New Mihec Cramer Mold Not Closing

[Danderdude]

I finally got to try out my new Mihec brass 9mm cramer-style mold yesterday. However, I fiddled with all the pins and couldn't get the thing to close all the way. I ran a few test pours and sure enough, I was getting flashing on the noses.

I can't tell if the pins are too big or the slots for them are too small, and this mold is so much of an investment I don't feel comfortable getting in there with a dremel to make it work. Anybody else ever ran into this problem?

[Bohica793]

I had this on one of my molds caused by the pins being on backwards. If you examine the HP pins closely, you will see that one side is countersunk for the connecting pins to attach. Make sure you have them setup this way. If this does not correct your issue, I suggest contacting Mihec directly.

[tomme boy]

Also you need to turn the screws out one turn. I had some bad pins ona 45 mold about 6 months ago. He replaced the pins. Measure the pins and let him know the diameter of them when you contact him.

[Danderdude]

I had this on one of my molds caused by the pins being on backwards. If you examine the HP pins closely, you will see that one side is countersunk for the connecting pins to attach. Make sure you have them setup this way. If this does not correct your issue, I suggest contacting Mihec directly.

Yep, I noticed that and installed them all correctly. I've tried all pin/slot combinations and tried putting the pins in both sides. Still no luck.

tomme boy, thanks, at least I'm not alone here.

[dkf]

Don't tighten the cross pins completely and make sure to lube. They should wear in with use, mine did.

[HATCH]

I had to work it a few pours to get it broke in.
Mine all close fine now.

[dragon813gt]

Did you heat cycle the mold before using it? I haven't had the problem since I started doing this. Make sure the the stems on the pins are loose. There isn't a set tension for them. I back them off just enough for the pin to fall under its own weight. Miha does not make the pins himself and there have been a few instances of the pins being out of spec. But they are very rare. He remedied the situation in short order. I'd heat cycle the mold, w/ the pins inserted, a few times and try it again.

[osteodoc08]

They are very closely toleranced. Make sure they're lubed. If no love. Send him a PM.

[tomme boy]

They are close tolerance, but mine were definitely oversized. They were keeping the mold open a hair and lead was filling in around the pin.

[MtGun44]

Loosen the threads a half turn or so and lube them. If screwed in
tight they tend to force the pins to cock a bit and bind.

Bill

[Rick B]

Follow the previous advice. Do not use a Dremel tool on your mold.
Heat cycling the mold three or four times. Backing the crosspins out a half a turn, and a little lube should get you going. Rick