Loading Mini 12g Shells and roll crimping

[AgentAdam]

Has anyone worked up any loads with 12g shells anywhere from 1-1/2 to 2" ? I am trying to reload some of the new Aguila minishells 1-3/4" 12 ga shotshell (1-1/2" OAL loaded). THey just have a 2mm thick plastic circle wad over the powder and the buckshot ball loose on top. I would prefer to cut down some trap shot wads and use them so the shot won't contact the barrel wall and i could also load some Lee key drive slugs.

I would also like to cut down some old hulls to make 2" OAL shells but am not shure what OAL to cut them down to so they will be 2" OAL after star crimped.

I would also like to experiment with roll crimping if i can find a decent roll crimper. What are the pros and cons of roll crimping?

 

[Floppy_D]

Let me know what you come up with here. I've seen those Aguila loads, and wondered if they'd feed worth a squat. You have my attention.

 

[AgentAdam]

#$

What gun are you trying to shoot them out of? They only feed perfectly in a break action or winchester 1200/1300 aka defender. In my mossberg500 and 590 they try to flip backwards in the action sometimes unless you hold the gun at a certain angle and short stroke it. That is why i would like to make up a little longer shells like 1&3/4- 2"s. 1250fps w/ a 7/8 ounce slug is impressive for a 1-1/2" shell. The Rem870 has a few problems with them also but Aguilas website list the fixes to feed mini shells in the 500 and 870 on there website.

http://www.aguilaammo.com/minishells.htm
http://www.aguilaammo.com/minishells_shotgun_mods.htm

 

[snuffy]

Roll crimping can be done quite well with a drillpress and a roll crimper. That roll crimper will fit in a drill motor, but it requires a high speed and a high rpm, and a lot of down force to get a nice roll crimp. Keeping it square is also difficult.

https://shop2.mailordercentral.com/bpicart/departments.asp?dept=213

That website for ballistic products has everything you would need to do good roll crimps. The crimper is spun at high speed to heat up the plastic so it rolls over to form the crimp. This takes time and pressure. That means holding the case is pretty tough. The vise is advised if you will be doing more that 2-3 shells.

Another thing, if you cut down a 2-¾ shells, the side walls could get thicker in the tapered compression formed shells. Like the old AA and all current rem. high end shells. Best bet for cutting down in length would be federal, fiochi, and winchester.