It is no surprise that MEC Outdoors’ 600 Jr Mark V holds the title of the world’s #1 shotshell reloader. This press has been on more benches than probably any reloader. It’s the one most shooters start with, and plenty never move away from it because it covers everything they need in a single-stage press. Ask around, and you’ll hear the same thing: if you want a reliable shotshell reloader that lasts, this is it.
How the MEC 600 Jr Works
A steady hand on the 600 Jr Mark V MEC reloader can turn out four to six boxes an hour. That can cover a weekend of clays or keep a hunting season supplied without spending evenings buried in brass. The cam-action crimp die reshapes hulls to their original condition; the one-piece Spindex crimp starter automatically aligns with existing folds so you get clean crimps every pull.
The shotshell reloader comes ready to load with three bushings and a charge bar matched to the gauge you choose. For example, the 12-gauge press is equipped with bushings for common loads and a 1-1/8 oz. bar, and the .410 bore version includes smaller bushings and a bar sized for ½ oz. (or 11/16 oz. with the 3” version).
If you want to speed things up, MEC’s E-Z Prime 285 CA primer feed upgrade keeps your hands off individual primers. The press is also adjustable for 3" shells.
Gauge Options
The 600 Jr Mark V covers 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge, plus .410 bore. If you load for more than one shotgun, you don’t need a second press. MEC sells die sets that let you convert the same press to another gauge. That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons the MEC 600 Jr is still on benches decades after its inception.
A Shooter’s Experience
One review sums it up well: “A well made product that works as it should. The addition of the primer feed further speeds up the process. Straight forward quick processing of shells for a single stage unit as long as you choose the proper powder bushings. Very satisfying results using this model. The unit is simple enough for a beginner and useful for the experienced. Due to its size and dimension footprint you can fasten in to a board and make it portable reducing the permanent space used on the workbench. I should have purchased one of these years ago.” –(E C.)
Other reloaders mention how they quickly went from handloading shells one at a time to producing consistent, factory-quality shells in volume. Many note that it takes only small adjustments to the crimping station to start turning out reliable rounds.
Why This Shotshell Reloader Continues to Last
The 600 Jr Mark V is one of those rare tools that beginners buy and never seem to outgrow. It’s affordable, but it isn’t “entry-level” in the sense of being disposable. Many presses stay on benches for decades and produce thousands of shells without fuss. That’s what makes it the world’s favorite single-stage shotshell reloader: proven in garages, shops, and basements all over.
Learn more about the 600 Jr Mark V here or contact us if you have any questions.