Crimping Paper Hulls

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Hello All,

I recently started reloading paper shotgun shells and have a problem. While the crimps are nice and tight, some look fine, some are "swirled," and some look like they are reversed. (This is with the same setting on the finish crimp station.). I am using a MEC Versamec 700 reloader. I purchased the new 6-point crimp. Does anyone know the secrets for achieving a consistent 6-point crimp on paper hulls?

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

[El Peludo]

In my experience, that is just the way they do, and I never worried about it, as long as they didn't leak, and went bang every time.  I never noticed any difference in how they shot.  It may have something to do, though, with the way the inner folds lay down as the middle of the die presses down on the outer ones.

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

El Peludo,

It is good to know that if I can't find a solution there is no effect on function.

Thank you.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

[Silver Creek Slim]

I have the same problem with my MEC Jr. and I bought the 6 pt star, too. What has helped some from leaking shot is putting in an overshot card. I have not loaded paper in a few months, but when I do again I will roll crimp 'em.

Slim

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Silver Creek Slim,

I use an overshot card as a matter of course.  Numerous sources have mentioned the improvement to pattern, reliability, and consistency by using them.

How do you plan on shortening your hulls to roll crimp length?

Thank you for the reply.  Nice to know that I am not alone in this problem.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

[Silver Creek Slim]

Silver Creek Slim,

I use an overshot card as a matter of course.  Numerous sources have mentioned the improvement to pattern, reliability, and consistency by using them.

How do you plan on shortening your hulls to roll crimp length?

Thank you for the reply.  Nice to know that I am not alone in this problem.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

I just read somewhere, maybe on TFS, to get a section of 3/4" PVC. 12 ga shell is supposed to fit inside it. Cut to the length you want yer shell. Put shell inside and cut shell with utility knife.

Slim

[SGT John Chapman]

Problem is you need to find a case conditioner,.......either 'Lecteric or Drill mounted and bring the wax back up to the crimp before you blow it off,..........

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/bpi/1products/prod_tools/spin_doctor/spindr.htm

THey show the drill mounted one here for Plastic cases but it was originally designed for paper,........with the drill pointing up  you put a case over the top while spinning, as it heats up you will see the wax migrating down into the crimp,.......

I have a brand new Pacific Electric,...........But you'd have to fight hard or be pretty tempting with the greenbacks to own it...........

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Silver Creek Slim,

How did you read that on the FrontierSpot?  It's been down since last night.  (Do you have powers denied to mortal men?) 

Interesting idea though.  How do you know how long (or short) to make the hull for a roll crimp?


Sgt Chapman,

I'm not sure I understand the purpose of this operation.  Isn't the entire hull wax coated or impregnated?


Thank you both for your input.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

[SGT John Chapman]

Yes the hulls have wax in them but over several firings it works it's way away from the crimp,...........the shell length is the length before loading,.......so if your gun is a 2.75" cut them to 2.75"...........yes a 3/4" piece of PVC will work,....I cut mine to length then beveled the inside so the shell was flush with the bottom at the base of the shell.............the case fits real snug and the brass won't go in otherwise..............

[Silver Creek Slim]

Silver Creek Slim,

How did you read that on the FrontierSpot?  It's been down since last night.  (Do you have powers denied to mortal men?) 

Interesting idea though.  How do you know how long (or short) to make the hull for a roll crimp?
...
Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

I read it yesterday, silly.   
Ya leave the hull 1/4" longer than the powder/wad/shot/card column. The roll crimper will roll over 1/8".

Slim