers: For measuring overall shell length and crimp consistency.
  • Case Trimmer (Optional for some hulls): To ensure consistent hull length if reusing hulls extensively.

The process involves mounting the press securely to a sturdy workbench, setting up your powder and shot measures, and then following the intuitive steps to transform raw components into finished 28 gauge ammunition. The beauty of the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V lies in its simplicity and efficiency, allowing you to produce a significant volume of shells once you establish a rhythm.

Investing in Your Shooting Future with MEC and DEGuns

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark V Shotshell Reloading Press in 28 Gauge (UPC: 098489011419, MEC Part Number: 844728) represents not just a tool, but an investment in your shooting hobby. It empowers you to shoot more, customize your ammunition, and achieve greater consistency and performance. Its legendary durability ensures it will be a reliable partner for decades to come, bringing countless hours of satisfaction and significant cost savings.

When seeking the best reloading equipment, including this exemplary MEC press, DEGuns is your trusted source. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, DEGuns provides a comprehensive selection of reloading supplies, ensuring you have everything you need to embark on a successful and rewarding reloading journey. Enhance your shooting experience and discover the profound satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition with the MEC 600 Jr. Mark V.

Key Features & Specifications