16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 29 Nov 2011 Posts: 55 Location: TN

Bottom line: i've never reloaded before. Just bought my first reloader (A used MEC 600 Jr. 16 Gauge) and I'm excited to get started. I was thinking of reloading some dove and quail type loads with #7.5 shot to start with as well as some heavier type pheasant loads as well. I look forward to any suggestions you reloading pro's would care to offer.

Thanks!!!

-Reloading Greenhorn

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2349 Location: West MI

Welcome to reloading, I find it very enjoyable.

A few suggestions to a "greenhorn";

Get a copy of Lymans Shotshell Reloading Manual, I think 5th edition is most current, and read it cover to cover.

Don't be bashful asking specific questions to this forum, by and large there is a wealth of forthright knowledge and experience hanging around this site.

If possible dedicate an area or entire garage/workshop in your back yard (ala skeettx yes a jib but mostly envy) and set up an organized work station focused on doing nothing but reloading. It will pay dividends by reducing the possibility of dangerous mistakes.

Start hording hulls, shot and powder as if they were made of pure gold Rolling Eyes

Best of luck in your new hobby.

Also, a mentor friend/mentor to get you started.

Suggest you stick with one or two hull types. I think getting primed cheddites (red are great) is a good option.

Find some powder that meets your needs

Get a powder scale and some extra bushings close to the charge you think you need.

You will need to spend some time getting used to the adjustments but the 600 is pretty simple

Have fun

Greg

Member Joined: 30 Nov 2011 Posts: 1696 Location: Minnesota

If you didn't get an owners manual, go to www.mecshootingsports.com. you can print one out. They also have videos,by machine. Have also found them very helpful when I've had problems. Definitely get a scale. You'll find that the bushings almost always throw powder differently than what the charts say. Good luck

Joined: 29 Nov 2011 Posts: 55 Location: TN

Thanks for the input!! Keep it coming!!

I downloaded the owner/operators manual and I'm working on building myself a reloading corner.

I've been keeping my hulls since I started shooting a 16 three years ago and got several wads with the reloader... So I've got a pretty good start on supplies.

What brands of shot/powder/primers would you recommend?

look for SPR's data compilation here in these threads somewhere . It has about EVERY load ever invented/tested for our gauge - you'll be awestruck ! Your only drawback right now might be that you have to be PATIENT obtaining the powder you like .