Hmm, the dilemma.
So what would be the downside of using this press versus a Mk V? I saw on youtube that you need to slide down the guide on step 3: Before lowering the tube to insert powder, wad and shot. And then slide it up once you are done with that step. A tad annoying, but if all the rest is the same, then it's not such a big deal.
I'm not sure I understand what limits (if any) using this press would have versus a newer one. In all honesty, it still looks better than a Lee Load All (!) hehe. I don't want to cheap out on the press, but if I could save a few bucks, it would help with the additionnal purchases I'll need to do, such as a scale and what not.
rembolt, timberPig: It does look in good condition. Can I still get bushings and charge bars for it?
Asking price is 225$. With shipping, will probably come up to 260$ easily. Knowing what I know now, would offering 150 shipped be a slap in the face to the seller? What do these usually go for?
Truly appreciate the mentoring guys!
David
There is very little difference in using this to load vs a Mk 5, certainly not enough to be holding out for the newer model. As mentioned, most of the parts can be updated if you want to.
There is really no functional difference between this and a Mk 5, and the advantages of the newer design are slight. It is way ahead of a Load All for ease of use, adjustability and will make better shells easier.
It looks to be in good condition, certainly cleaner than most of that age. The charge bars and bushings are the exact same parts for the older and newer models and readily available. The 302 ( single stage bars are 302, progressive are 502) started as fixed shot charge/fixed powder charge, then went to fixed shot/powder bushing, then the rubber anti bind insert was added on the shot side. All will fit any of the 600’s or the Sizemaster.
The price is somewhat higher than what you may be able to buy one for but the 12ga presses are cheaper than any of the other gauges. Based upon the yellow hulls I am assuming it is a 20ga press which adds some to what you can expect to pay. Depending on what else is included will also influence the price.
Given the cost of shipping, plus the already slightly higher price, you could try for $150 shipped, but he likely won’t jump at it. If you get it shipped for $200-225, wouldn’t be too out of line to me, much more and I would likely keep looking. As a reference I bought a 12ga ‘82-85 600 JR with a couple charge bars, handful of bushings, some AA CF hulls, couple part bags of shot some wads etc about 8 years back for $115, which was a fairly decent deal, but as a face to face I didn’t have shipping costs. 20ga is typically 25-50% higher asking price to start, so $150 ish before shipping for a 20ga 600JR seems fairly typical as a lower end of what I have seen.
Overall it’s your call, 12 and 20ga loading has been pretty limited due to the cost of promo loads vs components, but seems with rising prices and weaker supplies, there has been more interest lately so shotshell presses may be in higher demand and thus holding a little more value.
