Not getting good crimps 12 GA Reloading

[beetle]

oh by the way while your crimps are not pretty they are certainly fine to shoot.

[canon714]

Thank you for the advice... I will see if I can find the 6100 and try them... What do you recommend I use the 2100 in? I don't want to waste them.

How much precrimp should you have... I read somewhere that the shell should only show a ink pen size hole in the center after the precrimp

[SandDiegoDuner]

I had some issues with the RCBS smashing the hull during the pre-crimp due to the shape of the pre-crimp die itself. I ended up buying the Ballistic Products super crown crimp starter and modified it to work with the press. I have had no issues with the MEC even using the 8 point spindex on new Cheddite hulls.

[beetle]

Thank you for the advice... I will see if I can find the 6100 and try them... What do you recommend I use the 2100 in? I don't want to waste them.

How much precrimp should you have... I read somewhere that the shell should only show a ink pen size hole in the center after the precrimp

you can still use the 2100 -- it depends on choice of components. The 2100s work well if using a bulky powder, like say Vectan AS in a federal hull.

Rio hulls tend to have the most volume, so most combinations don't work that well because the stack height is too short. This is especially true of american ball powders.

There are typically two types of shotshell reloaders -- those that find a recipe that they like and stick with it. or those that keep a variety of components on hand to find the right combination to fit a shell. I tend to be in the latter having a wide variety of wads and powder in my inventory.

[JagerDog]

My experience with a Load all: If stack height was perfect and I had quality pre-fired hulls, it made nice shells. Change anything in that matrix and no go.

You've got mostly euro hulls which aren't as friendly. New hulls are especially not friendly without a nice sharp crimp starter.

Does your crimp starter and number of petals on the 1X match? Looks like there's some mismatch.

You're aware that hulls aren't universal? Changing hulls can mean a change of components for safety, performance and headaches.

I use different hulls for different payloads. In 12g they're effectively color coded.

[canon714]

I am using the correct pre crimp 6 vs 8 depending on what the hulls previously had. So I don't think that is the issue. I am trying to stick to published load data and loading at lower pressure ranges so that minor changes in components should not get me in trouble. I am matching the type of hull straight wall or taper with a wad designed for that type of hull.

I started with Winchester AA hulls and loaded those with decent crimps. I was only able to find Rio and Fiochhi primers so stuck with reloading euro hulls for now since I don't want to increase the primer pocket size on American hulls.

I might have a lead on some Cheddite primers next week so I can load American hulls.

[tabascoz28]

Also, yeah, to me those pics look like bad alignment of pre-crimp. Just slowly come down on it a few times, it will self align. Then remember that from now on.

I don't think color coding is universal or is it?

My color coding:
Gold STS for clay/bird
Red for 00 buck, Grey for 4 buck
Clear for slugs.

I marked where the exits are so I can align the bar correctly when changing bushings. I changed screws to thumb turnable ones so I won't need a tool. Then marked the 8pt crimp starter on the orientation facing me when starting. The 6pt is in the back and it the opposite. Don't get me wrong, I have been looking at Mec Grabbers semi-progressive but I can't justify the price when I don't load thousands of shells.

lee.jpg

[JagerDog]

I am using the correct pre crimp 6 vs 8 depending on what the hulls previously had. So I don't think that is the issue. I am trying to stick to published load data and loading at lower pressure ranges so that minor changes in components should not get me in trouble. I am matching the type of hull straight wall or taper with a wad designed for that type of hull.

I started with Winchester AA hulls and loaded those with decent crimps. I was only able to find Rio and Fiochhi primers so stuck with reloading euro hulls for now since I don't want to increase the primer pocket size on American hulls.

I might have a lead on some Cheddite primers next week so I can load American hulls.

OK. Seems you've done more "research" than many with a new Load All. That said, I think the biggest problem is the hulls. They aren't the best for reloading and tax the capabilities of the Load All.

You'll have more success with those hulls on a better machine. For single stage, I'm a Sizemaster or PW 365 fan, though the Jr works and has been plenty for many. I picked up a used sizemaster and did a modest rebuild to help get a ladyfriend of mine into shotshell reloading. Had about $150 into it.

[canon714]

I would love to find a used Sizemaster... but in this current environment they are impossible to find or the same or more than a new one.

I will need to attach some pictures later today... So on once fired rio hulls if I put the full pre crimp on them the crimp looks good but not perfect.

If i put about 80% or so pre crimp on them... the final crimp looks better but too deep. Thinking change the wad to the one bettle suggested might help... so how much precrimp do you put on with the lee load all II?

[JagerDog]

I would love to find a used Sizemaster... but in this current environment they are impossible to find or the same or more than a new one.

I will need to attach some pictures later today... So on once fired rio hulls if I put the full pre crimp on them the crimp looks good but not perfect.

If i put about 80% or so pre crimp on them... the final crimp looks better but too deep. Thinking change the wad to the one bettle suggested might help... so how much precrimp do you put on with the lee load all II?

I gave my Load All away years ago. Running Mec 9000's. Pre-crimp to a hole about the size of a 209 primer.

[canon714]

I am jealous. You shoot that many for a progressive to make sense ?

[JagerDog]

I am jealous. You shoot that many for a progressive to make sense ?

Debateable. Was 100/wk until this last year. Nice to be able to load a month's worth in an evening. My volume stuff I keep around 1500 in rotation. Fill it back up when I get down to a few 100. They weren't new, but very good shape.

[ar15barrels]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...unds&crop=fill]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a483/canon714/IMG_1829.jpeg?width=285&height=175&fit=bounds&crop=fill

First Picture-One with too deep crimp is a new unskivied hull. The other one is a once fired hull that was not skivied either.

Second picture. The three orange ones are new unskivied. The blue ones are rio once fired, I assume the factory skivied them

Just loading birdshot for trap. 1 0z loads. would like to load buck in the future

I am not getting good crimps reloading 12 GA shells using the lee load all II.

I was thinking about trying to upgrade to the Mec Jr press.. Will this make the difference ?

Those screwed up crimps are too tight.
Notice the swirl?
Either make the crimp deeper so that more hull gets used up in the folding-over or make the wad column a little longer and raise your crimp slightly on the case so not as much of the case is forming the crimp.

[canon714]

I am learning how important the pre crimp is and getting a consistent pre crimp and final crimp. This is probably where the Lee Load All falls short.

I appreciate the advice from everyone. I tried a different wad and that is helping with the crimp.

Someday I might get a Mec Sizemaster but for now going to keep using the Lee

[winetoad]

Welcome to the world of shotgun reloading. See if you can find a used mec 600 jr. It is a great starter reloader, easy to adjust, and makes great reloads. Once you get the right combination of powder, shot, wads you should be good to go. Takes practice and patience to get it all down correctly. When is is done, you may want to upgrade the reloader. If someone who reloads is close to you, ask them to help. Most reloaders are more than willing to help someone out who is starting to reload.