MEC 9000GN

[edgarspencer]

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.

[David Noble]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

My idea was to lower only the internal profile of the trim die, 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 trim dies.
Next, I took the second new trim 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 trim die.

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.

[6pt-Sika]

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

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by David Noble

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.

Dave, You're correct. Brain Fart I guess

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

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

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

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

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

No, But I could mess it up pretty good trying.