Old mec 600 questions

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Jamester

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So I was given an old mec 600 and was cleaning it up today when I noticed it's missing a piece to press the empty hulls into the new primer. The spring plate that holds the primer on the bottom is there.

My question is would I be able to just put a bolt in place of the missing piece as long as it has the right spacing?

Ive found a bolt that would fit ,but I would need to cut the head off in order for it to fit inside of the shotgun shell. Is this a good idea or should I find a smaller bolt which head fits inside and use washers to hold it onto the mec.

I also ordered the Lyman reloading book and plan to read it thoroughly before I start
 
I just looked at a User Manual dated 1997 for an MEC 600 JR Mark5 - I do not know if that is the same model that you have? On back page is sort of a parts listing with picture of the machine - appears what you are describing is Part No. 720 - called a "re-prime punch" - was made on those machines as a gauge specific size. It appears to have a "nose" shape on the working end - appears to be a smaller diameter than the body - might be worth your while to find an exploded parts diagram to see what one looks like? At least back then, replacement parts from MEC were available - I do not know about today. I suspect that is one of several parts that gets changed out if trying to convert the machine from one gauge of shell to another gauge.
 
I'm not exactly sure which model it is but I know it's not a mark 5. I'll look up the reprime punch but was hoping to do it as cheaply as possible. The shot/powder bar doesn't even have the cushion block in it due to how old it is.
 
Purely guessing - maybe the part is made to fit somewhat snug into the hull to keep it aligned straight (right angles) to seat that primer - then, the nose shape is to apply pressure to the copper head of the hull, only? Might be able to replicate on a drill or a drill press, or would have to figure out how to keep "straight" with a smaller diameter bolt. For sure sounds like something that I would try to do on a unit given to me - I would like to get it to work, but would not be anxious to spend dollars on parts, that I think that I could make ...
 
I imagine that the correct tool would probably make it easier but the first bolt I pulled out of the cabinet seemed to be to good to be true. I've seen people use wooden dowels with a mallet to reprime shells but was trying to see if there were any safety reasons why I shouldn't do this.

I appreciate the input
 
Jamester: Contact MEC directly, for the best answer to your problem. MEC may even have the part....if common to several models.... and ship it for free. Worth a try. Hummason, in Ancaster Ontario, is a MEC dealer. Parts may be available through their shop, too.
I can understand you might not want to spend much money on the old press. But, sometimes doing a "McGyver" fix can cause more problems in the long run.

Al

Edit: Just did a quick check online. Googled : "mec press parts". The MEC Outdoors site came up right away. Has parts lists for current and discontinued press models. Might be worth a look.
 
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There is 3 versions of the 600jr .look at the mec site in parts and service there is a schematic for each . from your description your looking for the reprime punch which is actually a tube that bolts to the die plate . part # 60 on the schematic .
 
I'm sure Hummason can sort you out. You are probably going to need some other parts - powder and shot bushings, etc. BTW - Its not worth trying to convert to another gauge. A lot of folks wont even bother reloading 12 gauge as the target loads are comparatively inexpensive.
 
One thing to consider if you're making your own is that the original reprime punch (and most others that push the hull down onto the primer) have a hole bored into the bottom. I think this is to account for different hull types where the primer actually sticks up into the hull past the basewad (some Federal and Remington hulls come to mind) but a bigger "chamber" could help contain a primer detonation.

I think a piece of 1/2" bolt with a 1/4"x20 hole on one end to attach to the press and a 5/16" hole in the primer end is a simple as you can make it to match the original part. If you don't mind altering the press you could just open up the 1/4" hole on the press to 1/2" and use 2 nuts to attach the bolt.
 
Jamester said:
I imagine that the correct tool would probably make it easier but the first bolt I pulled out of the cabinet seemed to be to good to be true. I've seen people use wooden dowels with a mallet to reprime shells but was trying to see if there were any safety reasons why I shouldn't do this.

I appreciate the input
Click to expand...

Sweet Jesus. Buy the right part for god sake it is peanuts to buy. Like 12 bucks at hummasons
Cannot wait until you try to buy some shot or powder and see what they cost
Best sit down for those
Cheers
 
Ya I planned on drilling it so I'm not putting pressure directly onto the primer. Was thinking a slight taper on the bolt would help with feeding as well.

Haven't ruled out just buying the reprime punch but ill probably have it figured out in the next couple days.
 
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