Best way to recrimp 12 Gauge shotshells.

Big Bad

Big Bad

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Only plan on doing a little light reloading at this point, but have been unable to get much if any information on how best to recrimp a shotshell, and I'm thinking mostly of unfired ones since I'll be relying on skeet club type ammo. Various tools around to do it, with the ones I've found you would need the little round cards to crimp around when the plastic is rolled over on them. Never found a firearms subject that the local stores know so little about so here I am.

My two main questions are: what is the best tool for the job, and I strongly prefer a simple hand tool, and, if they're required, where does a guy get the little round cards, or how does he make them so they're uniform and professional looking?
 
I have one of the drill press types for roll crimping 10ga shells. Works fine.
Don't overlook the antique hand crank roll crimpers. They work too. I use them when making up short 12ga shells for short chambered vintage guns. These antique sets appear for sale regularly, and aren't expensive.
You can buy various wads, or cut your own.
 
Lee hand reloading kits for shot shells have been out of production for a long time, but show up now and then.
Lee Loadall loaders often show up used for $25 or so.
A MEC 600 Jr. Is the start of real serious shot shell loaders.
Roll crimping works well for slugs and for short shells loaded for obsolete guns.
If you told us what you are hoping to load, we could perhaps help more.
 
saskbooknut said:
Lee hand reloading kits for shot shells have been out of production for a long time, but show up now and then.
Lee Loadall loaders often show up used for $25 or so.
A MEC 600 Jr. Is the start of real serious shot shell loaders.
Roll crimping works well for slugs and for short shells loaded for obsolete guns.
If you told us what you are hoping to load, we could perhaps help more.
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I would be melting down the bird shot to make slugs or buckshot. A poor man's budget item for practicing.
 
A lee Load all can be had for around $30 on the used market, and an older model MEC 600/versamec 700 can be had for around $50. The roll crimper and overshot discs/cards will likely cost about the same.

If you're taking factory birdshot loads and simply substituting payloads, you'll be better off recrimping with a standard fold crimp. You will not be able to roll crimp properly unless your hull has been fired and the fold crimp "fully unfolded".
 
digitalblue said:
A lee Load all can be had for around $30 on the used market, and an older model MEC 600/versamec 700 can be had for around $50. The roll crimper and overshot discs/cards will likely cost about the same.

If you're taking factory birdshot loads and simply substituting payloads, you'll be better off recrimping with a standard fold crimp. You will not be able to roll crimp properly unless your hull has been fired and the fold crimp "fully unfolded".
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Oh yeah? I was thinking I'd be able to unfold them pretty thoroughly by hand.

I used to have the Lee version little loading set with the crimper you speak of, but I'll be blessed if I can find it.
 
I used to do exactly what you are looking to do. I would buy target load, unfold the case(use a little pick to pull the folds up), recast the pellets into slugs and use a lee loadall to recrimp. Makes a super cheap and fun shotgun load.
 
Yup, I also buy target loads and turn them into slugs using Russian molds.
They sure know how to make shotgun reloading equipment!
 
fourseventwo said:
I used to do exactly what you are looking to do. I would buy target load, unfold the case(use a little pick to pull the folds up), recast the pellets into slugs and use a lee loadall to recrimp. Makes a super cheap and fun shotgun load.
Click to expand...

Ganderite has a thread showing a different method. Use a rotary cutter to remove the crimp petals, leaving the rolled over edge in place. Snap a Lee slug into place. Tried it. It works.
 
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FarmerDanz said:
Make shot cards from a hole punch and cardboard or plastic
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Yup. A little punch like this one available from craft stores like Michaels. 3/4" is perfect for 12 ga.
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