[Mr. 16 gauge]

I have had a few MEC 600 Jrs......Here are a few things to consider.

1.)Older MECs (I think the cut of date is 1982, IIRC) have metal crimping stations and I don't know if parts, such as wad guides, ect are still available. Older MECS came with a longer ejection rod for reloading 3" shells, and since the were built in the pre 3.5" shell era, I don't think that they can be modified.

2.) MEC makes a conversion kit for reloading steel shot, but the best powder is STEEL, and it is a bit bulky use through a volume measure, as the MECs bushings are.....you can reload steel shotshells without the kit (i.e. crimp the shells, ect) by wieghing and measuring EACH load......sounds like a pain and time consuming, but unless you are shooting volumes of shells, I think this is the way to go.....you will have a more consistant product at the end.

3.) As for the powder, shot, primers, ect.....do you know how old it is? Has it been stored properly? There were some shells out there that took a different primer (*57) which isn't available anymore......There are powders out there that there is no reloading data for anymore. A lot of things have changed over the years, including hulls (For example, there are no RXP shells available anymore, and Alcan powders haven't been made in decades.). I think in order for this to be a 'deal', you really need to check 'the extras' and see what your getting....it might be worthwhile, but it might be useless junk.

4.) For a begining reloader, a MEC 600 jr is VERY hard to beat......I highly recommend them.

If there is any way to post more (age of the reloader, ect), we might be able to give you a more definitive answer.

Good luck................