Crimping question???

[Angel Cruz Ortiz]

Thank you Charlie. But you know what they say.. the proof's in the pudding. I'll find out tomorrow at the Sporting Clays course.

[John Farrell, Charter Member #33]

Good going, Angel. Your short hull reloads are how they are supposed to look. Good shooting and happy days to you.

[Angel Cruz Ortiz]

Thank you John. I went out today and shot some Sporting Clays and my 16ga lifter loves the load. The best day I ever had and with shells I made. Man that was a good feeling.
I can't wait for Oct 1st and the start of quail season.

[Paul Harm]

Angel, measure the distance from the top of the shot to the top of the shell. That's how much you need for a good crimp with the 16ga [ it will be different for different gauges ]. Now, if you change to different wads or what ever you'll still need the same distance for a good crimp. I load for 10, 12, 20, and 28ga and with all them the shell is almost touching after the starting crimp. Your last shells looked real nice. In my 12ga, I've loaded 1, 7/8, and 3/4oz loads, and all that's changed is the wad and shot charge.

[Angel Cruz Ortiz]

Thanks Paul!!

[Paul Harm]

I use Claybuster wads and in 12ga for 1, 7/8, and 3/4oz loads their different wads vari in height about .060. Some wads are made for 7/8 and 1oz loads. It's a balancing act to use the right powder - some take up more room - and the right wad and shot to get the proper height for a good crimp. I never use any wad pressure - just enough to seat the wad. More than that and you're just crushing the cushion part of the wad and it may want to push back up later giving you trouble. A lot of guys have trouble in the begining because they don't leave enough of the shell sticking up above the shot for it to fold over for a good crimp. It takes more than one would think. Now for a fold crimp you need a lot less - just enough to roll over. From my old Lee handloader they recommend:
-- star crimp --- roll crimp
10ga 19/32 --- 7/16
12ga 1/2 --- 3/8
16ga 15/32 --- 11/32
20ga 7/16 --- 5/16
This is with the old fiber wads that don't have hardly any give where as the plastic does and this gives a bit more lee way. Hope this helps understand what's happening and what you have to do.