Shotshell Questions

sne7777 · October 16, 2006, 07:43 PM

I was given what appears to be a MEC 650. Set up was for the Win. AA shells. Iv'e been using it for a couple of years with the old style hulls and making good reloads. The new style hulls are a different story. They will not crimp properly. Is this a die adjustment or do they require different wads?
The only difference I can see in the hulls is the plastic seems to be harder with a smoother surface.

Any adivse would be appricated.

WSM MAGNUM · October 16, 2006, 08:07 PM

sne7777,
are you using the right crimp. There are 6 point and 8 point crimpers. Will this help your question.

http://ballisticproducts.com/bpi/art...ust/mecadj.htm

clayking · October 16, 2006, 08:40 PM

The new AA may require the need to lower the starter crimp/pie crimp. According to Winchester, once adjusted you should not be able to put a pencil eraser down into the shell. You could also increase the wad ram up to 45 lbs which will help seat the wad. It is explained in the Winchester reloading manual. if you have problems, call Mec....................ck

sne7777 · October 16, 2006, 09:11 PM

Thanks for the advice.

I have the proper crimps installed.

The starter crimp does come loose sometimes. Lock washers should fix it.

I printed out the info on the link. A few shells have came out buckled.

I'll make the adjustments and go from there.

Thanks again

WSM MAGNUM · October 17, 2006, 09:15 AM

If you have bulging,that does sound like you need to adjust the cam. My starter crimp is loose also. I think that is the way it is supposed to be. They just snap in place on the press.
The link I gave you will tell you how to adjust it.

sne7777 · October 22, 2006, 11:05 AM

Thanks for the advice.

Here's what I did.

1. took all of the dies off and cleaned out all of the crud (thirty years worth)

2. reinstalled them, adjusted the starter and second crimps lower and the last one a little higher.

Results: I just reloaded a perfect box of shells.

Thanks again

Skeet69 · October 28, 2006, 08:09 AM

As a shotgun reloader for many years, (new to pistols tho) I have found that MEC is a wonderful, wonderful company, just call them. They can talk you through nearly any problem with the machine, or any mishap, (except spilled shot!)Mike B

October 16, 2006, 07:43 PM	#1
sne7777 Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Posts: 90	Shotshell Questions I was given what appears to be a MEC 650. Set up was for the Win. AA shells. Iv'e been using it for a couple of years with the old style hulls and making good reloads. The new style hulls are a different story. They will not crimp properly. Is this a die adjustment or do they require different wads? The only difference I can see in the hulls is the plastic seems to be harder with a smoother surface. Any adivse would be appricated.

October 16, 2006, 08:07 PM	#2
WSM MAGNUM Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 750	sne7777, are you using the right crimp. There are 6 point and 8 point crimpers. Will this help your question. http://ballisticproducts.com/bpi/art...ust/mecadj.htm __________________ Henry - Life NRA Member, USCCA Shield Member If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

October 16, 2006, 08:40 PM	#3
clayking Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 796	The new AA may require the need to lower the starter crimp/pie crimp. According to Winchester, once adjusted you should not be able to put a pencil eraser down into the shell. You could also increase the wad ram up to 45 lbs which will help seat the wad. It is explained in the Winchester reloading manual. if you have problems, call Mec....................ck __________________ Never argue with an idiot, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

October 17, 2006, 09:15 AM	#5
WSM MAGNUM Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 750	If you have bulging,that does sound like you need to adjust the cam. My starter crimp is loose also. I think that is the way it is supposed to be. They just snap in place on the press. The link I gave you will tell you how to adjust it. __________________ Henry - Life NRA Member, USCCA Shield Member If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

October 16, 2006, 09:11 PM	#4
sne7777 Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Posts: 90	Thanks for the advice. I have the proper crimps installed. The starter crimp does come loose sometimes. Lock washers should fix it. I printed out the info on the link. A few shells have came out buckled. I'll make the adjustments and go from there. Thanks again

October 22, 2006, 11:05 AM	#6
sne7777 Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Posts: 90	Thanks for the advice. Here's what I did. 1. took all of the dies off and cleaned out all of the crud (thirty years worth) 2. reinstalled them, adjusted the starter and second crimps lower and the last one a little higher. Results: I just reloaded a perfect box of shells. Thanks again

October 28, 2006, 08:09 AM	#7
Skeet69 Member Join Date: September 2, 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 48	As a shotgun reloader for many years, (new to pistols tho) I have found that MEC is a wonderful, wonderful company, just call them. They can talk you through nearly any problem with the machine, or any mishap, (except spilled shot!)Mike B