Thread: Shotshell reloading

So I just bought a mec 700. I have everything I need to reload. I just have a few questions. How do I adjust how much powder and shot is going down to the hull. I don't want to blow my self up, haha. Anyways, I appreciate the help in advance.

You need to change the charge bar for different loads, they only drop what is needed.

Originally Posted by deadeye

You need to change the charge bar for different loads, they only drop what is needed.

This. You can get different charge bars for however many ounces of shot you want to throw and then you need to get the appropriate bushings for how much powder you want to throw. If you don't have one already, get a Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook. It is the best shotshell reloading book out there.

You can stick with the stock charge bar for the Mec 700 which is non-adjustable for shot and requires a bushing for each different powder/charge weight

OR-------------

You can invest in one of these:

Universal Charge Bar



Years ago when I still shot a lot of shotgun competition I bought one of these because it always seemed like I never had the right bushing. Best move I ever made.

Wide range of powder and shot adjustments. The cost is minor considering all the investment that one could end up putting in an assortment of bushings and/or bars.

Thanks! Does anybody know what the stock charge bar drops?

Originally Posted by 19stang88

Thanks! Does anybody know what the stock charge bar drops?

It should say on the end of the bar 1 oz, 1 1/8 oz, etc....

Alright I'll look. Thanks. I have to do a clean up and lube all the moving parts.

Originally Posted by 19stang88

Alright I'll look. Thanks. I have to do a clean up and lube all the moving parts.

If you bought it set up for 12 ga. it is probably a 1 1/8 oz bar as that is a standard target load.

Yeah, that makes sense. So I took all everything apart to lube all the moving parts and the charging bar says 302 and 118. What does that mean. Also, the budging says 30.

The 302 means it is a single stage tool. The 118 means it will drop 1 1/8 oz. of shot.

charge bar ID....http://www.mecreloaders.com/document...shingChart.pdf

book....http://www.mecreloaders.com/document...00versamec.pdf

Thanks! Looks like a need a smaller bushing. I am using green dot.

Originally Posted by 19stang88

Thanks! Looks like a need a smaller bushing. I am using green dot.

I'll say it again, if you don't already have a Lyman Shotshell Handbook get one. It will tell you exactly what bushing to use for whatever powder and charge you want to throw. It's the bible for shotshell reloading.

I'll do as told. Thanks for all the help!

Be sure and check your powder charges with a scale. At least until you've verified that the bushing is actually dropping the correct charge according to the chart.

Don't assume that everything is OKIE DOKIE, be sure and verify.

Yeah, I need to invest in a scale. I am dropping 18 grams of powder and 1-1/8 oz shot.

Originally Posted by 19stang88

Yeah, I need to invest in a scale. I am dropping 18 grams of powder and 1-1/8 oz shot.

grams or grains. There's a BIG difference. There's a little more than 15.4 grains per gram.

Originally Posted by deadshot2

grams or grains. There's a BIG difference. There's a little more than 15.4 grains per gram.

Hehe. Can I be there to watch (from a distance) when he touches off 18 grams of Green Dot? Just kidding.

Originally Posted by Cougfan2

Hehe. Can I be there to watch (from a distance) when he touches off 18 grams of Green Dot? Just kidding.

In an armored bunker

Grains!!!