Perhaps it's a bit too late to ask, seeing as how I've already done this with 50 shells and even used some to shoot some birds today. But perhaps someone will have some pointers or advice for me.
I have a Winchester 1901 that apparently likes 2-7/8" shells, which of course are no longer available on any shelf, so I have started modifying 3-1/2" shells to suit. So far they seem to be working fine, aside from being a bit more pain in the ass than I wanted.
So I made a little jig with a razor blade to cut the shells to a set length......approx 2-3/4". I cut the shells, dump the shot, trim the wad cup and reload the shot. Then put a piece of paper over the shot and glue it around the edges. I've been using some gasket paper as it's a little thicker and punches out quite nicely.
So then, after snooping around the net, I decided I was going to try to make a role crimp.
Looks simple enough, the toughest part was cutting the inner groove with a radius that allows the shell hull to actually roll. This one is a little crude, but it works! I might try to make another and not cut it so deep so it's easy to sharpen a tool bit to cut that inner radius groove.
So I just left it in the lathe to give it a try on a used shell.
I haven't rolled any loaded shells yet. I'm not really sure how much to roll the shell anyways, perhaps someone can shed some light on this for me? I appreciate any constructive criticism, but keep in mind I'm not a professional gunsmith or machinist so my skills are limited.
I have a Winchester 1901 that apparently likes 2-7/8" shells, which of course are no longer available on any shelf, so I have started modifying 3-1/2" shells to suit. So far they seem to be working fine, aside from being a bit more pain in the ass than I wanted.
So I made a little jig with a razor blade to cut the shells to a set length......approx 2-3/4". I cut the shells, dump the shot, trim the wad cup and reload the shot. Then put a piece of paper over the shot and glue it around the edges. I've been using some gasket paper as it's a little thicker and punches out quite nicely.
So then, after snooping around the net, I decided I was going to try to make a role crimp.
Looks simple enough, the toughest part was cutting the inner groove with a radius that allows the shell hull to actually roll. This one is a little crude, but it works! I might try to make another and not cut it so deep so it's easy to sharpen a tool bit to cut that inner radius groove.
So I just left it in the lathe to give it a try on a used shell.
I haven't rolled any loaded shells yet. I'm not really sure how much to roll the shell anyways, perhaps someone can shed some light on this for me? I appreciate any constructive criticism, but keep in mind I'm not a professional gunsmith or machinist so my skills are limited.
