Dished crimps on reloaded 12Ga

[aviator41]

I've recently acquired a Lee Load all and have been happily making shells and shooting them. I've noticed that as my shells sit, the crimps begin to dish, or seep downward, to the point that shot can actually fall out. The quick solution is a simple drop of hot glue to keep the shot in. they work just fine.

For my next round of reloading, I'm pretty much stuck with my powder (titewad 17.9grs), my wad (WA1118 claybuster) my shell (AA winchester) and my shot (7 1/2)

that being said, how do I keep them from dishing? I am looking at using an over shot card, is this the right direction?

 

[dennishoddy]

I"ve loaded thousands of rounds with a $35 lee load all over the years.

They need to have the right combo of shot/powder/wad, and sometimes the recommended loads don't work. I can't say why, they just don't.

Your combo needs a longer wad or more shot. I bought several different wads, etc. before finding the right combo that didn't do what you described.

I've graduated to an RCBS Grand progressive as my SG shooting has increased into the competition level.

 

[Calamity Jake]

As Dennis said you need a different wad or more shot, if you don't want to change wads then you can use an over shot card wad or
put a dry red bean in the bottom of the wad to take up space.

 

[dennishoddy]

Good idea on the bean!

 

[aviator41]

since I have about 1300 wads left and several lbs of powder to use, I'd like to find a way to use them without changing the load too much. I like the bean idea. Beans are cheaper than shot any day!. I can just tell everyone I'm trying to feed the birds at high speed. LOL

I think I'll make up 20 with a bean and see how they pattern. Thanks for that tip!

 

[pen25]

first off make sure you are dropping the correct powder charge and shot.

what hull are you using? what wad? what powder/grain drop, what shot/oz load. dont use a bean use a cheerio. but dished crimps could be an incorrectly adjusted precrimp or final crimp. but it appears there is hardly any adjustment to those on the load all.

 

[aviator41]

I am dropping the correct charge. all the answers to your questions are in the first post.

I used corn. worked great.

 

[pen25]

sorry totally missed that. lol. anyway the new aahs hulls have more capacity. if you know anyone that reloads try using a different wad as well. if you have access to cardboard and can buy a gasket punch the right side you can make your own cards. drop them into the wad before dropping the shot. it should give you enough space and allow compress.

 

[okietool]

Pop corn.

And if something happens and it pops, that freaks people out and/or is food for the came.