[ezz555]

Always nice to know what kind of reloader you are using.

 

[marbax]

For a MEC 9000:

Raise the final crimp, make sure your precrimp is set correctly.

 

[VegasJordan]

MEC 600 loader

 

[ezz555]

I can't remember if there is a taper adjustment on the 600's or not. On the 9000 I would suggest trying to give yourself a little more taper. There might be a similar adjustment on the 600. Those aren't the worst looking shells either and would probably work just fine on any break action type of shotgun.

 

[smthro06]

It may not apply, but look at the height of your empties before you cycle them. I've seen random STS hulls wrinkle on the side walls and found it to be due to differences in the overall height. I think for your empties, pay close attention to the heights of the crimp segment. See if there is any difference from the beginning of the fold to the top of the hull. There could be a chance that there are some that are slightly longer and could contribute to inconsistencies. As exx555 stated, they look fine for normal use so you should not have any problems with them.

 

[dirt stirrer]

You got better looking crimps than half the guys at my club, maybe many on this forum.

Don't be so hard on yourself, thos look great, but on the 600, it's an all in one crimp/taper station. Just gotta find a happy point.

 

[P3AT]

My 600 jr does have a taper adj.

Pat

 

[wadcrusher]

It is the hulls...looks to me like you are using Federal Top Gun cases or also known as the Walmart Federals...
They are not all the same.
Check the basewads...some may have a paper base. If they have different basewads, segregate your hulls.

The Cheap Federal Loads are like Remington Gun Clubs...the length is all over the place.

As stated...find a happy medium and shoot them.

 

[wadcrusher]

Also, looks like the 5 in the lower part of the picture may be Federal Gold Medals...They do look to be different in the picture.

Not all Federals are the same, and require adjustments on your machine depending on what Federal case it is.

Looks like some Noble Sport Powder in the background also...good stuff !!!

Wadcrusher

 

[kgp912kgp]

Those are bad crimps?!?! I'm doing it wrong...

 

[jeff348]

I’m at a loss here. I have been searching the forum and reading and tinkering and adjusting and keep circling back.

I’m either getting a real nice inside crimp but a mushroom edge OR I’m getting a lop sided or swirled crimp but my edge is tapered

most are coming out with the mushroom edge, then I adjust it, then I get a swirls

Best to check out the owners manual.

Your Source For Shotshell Reloaders & Clay Target Machines|Owner's Manuals

Find out why MEC Outdoors is the leader in shotshell reloaders and clay target machine excellence. Proudly made in America.

www.mecoutdoors.com

 

[CoreyB]

Put those things in the gun and shoot them.

 

[VegasJordan]

Thank you for all the replies.

these are ALL Federal Top Gun hulls with plastic basewads. When I get home I’m going to start at the pre crimp and go from there.

I am using Vectan A1, I purchased 4 lbs from Grafs and just received it. Currently working on 3 different loads, making a box of each and will go shoot them this weekend.

They are not terrible as I have seen worse. They will be shot out of my Remington 870 pump. I like things close to perfect and may just be battling myself

 

[mac1]

on the swirl in the center, raise your precrimp up until a pencil eraser will fit in the hole, then adjust you crimper to get the
taper you want

 

[flashmax]

on the swirl in the center, raise your precrimp up until a pencil eraser will fit in the hole, then adjust you crimper to get the
taper you want

Only works for the hull in the station. There are different lengths in the batch and all of them will have a different size opening after precrimp. He will have to find a middle position that is “good enough”.

 

[wadcrusher]

you are gonna love the Vectan A1....been using it, D20 and GM3 for years.

Good stuff...
Shoot me a PM if you have any questions on the A1.

Wadcrusher

 

[phatkaw]

Adjust in fine increments!
I can se like four different settings you've got there...
Once you get 1 station set good go to the next. 1 staition at a time.

 

[Paladin]

They are not terrible as I have seen worse. They will be shot out of my Remington 870 pump.

Curious what wad you're using. Your crimps are much better than what I'm getting with book loads for DRF0-12 and DRF3-12 wads using those hulls. (Mine will be for the 870 pump league).

The inside diameter of the hull is about .735 thou, all the way to the bottom. The outside diameter of the over-powder cup with both wads is about .705 thou. So that's .030 of "slop" to allow powder migration.
I just cut two reloads apart, there is more than acceptable powder migration above the over-powder cup. That likely explains the inconsistent crimps that I'm getting.

 

[VegasJordan]

I’m currently using Grafs Reloading data for Nobel Sport Vectan A1.

I am currently using the Claybuster 12s3 and 12s0 wads and they are really nice. I tried emailing them about the data with the 12s0 being used for a 1 1/8 oz but received no response.

Federal top gun
12s3
1 1/8 oz of 7.5 shot
Federal 209 (older style)
20 gr Vectan A1

Federal top gun
12s0
1 1/8 oz 7.5 shot
Fed 209 (older style)
21.5 gr Vectan A1