MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 Reloader 16 ga

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 Reloader 16 ga is a single-stage reloading press designed for shooters who need efficient, reliable ammunition production. Manufactured by Mayville Engineering Company, this 16-gauge reloader combines straightforward mechanical operation with proven durability, making it an accessible entry point for dedicated reloaders who want to reduce ammunition costs without sacrificing quality control or consistency.

The MEC 600 Jr. Mark 5 delivers production rates between four and six boxes per hour, allowing serious shotgun enthusiasts to reload substantial quantities in a single session. The single-stage design—where each operation (resizing, priming, powder charging, and shot/wad loading) is performed sequentially—provides complete visibility into every round and enables precise adjustments between shots. The press handles 3-inch shells and accepts upgrade kits that automate primer handling, eliminating the manual feeding that would otherwise slow workflow. Weighing 13.91 lbs and occupying 17.2 x 9.4 x 22.5 inches of bench space, the unit remains compact enough for small reloading stations while maintaining the mechanical leverage needed for reliable operation with 16-gauge hulls and components.

This reloader targets shotgun hunters and sport shooters who fire significant volumes of 16-gauge ammunition. Trap, skeet, and hunting applications all benefit from the ability to reload fired hulls and reuse them multiple times, creating substantial savings over factory ammunition. The straightforward control of each reloading stage is particularly valuable when working with 3-inch shells, which demand precise powder and shot charge metering. Shooters who reload their own ammunition gain the flexibility to tailor loads to specific barrel characteristics and shooting conditions—advantages unavailable with factory rounds.

MEC reloaders have established themselves as functional, long-lived equipment in the shotshell reloading community. The Mark 5 iteration represents current engineering standards for single-stage presses in this category. Before committing to any reloading setup, verify that your specific hull type, wad style, and shot size are compatible with this press—MEC provides detailed documentation for these compatibility details. Proper bench mounting and maintenance of the unit ensures years of consistent performance.