[medic954]

Hi, I am new to reloading and recently purchased a used 650 mec to use for reloading 12 ga shells. I shoot alot of trap. Recently have been getting alot of "no fires" and have been told my primers are set too deep. Firing pin dimples primer but no "boom". Factory shells shoot fine in my berreta, and it does seem that some of my reloaded shells do have a deep primer. But it is inconsistant, 5 or so out of a box, the rest shoot fine. I have done some adjustment on the powder tube station that seats the primer but still not happy with results. I load mainly Federal hulls with either Chedite or Noble Sport primers. Could I be missing something? Could I possibly be putting too much force on the handle? Help!! Can't win Killers with shells that won't shoot!!:banghead:

[ArmedBear]

Too much force? Shouldn't be possible.

The primer seating post could be set too high, possibly. OTOH there's no way to adjust it, at least as far as I can see in the manual.

I'd try Winchester primers first, though, not the cheapest imported ones you can find. Winchester 209's are standard primers that should work with just about anything, not a slightly-different European sizing or anything. Or go with Federal primers in your Federal hulls, just to be sure. I use Winchesters in Remington hulls; never had any trouble. Of course, I haven't reloaded in a while, since I can just buy shells for the same money, or less.

Using cheap Euro components is an art unto itself, and probably not the best choice if you're just trying to learn how to use the thing. Worry about trimming your costs only after you're getting good shells.:)

All of that said, I bought a couple used 650's for cheap. After a lot of screwing with them, I'm selling them. Too much shot spilled on the floor, too many inconsistent powder and shot drops.

I like my Sizemaster single stage a lot better. A LOT better. When lead is cheap enough for me to be motivated.

[machinisttx]

Using cheap Euro components is an art unto itself, and probably not the best choice if you're just trying to learn how to use the thing. Worry about trimming your costs only after you're getting good shells

I don't know about Noble Sport, but Cheddite manufactures hulls and primers for a ton of ammo companies. Their hulls(and primers) are used in Kent ammunition, and B&P brand ammunition--neither of which are inexpensive.



The Cheddite primer will not have an exact fit in an american made hull. Usually, they won't fully seat to flush with the base of the hull. Try some different, american made, primers and see if you have better results.

Something else that might be a problem is a weak mainspring or worn firing pin. If you still have trouble with misfires after switching primer brands, I'd look at both of those as possible culprits.

[ArmedBear]

Cheddite primers go off when you shoot them. I've used them.

However, as you said, they (sometimes) don't fit right. They also have been known to punch through with some firing pins, AFAIK, though it hasn't happened to me.

The reason people often buy them is because they're cheaper than American primers, though. That's fine, too. I just wouldn't start messing with Euro-spec components until I have the standard stuff going smoothly.:) Too many variables to deal with, otherwise.