Crimp adjustment on Pacific DL-105 12-gauge

[IMtheNRA]

I picked up this old press to experiment with 12-gauge reloading. Using a Winchester AA hull, I made a dummy round with no powder to test the press.

I used a Remington Power Piston Wad and 1 1/8 oz shot and everything went great until the final crimp.

It seemed to push the petals just a little too far down - past horizontally flat, leaving a small hole in the center. The hole was not big enough to leak shot, bit was almost the size of a 7 1/2 shot pellet.

How do I get the crimp just right? I understand that both the crimp starter die and the final crimp die have an effect on final crimp quality and whether or not this center hole develops. That, however, is the limit of my understanding.

Which die should I start adjusting to ensure a horizontally flat, hole-less crimp?

 

[gamestalker]

Without a powder charge, or one that is consistent with that wad, hull, and shot charge, you will not be able to attain enough wad pressure to prevent an inverted crimp. I don't have that particular shot shell loader, but the principal is the same with any shot shell operation. I would try again, but this time with a powder charge using the specifics of a recipe consistent with all the components, it is then that you'll be able to make any necessary adjustment.

Wad pressure isn't very technical for 1-1/8 oz loads, but it does need to be within 20-30 lbs., but you don't want to over compress it either, or the crimp won't hold.

GS