What reloader for reloading 2.5" 12 gauge

[Bill Holcombe]

We used to reload back when I was growing up a lot on my dad's old MEC progressive, but it was stolen about 10 years ago out of his garage. It worked great for reloading for Skeet. It looks like it was a sizemaster, but having been bought in the 70s, it is probably an older design.

Anyway, I have read that the short shell conversion kit is only made for the MEC 600 and won't work on progressives. I have also read this isn't the case.

I went into an old gun shop up in Houston the other day a friend reccomended and they had several used MEC's for sale.

They had a sizemaster but it was a little more then I was looking to spend, also had some MEC Jr. 600s, but also had some older used ones a Speeder, a versamec, and a super 600 progressive that looked like the were in my price range.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I am acquiring a collection of RST 2.5" 12ga shells, so that is what I plan on reloading.

[William Davis]

I am probably going to load 2 1/2 20's on my Ponsness Warren 375. PW makes up a special short shell die for about 30 dollars. Advantage to the PW is one loader will load anything, and used off Ebay they are generaly under 200 bucks. New about 400. If you short shell load on a Mec it's single purpose that length shell and gauge only.

Thats what I plan to do, not what I have done so take my 2 1/2 shell advice accordingly.

Right now on the 375 PW I load, Paper Black Powder 12's folded crimp. Plastic 12's two different shot and powder charges for different Parkers. Another 12 load with Spreaders. 20's 2 3/4 16's 2 3/4 regular and a spreader load. One press, 3 gauges 7 loads, only takes a few minutes to change gauge. Powder and shot bushing changes are instant.

William

[Rich Anderson]

Mec will sell you a short kit for the single stage press. I have used them for quite some time as I'm only loading 2 1/2 shells for every gauge 12-410. They will however build you a progressive press for the 2 1/2 inch case. I use the 9000 model now for all gauges.

[Bill Holcombe]

So for a mec progressive I would have to order a brand new reloader from them?

[Rich Anderson]

If you want to load 2 1/2 inch cases then yes you will need a new press as a short kit won't allow the shell carrier to rotate. I send Mec the load I'll be using with a half dozen wads and cases and the press (and the components) are delivered in about two weeks.

[Paul Harm]

The short kit is nothing more than a 1/4" spacer that goes under the shell holder. It can be made from a piece of wood. I made mine from a piece of steel, but guys in the club have used wood and it works fine. The 600jr can be found used for under a hundred, and if you're lucky more like 60 to 80 bucks. Good luck.

[Bill Murphy]

Or shoot 2 3/4" low pressure shells. The first 1/4" of the forcing cone is about the same size as the chamber.

[mike covington]

I'd get the Sizemaster. I have mine setup for 2 1/2 hulls using a penny on top of a quarter in the last two stations. Can also load 2 3/4 hulls with a couple of quick adjustments. For a
2 1/2 7/8 0z wad I suggest a B & P wad # TUWZ2MD24 from Precision Reloading.

[Paul Harm]

Clay Buster wads are a bit cheaper - the CB-4100 or CB-0178 both work. The 0178 has 4 petals and loads a bit easier.