16 Gauge Short Kit

[Pay Dirt]

I’m currently reloading RST 16 gauge 2 1/2” shells
on a Mec Sizemaster with a lift kit. Slow and steady.

Will a lift kit fit on an 8567, you know, the one with the manual carousel?
Sure would like to crank them out faster.


1oz, 7/8 and 3/4 loads. Light shot loads with the assistance of a pinto bean for better crimps.

[6pt-Sika]

I’m pretty sure it won’t . On a single stage the short kit only affects the crimp stages . Now that’s not to say you couldn’t figure out a way to use brass lifters on the crimp stages of a Grabber but getting them in and out every times would be a major PITA not to mention you inevitably spill shot getting them in and out .

[Andrew Frank]

I called MEC a while ago to see and they said they have not manufactured a method of reloading short shells on a progressive press.

[edgarspencer]

I have been loading 2 1/2" 28ga on my 9000 since I got the press. I made a new crimp closing die by buying a new die, boring it out, straight thru, to 3/4" then taking the original die and turning it down to 3/4", and super-gluing it into the bored out die, but 1/4" lower.
It's my intention to do the same with a new 9000 press for 20ga, but it wouldn't be any different in a 16ga press, except boring it to 7/8". I don't think I could do it in a 12ga press, but I shoot 12 so infrequently, it doesn't trouble me to do them on a single stage press.