Lee Loader II or MEC 600 Mk5

This section is for reloading and ammunition only, all loads found in here are used strictly at your own risk, if in doubt ask again.
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should treated as suspect and not used.

Moderator: dromia

Forum rules
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.

Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
Post Reply
Message
Author
User avatar
qws
Posts: 332
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 5:23 pm
Home club or Range: BWSS Member, North Cotes Butts
Location: Rawcliffe Bridge, East Yorkshire.

Lee Loader II or MEC 600 Mk5

#1 Post by qws »

I am just looking into loading my own shotgun shells, and wanted advise on which economical loader I should by. the Lee is around £75.00 but looks very plastic and the MEC is £245.00 but looks like a life time investment. I would only expect to fire about 100 shells a month.

your comments and experiances will be welcome.

just purchased a set of Winchesters: 1 x 1887 made in 1887 and a 1897 made in 1920, both proofed for Nitro.
Remington .44 1858 (Nitro) 5.5" x2
Cattlemen .44 1873 (Nitro) 5.5" x2
Ruger .45 OA 5.5" x2
Marlin 1894CSS JM Marked
Uberti Winchester 1873 20"
Huglu 12g Coach Gun
1897 Winchester 12g
1887 Winchester 12g
1911 LBP
Sig Sauer 522 SWAT
User avatar
dodgyrog
Site Supporter Since 2015
Posts: 4096
Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:17 pm
Home club or Range: Three Counties Sporting Club & Gardners Guns
Location: Consett, County Durham
Contact:

Re: Lee Loader II or MEC 600 Mk5

#2 Post by dodgyrog »

If you are loading birdshot, I don't think I'd bother!
For slug or bb maybe it is worth it.
I used to use an old Lyman loadall
Purveyor of fine cast boolits.
All round good guy and VERY grumpy old man.
User avatar
qws
Posts: 332
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 5:23 pm
Home club or Range: BWSS Member, North Cotes Butts
Location: Rawcliffe Bridge, East Yorkshire.

Re: Lee Loader II or MEC 600 Mk5

#3 Post by qws »

I just like to idea of loading my own, and can used other peoples spent cartridges to keep costs down even further. I only use about 4 boxes a month so not a real cost issue, but more of a fun thing to do. I also need to Roll top crimp the shells as well.
Remington .44 1858 (Nitro) 5.5" x2
Cattlemen .44 1873 (Nitro) 5.5" x2
Ruger .45 OA 5.5" x2
Marlin 1894CSS JM Marked
Uberti Winchester 1873 20"
Huglu 12g Coach Gun
1897 Winchester 12g
1887 Winchester 12g
1911 LBP
Sig Sauer 522 SWAT
User avatar
Blackstuff
Site Supporter Since 2015
Posts: 7709
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2010 1:01 pm
Contact:

Re: Lee Loader II or MEC 600 Mk5

#4 Post by Blackstuff »

I've only ever used a Lee Loadall and in a very limited capacity but have had no issues with it. I bought mine secondhand and the guy who had it before me had used it for 10 years or so too.

It may shock you the price of a roll crimp attachment for a drill! Some could be 50-60% the cost of the Lee Loadall! And thats before you've bought a drill press (and drill if you haven't already got a suitable one!). You can buy hand crank ones on Ebay for around £45-50 which eliminate the need for the drill, press and crimp tool.
DVC
greenshoots
Posts: 750
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:34 am
Location: south wales
Contact:

Re: Lee Loader II or MEC 600 Mk5

#5 Post by greenshoots »

there is a russian guy on ebay selling shotgun reloading stuff might be worth a look

greenshoots
Green by Design
User avatar
bradaz11
Sporadic Site Supporter
Posts: 4714
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2014 1:23 am
Home club or Range: The tunnel at Charmouth, BWSS
Location: Bristol
Contact:

Re: Lee Loader II or MEC 600 Mk5

#6 Post by bradaz11 »

qws wrote: I also need to Roll top crimp the shells as well.
why?

I have an older 97 than yours and I can use 67 eley's in mine

can't imagine the chambers are that different on the 87, although I thought 87's were black powder? 1901's in 10g were nitro.
When guns are outlawed, only Outlaws will have guns
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests