New at Shotshell Reloading - Problems with Lee 7/8" Slug and Crimp

[mmesa005]

Hello All,

This is my first attempt at shotshell reloading and I am experiencing problems with the crimp. I am using Lee load data which has the following combination of components for the 7/8" Lee Slug"

• Winchester AA Shells
• Winchester AA 12 Wads
• HS6 Powder

I tried adjusting the press (MEC Sizemaster SM82) but this was the best result. Any help /guidance appreciated.

[Hogtamer]

Please use a 20 ga. 1/8" hard card in the bottom of the shotcup under the wad. May take 2. The search function is your friend as there are countless references to this very thing herein. Good shooting.

[mmesa005]

Thanks!

[Lagamor]

I just got a used Sizemaster myself. Really looking forward to busting some clay, but haven't had time to load rounds yet.

[mmesa005]

After shooting some 9mm reloads I shot the 9 Shotshell's from my Remington 1100 with rifled barrel @ 20 +/- yds (I think you can tell the difference between 9mm holes and the slugs . With 31 grains of HS6 the shotgun would not cycle. I am going to replace the seals and try another round of reloads with some incremental charge increases. Going to work on making the crimp pretty as well!

[Smoke4320]

as hogtamer said the center cave in indicates your wad/payload is short of giving a good crimp
I would actually use a 20 Ga Card (or 2 if needed) inside the wad. You just have to load and crimp 1 to confirm how many are needed

[mmesa005]

Yes, this is new to me and I was worried about deviating from the prescribed load data. I am going to order some 20 ga cards today.

Thanks for all the help!

[Smoke4320]

get the 1/8" hard Nitro cards .. Not the overshot cards or fibre wads

[mmesa005]

I just ordered a bunch of different cards. If something is missing please let me know and I will order it?

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ITEM# DESCRIPTION QTY TOTAL
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OS12 Overshot Cards (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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N720GA .070 Mini Nitro Card (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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N712GA .070 Mini Nitro Card (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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N716GA .070 Mini Nitro Card (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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[wonderwolf]

I just ordered a bunch of different cards. If something is missing please let me know and I will order it?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM# DESCRIPTION QTY TOTAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
OS12 Overshot Cards (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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N720GA .070 Mini Nitro Card (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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N712GA .070 Mini Nitro Card (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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N716GA .070 Mini Nitro Card (500/bag) 1 $7.99

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Looks like you should be fine. Like was stated above you may have to use 2 of the thinner ones. http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Nit.../products/118/ has a selection of thicker ones as well

[mmesa005]

Reading through the instructions again I adjusted the pre crimp which made a big difference with the final crimp. Learning as I go!

[Smoke4320]

looking at that last pic . 1 1/8" card inside the wad should make you good to go

[GunFun]

Nitro cards not needed. Use genuine AA12 SL (silver wad). Fits perfect. Or use genuine Fed12S0 (white), my preferred.See pic:


Also I made this video to show how to tune your crimps. I have another mec press so the adjustment process is the same.:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9mB-hH1Rc

This may help too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT2y4UvfU_w

[Hogtamer]

Yes a hard card under the slug in the wad is needed to keep the wad from compressing into the base of the slug, not just height for crimp.

[GunFun]

I understand the intent and theory. I haven't found it to matter in practice if the slug+wad to bore diameter choice is right. If the fit is wrong, it doesn't help either. I started using cards based on info on castboolits, but quickly dropped it after seeing that it made no measurable difference in performance, but added cost and complexity.

If I see that it is too tight, it smears or shears petals and groups suck. If it isn't too tight, they let go cleanly. The Fed 12SO have a thick base to the cup and will have a line in them, but will not be deformed.

I shoot quite a lot of slugs through my saiga 12s as they are about the cheapest 12 ga load you can do, and they give you good feedback about how well you are aiming during action shooting type play. My favorite loads are in the 1300-1400 FPS range, but I have loaded milder ones which should be in the velocity the OP desires yet still have enough energy to cycle his SBS if semi auto.

[mmesa005]

Thanks again to all the replies as I am always learning and never too proud to ask for help!

Gunfun I will check out your video

[elvas]

Using a roll crimper to iron out the lips of fold crimped hulls results in much improved crimps. Same technique is used by shotshell manufacturers.

[brass2bullets]

Second on the roll crimp.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SuperBlazingSabots]

Good morning, those .070 nitro cards are totally useless for giving the slug in wad a firm base.
You need at least .125" if not .135 or even better yet .170 to help your load achieve consistency and efficiency in your load.

Watch out for the Lee loading data could be very hot and some loads will kick like a mule !
The HS 6 can be very snappy , better yet try 31 to 32 gr.



Avoid imitation wads like Claybuster

Stick with fold crimp.

Ajay K. Madan
Super Blazing Sabots