I'd be keeping an eye out for the original steel crimper also. I have 4 newer MEC's and a vintage 650 and that old 650 works far smoother and is more reliable than any of the newer plastic ones. I covet that old press and have it set up for STS hulls only. It has never missed a beat in any way and any part I need is still available.

Agreed. This is an older press, but has the new plastic parts in positions 3 and 4. I actually have the steel eight point starter for it, but had to buy a new one because I didn't get the six point starter with it. I don't care for the new stuff much.

I found that just dwelling a little longer on the crimp starter stage puts the crimp "pie slices" down a little lower and I don't get near the ones that need wax to close up that little shot leaking hole. That Mec 600 Jr. is one shell loading machine. Some shells give better crimps than others it seems or I just don't kow how to do it right.

The only shells I have to be carefull of on my Mec Jr. are the 16 gauge. As I use the Remington black hull and they vary in length so if I am not carefull the long hulls will have a weep hole in the crimp. If I just don't come full stroke on the final crimp they are fine. Just a matter of "Feel"

On these Cheddites, they seem to be crimping fine - no holes or other problems. But some of them want to open up a little bit again over time. They don't seem over full, I think it is just because they are brand new. I might move the starter down a little. I'm getting a good solid 6 point with no swirls or holes.

Anyone know if I could be doing these with an 8 point crimp? I tend to like them better. I just thought 6 points on a brand new shell might work better.

I had the same problem with my Mec 600 jr when i started. My dad was expert, he simply solved my problems. It was really a nice sharing. Thanks for posting.