Shot shell reloading hole in center of final crimp observation/fix

SJB

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Trenton, Ontario
I have been reloading shot shells for a few years now using a MEC 600 and have read quite a bit about fine tuning crimps, and watched several well done Youtube videos. One thing I wanted to pass along to other reloaders that I have never read or heard of... I have tried to remove the small hole in the center of a near perfect crimp with the crimp starter and final crimp adjustments to be satisfied generally but not completely happy with the wavering consistency of the small hole. Finally I figured out an important variable.... duration... If I pause too long after the precrimp to look at the lead height, before the final crimp, I think that the precrimp relaxes a bit thus giving me the bothersome hole in the center of the final crimp. Since figuring this out I have eliminated the problem and make crimps like factory.
I am curious if anyone else has had this occurrence?
 
It's something every shot shell reloader runs into, when I was younger I used to drip a bit of candle wax to seal the hulls, now as you have discovered, there is usually a way to prevent it from happening in the first place.
 
I have noticed it close up / change as well if you hold the pre crimp stage down for a bit. It isn't 100 % but... I also switched to the BPI crown looking crimp starter.

Also if there is any variation in length of those hulls then that whole also changes. I notice length changes a lot in Win HS 410 hulls. AA are not the same as the super speed, and superX hulls, even thou they are all marked HS hulls.
 
It has always been due to incorrect cam setting(s) for the hull being used from my experiences. Normally I make a slight adjustment to the cam in a counter-clockwise direction and it is gone.Also incorrect pressure on the wad will cause this

Cheers
 
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I used to blob nail polish on the hole to seal it. I found it was stinky and a waste of time. I don't worry about it anymore.
 
An excellent observation noted by Seagull... an extra moment in precrimp helps set the crimp. This shows that duration in precrimp and time between precrimp and final crimp is important. Technique has an effect on final shell quality just like proper set up of the reloader. Just like shooting, technique is important just like timing and equipment
 
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