given a new Mec 600jr

[Shadow]

I was given a new-in-the-box Mec 600jr reloader- have been shooting Estate Super Sport Comptetition Targe Loads- have over a case and some empty's- I'd like to look at reloading these- question- are these Federal manufactured- meaning- could I use the reloading data on Federal shells- any one have some suggestions on decent starting point with primers, shot cup wads, powder- looking at reloading 20 guage 2 3/4" 7/8's and 1 ounce lead

used to reload AA's- but instead of buying boxes and shooting them thought to try these Estates-

[Greg Jennings]

They're Federal hulls.

[Shadow]

thanks Greg- I cut one open and the base looked pretty solid- know I could buy AA shells and shoot and reload- but having all these I thought I'd give them a try
looked at Hodgdon Reloading data- figure to use powder, primer, and wads that will work in both hulls- now that I know they are Federal

brother gave me all his stuff- but it's quite old- 1000 wads and 50lbs lead shot is usuable
going to order the adjustable powder/shot bar-

[Greg Jennings]

I have one of the adjustable bars. I don't really like it as much as the fixed shot/bushing powder bar.

My recommendation is if you know you want to shoot 7/8ths, buy one and buy the closest bushing under the nominal throw of powder you're going to use. You can always open the bushing with a dremel tool or similar.

Greg J.

[Shadow]

my guess would be you find the adjustable isn't consistant

my thinking was to use Hodgdon Longshot- work up some 7/8th and 1 ounce of 8's and 7.5's-

yeh- can weigh out the trial loads and then order -and agree- not to hard to modify a bushing-

[Greg Jennings]

I've had at least three of the adjustable bars including having one right now. They always operate rough. I get hangs, slow drops, etc.

I have always just looked at the published powder charge for the powder I want to use and bought the nearest bushing below that.

Then, I'd measure how much it dropped. With ball powders, they were usually close. With flakes, they were usually pretty low.

I'd then open the bushing by:

1. Dremel tool fine stone
2. #0000 steel wool on a mandrel.
3. JB or Iosso Bore Paste on T-shirt kinda material on a mandrel.

If you don't have JB or Iosso laying around, you can use tooth paste. The flavor doesn't really matter

greg J.

[Shadow]

thanks again Greg- believe I'll stay away from the adjustable bar

nice explanation- understood

[Greg Jennings]

Don't forget the toothpaste step. The smoother the inside of the bushing is, the more consistent it'll drop.

And where else are you going to be able to have fun with toothpaste now that we've outgrown camping trip pranks with it.

[Shadow]

Heck's and Coyotes in Garden City- going to head up there- think I'll try some Lawrence brand Mag lead 7 shot
been using 8 and 7.5 on pheasants

toothe paste- made me smile

picked up a Dremel cordless 7.2 volt- Britt's toe nails- sure like the two speeds and quiet

[Greg Jennings]

Have you ever tried 5's?

When I go to ND, I use copper-plated 5's in the 12 ga. 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 oz. I like them a lot. Don't know how they'd be in a 20.

Greg J.

[Shadow]

no I haven't- it's hard to get a decent pattern out of 6's- 2 3/4 1 ounce loads just aren't enough pellets- Citori has 2 3/4 chamber

don't laugh- so used to my archery safe range it's just natural to let birds go when out arround 30 yrds-

btw- you were right- Estate came back to me- same as Top Gun, field and target, premium hunting loads- all paper base

still going to pick up some CF Winchester field shells-

[Greg Jennings]

Check your PMs...

[Shadow]

I did- couldn't be happier

now I'm waiting on Heck's to get back with me on the components I need

look foarward to you and your son coming down next fall- maybe you'd like to give a sweet little 20 a try- short range stuff