My idea for converting my 9000GN works perfectly.

In crimping a 2 1/2" shell in 600Jr press, it's necessary to raise the shell up 1/4". However, that isn't possible on a progressive press. But on the 9000, it isn't possible to either raise the shell, or lower the crimp die.

My idea was to lower only the internal profile of the crimp die(Thanks, Dave), without changing the way the die is secured in the press. The cam needs to still contact the roller on the die.

I accomplished the lowering of the internal die profile, by buying two new Crimp dies. First, I bored out one of the dies, straight thru. I did this by clamping the die on my Bridgeport milling machine, being sure it was aligned vertically. Using a deep hole boring bar, and machining out the entire internal profile.
Next, I took the second new Crimp die, cut off the side mounted arms, and chucking it in my lathe, turned it to a diameter so as to have a sliding, interference fit inside the first, bored out Crimp die. Using a two part epoxy, I cemented in the turned piece into the bored piece, but 1/4" lower.

The only other changes consisted of removing a 1/4" off the bottom of the side mount of the wad guide, and readjusting the spindex pre-crimp die, and the final 'taper die, both down 1/4". There is sufficient thread travel of these two dies.

After installing the new, modified final crimp die, no adjustment to the cam was required.

I ran a few single hulls through the cycle with no issues, so then ran a couple dozen hulls through in the normal manner.
The whole recipe for the 2 1/2" shell is the same as those run on the 600Jr press.
As is often the case with single stage charge bars, the bar on the 9000 also delivers less than the 3/4 ounce that it's supposed to drop, by about 12 pellets (#8), so I just lowered the top punch of the final crimp die. All crimps were satisfactory.
So much for MEC telling me a 9000 won't load a 2 1/2" shell.

Edgar,
I admire your knowledge and perseverance to figure out how to make it work.
Well Done,
Stan

After your answer to my PM i went and looked at my 9000 and of course you were right about the cam, all others could be adjusted. The wad guide was an easy fix. Now patent it and make MEC pay you a royalty to use it. Well done.

Stan, everything I did on this 28ga press, could be done on any other gauge progressive press. The steps necessary to change the inner and outer relationship of the crimp die could be accomplished very inexpensively by the vendor MEC uses to make the part by a very simple modification to the injection molding die it is made from. This modification wouldn’t change the injection molding die permanently. It would make crimp die’s for both sizes.
In the end, I’m not sure MEC would acknowledge that there are enough customers interested in loading 2 1/2” shells.

Edgar,

I believe you're correct on there probably not being enough demand for offering the mods to load 2 1/2" shells.

I guess we're in the minority:rolleyes:

I am however loading 2 1/2" 16 gauge shells on my Ponsness Warren press that is set up for 2 3/4". Takes a little adjusting of the final crimp die, but it can be done.

Stan

Atta boy Edgar.

Another challenge successfully met.

Old engineers never die, they just keep on tinkering. And fixing things.

:clap:

Edgar, you could make those crimp dies and sell them as an aftermarket item to the progressive presses. MEC, PW, Spolar, Pacific, Hornady......

Edgar, great thinking you did there but I was confused by your use of the term trim die. Perhaps I'm wrong, but should that have said crimp die instead?
I'm prepared to be scolded in the event that I am wrong. :rotf:

Edgar you think you could semi easily convert a 12 gauge 9000 to 10 gauge 2 7/8” ? :whistle:

Dave, You're correct. Brain Fart I guess
Mike, The translation of the Latin on my Family Crest is "Buy High, Sell Low". The Crimp dies, from MEC, are $20 each, and you need to buy two to make one, using my mock-up method. Think I could get $22? Hmm, do you think MEC would rent me the injection molding die? All that needs doing is move the core plug 1/4" out
No, But I could mess it up pretty good trying.