Author Topic: MEC press missing powder charges!!! (Read 1004 times)

IronKnees · « **on:** February 11, 2003, 08:35:15 AM »

This is actually a continuation of my previous post, but is different enough that I wanted to begin a new topic. I just got done carefully adjusting the settings on my MEC press as mentioned previously. The, I proceded to load 25 rounds. I checked every second or third powder charge for consistancy, and near the end, I caught the press NOT dispensing a charge at all... I finished out the remaing two or three shells, and then began weighing them. One of the first ones I weighed was about 20 grains lighter than the rest. So, I placed it in the pan on my RCBS electronic scale, and set the scale to zero. Then, I weighed each and every loaded shell. Most showed between 19.0 and 20.0 grains. (remember I set the full weight of the suspected empty round to zero) There were three others that showed less than 10.0 grains in weight over the suspected empty round. I then took the suspect round apart and SURE ENOUGH, there was NO POWDER AT ALL IN THAT ROUND... I unhooked the primer feed and took some emptys with spent primers still in them and began trying charges again. It began by not dispensing a charge at all. I gave the whole press a good, stiff bump, and then it began dispensing good charges again... Unless I can find a cure for this, it looks like I am going to have to weigh each and every charge from this press.... I am not happy about this at all... :evil:

Ka6otm · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2003, 09:23:10 AM »

IronKnees,

Let me take a stab at this one also. I just went to the loading bench and ran a couple of shells through my 9000G and here's what I think you should check:

When the hull is at station #2 (reprime and powder) and you lower the operating handle, the charge bar screw MUST go all the way to your left to where the charge bar screw contacts the left side of the screw slot. If it does not, your operating rod nut is screwed too far down and must go up. Otherwise, you will get an incomplete/nonesistent charge.

When you raise the operating handle, the charge bar screw MUST go all the way to your right to where the charge bar screw contacts the right side of the screw slot. If it does not, either your bar return spring is weak or not adjusted correctly, or your have a lot of binding on your charge bar which can be cured with powdered graphite or mica or any powdered lubricant. Otherwise, you will get an incomplete/nonexsistent charge.

Let me know if this works...
Ka6otm

IronKnees · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2003, 10:21:07 AM »

Ka6otm Thanks!!! I will go check all of that, and while I am at it, will sit down and review ALL of the included insturctions... BTW, I have added the aftermarket micometer charge bar...

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2003, 10:38:52 AM »

Did these crimp ok for you? Usually if I get this type of error the crimp collapses.

Ka6otm · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2003, 11:21:48 AM »

IronKnees,

Now I KNOW you're in trouble....reading the instructions is the final act of a desperate man.

With respect to the adjustable charge bar...did you get the Model D/DS
or the Model C/CS? The D/DS is for progressive presses, the C/CS for all the others.

Also, when you use the adjustable bar, the adjustments I mentioned in my last post become even more critical. Hold the adjustable and the non adjustable together and see where the powder opening is compared to the non adjustable (bushing) bar. Also, I have found that I really have to lube the adjustable more than the non adjustable.

Good Luck,
Ka6otm

IronKnees · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2003, 11:23:40 AM »

Yes they did... They crimped just fine. Now, with my little Lee shot shell press, if you missed a powder charge you would get a collapse like you are talking about. However, with these, there was no outwardly visable sign of a problem...

IronKnees · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2003, 11:31:02 AM »

Your right about the "instructions"... When I ended my airline career, I though "checklists" were behind me... with the exception of "Honey-do" lists of course. :? I'll have to get back with you about the model of the aftermarket charge bar... and, :oops: I may have to revise my calling this a "progressive" press, because you do have to advance the thing by hand to each next station... I'm not at all familiar with the different MEC models, and it's been long enough since I got this, that I forget the model number etc... I'll check back in with more detail... :lol: Maw just hollered "dinner", and you will never see this kid slow to react to that call...