Shotshell powder compression level?

[Bobby Ironsights]

Hey, I've just noticed that on my old MEC, I've got the option to adjust the amount of pressure I'm putting on the wad and powder before pouring in the shot, and it's got a little measuring scale to tell me how much push I've been giving it.

Turns out I've been applying 110 units (probably pounds, it's a helluva old press), of pressure.

That's near the maximum my press will deliver, the scale on the pointer only goes to 120. How much is normal?

 

[Rod B]

Mine only goes to 40lbs.

I believe the high pressures were required for the older fibre wads. When using plastic wads very little pressure is needed.

 

[tracker]

The book I have states minimum of 20 pounds of seating pressure. Wad pressure maybe increased as much as 100 in order to form a good crimp. Heavier wad presure may partially pre-collapse wad legs. If you must use excessive pressure to form a good crimp, you may be using incorrect wad for the load?