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Thread: What do I need to do to convert MEC .410 loader from 3" to 2-1/2" shells

  1. #1
    Boolit Master pertnear's Avatar
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    What do I need to do to convert MEC .410 loader from 3" to 2-1/2" shells

    I recently bought a used but excellent condition MEC 600 JR .410 reloader (NOT a Mark V) set-up to load 3" shells per the previous owner. I have no hulls yet, but I'd like to be able to load 2-1/2" shells as well as 3". Will the press as is load either with just adjustments? If not, what parts do I need for conversion?

    TIA...
    Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy

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    Not sure how serious about loading 410 but I have seen Precision Reloading out of South Dakota sells brass buttons to load shorter shells. Know nothing about Mec ( I have PW) It looks like a extended shell holder that is 1/2 inch tall. If your only loading a few shells it might be a cheap alternative to buying a conversion GW

  3. #3
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    O.K. now, go ahead and laugh....but this worked for me. Maybe two winters ago I bought a new MEC 600 Jr. .410 press set up for 3" shells.
    The instructions tell how to convert it to the shorter length, but doing so would have required a trip out to the shop in very cold and snowy weather, plus I'm kind of lazy. Well, I had, and still do have, these ceramic coffee coasters on my desk that are exactly 1/4" thick. So I used one as a spacer as shown in the photos and got some very good results. I loaded 2 boxes (50 shells) this way and they turned out fine. Probably wouldn't recommend it for loading several hundred, as it was slow...but time is what I had.
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    DG

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master


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    All you have to do is move the bolt for the main shaft from the top, to the bottom hole. That's it. You will likely need to fine tune your adjustments, but you don't need to buy anything.

  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy Faret's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by megasupermagnum View Post
    All you have to do is move the bolt for the main shaft from the top, to the bottom hole. That's it. You will likely need to fine tune your adjustments, but you don't need to buy anything.
    There is also a different crimp assembly and wad guide that will be needed. Otherwise just get the riser that mec sells.

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master


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    Unless there is something specific about the 410 model, you do not need a different crimp assembly. You can load 2 3/4", 3", and 3 1/2'' 12 gauge on a 600Jr with only adjustments.

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy Faret's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by megasupermagnum View Post
    Unless there is something specific about the 410 model, you do not need a different crimp assembly. You can load 2 3/4", 3", and 3 1/2'' 12 gauge on a 600Jr with only adjustments.
    .410 is 2.5 inches and 3 inches.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master 243winxb's Avatar
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    Mec has instructions online, for the old 600.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Screenshot_20220620-215448_Drive.jpg  

  9. #9
    Boolit Master pertnear's Avatar
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    Thanks guys. That makes perfect sense. Now all I have to do is find a source of hulls & components!
    Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy
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    I think that will be the hard part.

  11. #11
    Boolit Grand Master


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    Quote Originally Posted by Faret View Post
    .410 is 2.5 inches and 3 inches.
    And?

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  13. #13
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    Ballistic Products has shells and wads

    https://www.ballisticproducts.com
    Steve,

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  14. #14
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    garandsrus's Avatar
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    When I converted my .410 press, I had to shorten one of the tubes also. I don’t remember if it was the primer/shot tube or something else. It cut very easily on my lathe.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master gpidaho's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by megasupermagnum View Post
    All you have to do is move the bolt for the main shaft from the top, to the bottom hole. That's it. You will likely need to fine tune your adjustments, but you don't need to buy anything.
    What MSM said. I opted for a shell adjustment lift plate available from Mec that fits under the shell holding plate and is easier to change back and forth with minimal die adjustments. Gp

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check