Author Topic: 12 ga. 1 1/4 oz. #4 shot final crimp problems (Read 1479 times)

Gallahad · « **on:** September 16, 2004, 05:37:35 AM »

Hi, my first shotshell post. I just started reloading for 12 ga. Im using a mec 600 jr. old one! My problem is that when I go to final crimp, the shells come out rounded at the edges. No crisp lip. No lip at all. I played w/ the depth screw? and got crushed shells,with rounded edges, or open ended shells. I have no idea whats wrong. need help! :lol: Thanks!

rickyp · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2004, 08:35:49 AM »

are you using the crimp starting stage?

PA-Joe · « **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2004, 09:37:10 AM »

A 1 1/4 load is a big load. Are you using the right length wads?

Here is something that may help:

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/TechInfo/mecadjust/mecadj.htm

Gallahad · « **Reply #3 on:** September 16, 2004, 01:16:37 PM »

yes, proper wads, and pre crimp are being used properly. Joe that info might help. I'm going to check it out now. Thanks! more replies welcome!

fffffg · « **Reply #4 on:** September 16, 2004, 03:30:59 PM »

after youve checked that your using the right powder, hulls and wad, and aomount of shot, compress the wad with the spring loaded feature in the front nozzel where the powder and shot comes out.. use more and more compression until it forms ok.. this pressure can be adjusted with a screw on a sleeve that holds the drop tube.. crushing can also be caused by something angeling the shell, .. the crimp starter can be adjusted in height somewhat and it may need to be lower. my mec jr book says to bulging case over brass:: use case with more capacity,, use shorter wad,,,use less shot,,,use a denser powder,,,use more wadd pressure, 40 pounds is usually suffecent... these are in the book under trouble shooting bulges.. do not change loads without folowing another rescipie.. you cannot change hulls in anyway from loads they can have differning interal sizes that cant be seen from the outside.. so use the correct hull the book calls for.. my load now needs a 52 pound compression on the wad to fit properly... good luck dave..

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2004, 03:56:44 PM »

I'll second the wad pressure. Also Keep in mind that 1 1/4 oz of #8 and 1 1/4 oz of #4 will be slightly different in volume. The #4 being large will not pack together as tightly and may require more compresion of the wad to fit the load. Though I suspect a 1 1/4oz load will normally be for #6 or larger if your loader was set up for trap loads of #8 even in smaller payloads that is probably your problem. I generally have to increase the wad pressure when I go to larger shot.

Gallahad · « **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2004, 08:07:56 AM »

Well........ I think my mec is adjusted pretty close, but. My crimp looked good most of the way around, eccept that one side of the shell (only about 1/4 " of the diameter) slipped past the final crimper and stayed up. I tried pre crimping them more, and that diddent help. Im kinda wondering if this machine is just outa wack!? The crimer is a little wiggly even after its adjusted. Normal?

Bob_K · « **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2004, 12:51:25 PM »

What load are you using, hull, primer, powder, wad? Some hulls accept 1 1/4 oz loads better than others.

Gallahad · « **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2004, 02:07:57 PM »

Im using rem light-9 low brass. (blue hull) 23.5 gr. 800x, rem 209p primers, win waa12f114 wads, & 1 1/4 oz. #4 lead shot.

I've got my pre crimp as low as it can go, without bulging the hull, and it seems to help when I go to final crimp. I've got that far, but they bulge when I final crimp, and they acctualy crimp, but the edge is a little jagged looking, and a small hole in the middle. Now What :-D :-D

George Foster · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2004, 01:55:35 AM »

If you have a small hole in the center of your crimp you should adjust the cam on your final crimp. Turn it down about 1/32 at a time toward the bottom of the press, that should take care of the problem.

fffffg · « **Reply #10 on:** September 21, 2004, 06:47:22 PM »

crimp 1/4 way turn shell, crimp 1/2 way, turn , crimp 3/4, turn, if this fixxed the problem your crimper is bad.. if not its pretty weird.. take a bad shell apart and see if the wad is getting into the crimp.. cut it back 1/4 inch and see if this stops the problem.. do not use this shell cut the shot out and pull wad and powder and reload or throw it away.. if the wad is not in the way pour out a little shot and see if that works.. if all that fails try another laod with difernt hull, powder, different wad, according to books.. if it works that load is not compatable for some reason. you can also get another crimp starter.. if your using 6 try an 8 or visa versa.. did you weigh your shot and powder to see if your doing the right aomounts??? good luck dave..

Gallahad · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2004, 01:15:56 PM »

Well I tried that 1/4 crimp turn, 1/2 crimp turn, ect. deal, and got an almost decent crimp. at the last part of the stroke, the case bulges near the brass. The crimp is still a little jagged looking to. So ya think I need a new crimper?

rickyp · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2004, 01:43:14 PM »

back off on the load some and try a crimp

George Foster · « **Reply #13 on:** September 23, 2004, 02:13:29 AM »

If your case is bulging toward the bottom it means your final crimp die is set too low. I would try a Rem wad in place of the Win wad as they are shorter and give you more crimping room. I like the RP12 wad for 1-1/4oz loads and the SP12 wad works well also.