Beginner 12 gauge reload error/crimping?

[BruceRDucer]

My first efforts to reload with the Lee Load-All had a moderate success.

Using Hodgdon CLAYS powder and a .148 bushing, and

1 1/8 oz powder bushing to load 7.5 shot

All went well but crimping. Maybe I'm not pressing the wad firmly down enough?

My crimps either bulge up a little, or they slowly rise, or bulge more than just a little.

I noticed that after loading shot, the shell has very little space to the top. Maybe I should only load 1 oz?

I was keeping an 8 star INDENTATION toward the front for the stage 1 and 2 of crimping, but the shells sometimes had slight depression, and other times rose up a little too much.

I'll probably shoot these all away in practice.

[otherwise, I had fun!]

 

[moosehunt]

Sounds like you may have not used the correct wad. Cases and shot charges are wad specific. No familiarity with the Lee, but is your crimp die set correctly, i.e. is it putting a proper crimp regarding depth? Of course, if you have the wrong wad, it won't anyway.

 

[RecoilRob]

Yep, you have a problem and I've been there with the Load-All II.

If you are happy with the powder charge, then you need to change the wad for a shorter one....or reduce the amount of shot you drop. If the powder charge is at the max, you could get some more room in the shell by reducing it, but I'd imagine the shot would be the best place to tinker to get the crimp working properly.

And, I found the 'less than perfect crimp' shells have a tendency to 'PLOOP!" with less than great results. If the crimps are opening up, I'd recommend pulling them apart and starting over rather than shooting them.

Once you find the right combination of powder, wad and shot that will allow them to crimp tightly,....the little Load All will crank out the ammo just fine.

 

[BruceRDucer]

You guys were exactly right

I took your advice, and tried another size of wad, and now it all works fine. Thanks guys!