The MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 single stage shotshell press is a straightforward, no-frills reloading tool built for shooters who want to reload .410 bore 2-1/2" shells without the complexity of progressive equipment. This is a real workhorse for the .410 handloader—whether you're stretching a limited supply of shells for clay shooting or keeping your favorite gun fed affordably. Single-stage presses like the MEC 600 Jr. handle one step at a time, which gives you full control and visibility into each round you're making. That methodical pace actually suits a lot of loaders; it's hard to rush and easier to catch mistakes before they matter.

The Mark 5 generation of this press is the result of decades of design refinement. It's engineered to be reliable and forgiving, with simple operation that doesn't require a steep learning curve—perfect if you're new to shotshell reloading or just want something that works and gets out of the way. The press moves at a practical speed, capable of loading between four and six completed boxes per hour, depending on your workflow and familiarity. That's respectable throughput for a single-stage tool and more than adequate for most weekend shooters who aren't trying to produce commercial volumes.

One feature worth noting: this press can be upgraded with optional components that let you skip the tedious step of seating primers one at a time—a meaningful quality-of-life improvement if you're reloading regularly. For .410 bore shooters committed to handloading, the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 delivers dependable performance in a compact, affordable package.

Key Features

• Single-stage design for full control and visibility of each reloading step
• Specifically engineered for .410 bore 2-1/2" shells
• Loads 4–6 boxes per hour with practiced operation
• Simple, straightforward mechanical design
• Upgradeable with optional primer-seating components
• Proven Mark 5 engineering for reliable performance

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What shells does the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 reload?

This press is designed for .410 bore 2-1/2" shotshells. While the MEC 600 Jr. line also accommodates other gauges (.10, .12, .16, .20, and .28 bore), this specific model is optimized for the .410.

How fast can I reload with a single-stage press?

Expect to load between 4 and 6 completed boxes per hour with the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5. The actual speed depends on your experience, your reloading rhythm, and whether you're using optional upgrades like automated primer seating.

Can I upgrade the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 to skip manual primer seating?

Yes. The press is designed to accept optional upgrade components that automate primer seating, so you don't have to handle each primer individually—a real convenience if you're reloading regularly.

Is the MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 good for a new shotshell reloader?

Yes. Single-stage presses are ideal for beginners because they slow you down enough to learn each step properly and catch mistakes before they become safety issues. The MEC 600 Jr. is straightforward to operate and doesn't require complex adjustments.