I'm using Mec 9000 in 16, 20, 410 for my 2.5 inch shells and a Sizemaster in 12 ga:banghead: I use only RST hulls.

Ron,
I had PW make me special steel sizing dies for 10 b 2 & 7/8 " that also included a separate die so I could easily insert a 10b case then cut to the 2 & 7/8 inch length. Have loaded these cut cases on my 375 with no problem They also made me steel dies for 12b to load 2.5 " cases and cut die also to cut to proper length from 2.75".
They also prepared the tooling heads for 10b, 12b & 16b and adjusted them for me.
I have always found their service to be excellent.

Big D's idea is excellent "A rimmed cookie sheet mounted under the loader is a good way to control runaway shot"
My wife appreciates your suggestion!!
Jim

Thanks Jim. I'll give PW a call next week. If they can't supply a short sizing die I see no reason why I couldn't get a machinist to cut it down on a lathe.

I also like the cookie sheet idea -- will use that one for sure.

I'll report back on what PW says. -- Ron

Will be interested it PWs answer too.

William

Just got off the phone with PW. I called the main number and spoke to the person who answered. (Didn't have to get transferred to technical support or the machine shop.) She knew immediately what I needed. All you need is two parts to load 2 1/2" shells -- a cut down sizing die (aka shell holder) -- $37.50 and a wad seating sleeve -- $4.85. Total additional charge -- $42.35 You do have to call for these 2 parts as they are not on their website.

Now I just need to find some decent hulls -- not sure I want to bother peening the primer pockets every time I reload.

Thanks I’m on it tomorrow

William

Ron,

I use RST hulls for my 12 and 20 gauge 2 1/2" loads with Winchester primers. There doesn't appear to be a loose fit problem with that combo.

I load them about 4 times and toss them as a cautionary move because of the inside base wad. I haven't had a problem but just being cautious.

I have some extra RST hulls if you'd like to try some. Just pay postage. 12's and 20's.

Anybody else also.

Bill

William, why do you think a 600 won't resize ? They do, and very well. That ring goes around the base and it has to be the right size. And, they're a lot less trouble than the collet system. I have both and can't see one being better than the other unless you want to talk about which one breaks. I think you'll find way more Mec JRs reloading 2 1/2" shells than any other machine. Now if you're going to shoot just 2 1/2" shells, do like Rich and have Mec build a progressive press for you like a 9000. Good luck.

Went through the 2 1/2" press hunt last winter. MEC would no longer do the 9000. PW would do a 375, they ask for hulls. I fell into a deal on Sizemasters and 600jr so reasonable I couldn't pass them up. They will load just about a perfect shell, most of the time. On occasion I end up with a crimp that isn't perfect on the 20ga, and the next one is, so it must be the hull itself. The 20ga took a lot more fiddling than the 16ga.
All I have used are RST (Cheddite) for 2 1/2" 20 and 16ga.

Thanks Bill -- but I don't load for 12 or 20, just 16 in 2 1/2"

Where do you get RST hulls? I heard they are actually Cheddite?