Mec650 problem

[vinny1892]

Hi im trying to reload 3 inch flocchi shells using the mec 650 press. From what ive read u can reload 3inch shells you just have to adjust a few things according to the manual i found /downloaded. I have reloaded 23/4 shells for years for skeet loads but wanted to try heavier loads for turkey/yotes.... is there a conversion kit or something for 3 inch? It seems as if the shells are too long for the folding die and finishing die. And the bases giveout/crumple. any help would be greatly appreciated. Note this one is a dummy round jus checking for function

[rockrat]

I don't have a 650, only a 700 versamec and on it, you can unbolt the press from the base and raise it up a bit and re-bolt it to the base, as there are two bolt holes, so as to be able to use the longer hulls .

Your 650 might have this same feature

[Moonie]

Yup, you remove the bolt, move it up and reinsert the bolt at the higher position, should be spelled out quite well in the directions.

[vinny1892]

Ive got it set up now for 3 inch and it sort of works.ive adjusted the crimp starter die down as far as i can get it but im not getting a very good crimp start these are new hulls so idk if that has anything to do with now they start to fold or not.

[Boolit_Head]

The crimp start die is dependent on the number of shells in the fold as well. At least on my 600 and 700 there are a 6 or 8 fold die to use.

[vinny1892]

Im using a six fold starter die that came with the machine. These are brand new hulls never been shot. They have no memory.

[Boolit_Head]

Ahh that could be part of it. I am not sure the Mec is great at putting new folds on new hulls.

[AggieEE]

BPI has brass crimp starters that are suppose to be for virgin hulls. I've never used one so I can't say how well it works.

[vinny1892]

ill have to check it out and see if its worth the cost... hopefully more people with chime in.

[fivegunner]

BPI has brass crimp starters that are suppose to be for virgin hulls. I've never used one so I can't say how well it works.

Yes you will have to use the BPI crimp starter to get a good crimp on new shells

[Smoke4320]

I will 3rd the new BPI brass/steel sharp crimp starter for new shells. The mec starter is fine for most fired shells.
Pick either 6 or 8 crimp and stick with one chosen.
Most commerical shells are 8 crimp now

[bdicki]

I've crimped many new hulls on my 16 ga Grabber with the MEC plastic crimp starter. I think it works better than the old MEC brass crimp starter.