Novice Shotshell reloading frustrations

kevin.303

kevin.303

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
123   0   0
Location
Dog River SK
So ive loaded centerfire for 20 years, just got into shotshell loading last year, and quickly learned it is a completely different game. Now i fully understand why they say do not sub components and use only published loads as a shotgun has a much lower max pressure then a rifle.

For 12 guage im using a pacific DL155 and for 20 guage a MEC 600 JR. I Started off loading 12 guage and have had very few issues. Since the 155 came with only shot bushings and i was being a cautious novice i weighed every charge with a digital dispenser.slow going but im not a super high volume shooter. Recently ive started loading 20 guage and this is where im getting frustrated.

My mec is a pre 82 600. The first 20 or so shells i loaded like i did the 12s. Every charge weighed and since i had no 1oz charge bar i was using the lee shot dipper. AA hull, 23.5 grs bluedot SP20 wad. Straight off the alliant website. Cycles my auto 5 and kills pigeons dead. Perfect. This morning i decided to set up the universal charge bar. Got it adjusted to where it was consistently throwing 23.5 grains of powder +/- two tenths of a grain. Now an ounce of shot, almost over flows the wad and hull, so checked the lee dipper i was using before and when set for an ounce its actually about 25 grams, closer to 7/8oz then an oz. So iwent back to useing the dipper as i had shot 20 or so of that load already, checking powder charges every 5th shell and 15 rounds in it throws a 25 grain charge. So now im right pissed off dont trust any of the shells i just loaded and decided to walk away from it for the day.

Am i overthinking it? being overly cautious? I dont think so. Eyes and fingers dont grow back.
 
kevin.303 said:
So ive loaded centerfire for 20 years, just got into shotshell loading last year, and quickly learned it is a completely different game. Now i fully understand why they say do not sub components and use only published loads as a shotgun has a much lower max pressure then a rifle.

For 12 guage im using a pacific DL155 and for 20 guage a MEC 600 JR. I Started off loading 12 guage and have had very few issues. Since the 155 came with only shot bushings and i was being a cautious novice i weighed every charge with a digital dispenser.slow going but im not a super high volume shooter. Recently ive started loading 20 guage and this is where im getting frustrated.

My mec is a pre 82 600. The first 20 or so shells i loaded like i did the 12s. Every charge weighed and since i had no 1oz charge bar i was using the lee shot dipper. AA hull, 23.5 grs bluedot SP20 wad. Straight off the alliant website. Cycles my auto 5 and kills pigeons dead. Perfect. This morning i decided to set up the universal charge bar. Got it adjusted to where it was consistently throwing 23.5 grains of powder +/- two tenths of a grain. Now an ounce of shot, almost over flows the wad and hull, so checked the lee dipper i was using before and when set for an ounce its actually about 25 grams, closer to 7/8oz then an oz. So iwent back to useing the dipper as i had shot 20 or so of that load already, checking powder charges every 5th shell and 15 rounds in it throws a 25 grain charge. So now im right pissed off dont trust any of the shells i just loaded and decided to walk away from it for the day.

Am i overthinking it? being overly cautious? I dont think so. Eyes and fingers dont grow back.
Click to expand...
Different sized shot will weigh more or less from what the bushing is as they take different volumes different brands will weigh differently depending on the alloy. I have always just used a bar and not worried about it I think MEC bushings are set up for number 6 shot their skeet special bars may be different.

Just make sure hull type primer powder was ect match what the data uses.
 
There is a good chance, your MEC needs adjusting. The ram that seats the wad needs to be adjusted based on the wad you are using. You are likely not seating the wad deep enough.
 
As noted, your MEC likely needs adjusting. Start with the wad seating ram.** This seems to be the source of your problem. Then, the pre-crimp. Finally, crimp. Surprisingly small adjustments often make a big difference. As antiqueguy recommends, this needs doing each time changes are made in hull brands, etc.

By the way, if not already familiar with this source, MEC features a series of you tube videos demonstrating each step in the set up process. Well worth checking out.

Al
ps: Flake powders like Blue Dot can sometimes meter inconsistently. Whenever I load this powder, I throw the powder charge, then check each one manually with a scale. Trickling up/down as required. Slow, but accurate.
Nothing wrong with being cautious.
** Note: The edge of the wad cup should line up slightly under where the hull folds to form the crimp. It's okay if the shot charge domes or extends a little beyond the edge of the wad. If it overflows or extends much beyond that, then that's one indicator that the wad may be seated too high. Or, the shot cup is not correct volume for that charge.
You may also be aware of this site: Hodgdon Reloading Data Center. If not, there is plenty of useful shotshell load data available, there.
Your powder choices may be limited right now but, if you can get your hands on either Unique, or Universal (Hodgdon equivalent of Unique), these powders are very versatile and offer good performance in both 20 and 12 gauge. Also meter well.
 
Last edited:
I have loaded many rounds on mec loaders, you aren't the only one who has had frustrations with them, set up makes all the difference, as above,
Flake powder, can get hung up in the drop tube, if its an older unit with steel drop tubes, get plastic tube's , you wont get static electricity build up affecting powder drop, you likely have an undercharge shell 15g, followed by a overcharge 25g
I am going threw this at present, with an older 20 ga grabber, still haven't got the primer station sorted out.
when the Mec are running well they are a great shotshell loader, I've got two older units, and had so much grief with them, i wished i spent a few bucks more, and bought a new size master, the 3 New size master have never had a problem. 12, 16, 28
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom