16ga.com ~ View topic - Cutting Shells-Photos

I like the way Dave M cut his shells and the adjustment he made for different sizes and shells. He has more patience than I have. It seems if I can't get it motorized I put some things off.
Anyway here is a rig I made using a piece of 2"x3" and putting a slot in it to hold a box cutter. Put the dowel in my drill press chuck, luckely mine has a 3/4" capacity, and set the depth so that I cut right under the crimp. I think it works great. I do a bunch and then stop, so as not to heat up the motor too much with all the stopping and starting.
Dowel is .590 probably a 5/8" dowel (.625) and fits shell snug. Finished shells wind up to be 2.380-2.410. Uncut shells measure anywhere from 2.652-2.710.
I know you know the shells are 20 ga. but the principal is the same no matter what shell you use.

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

David,

Since you are cutting down 20 gauge hulls, I assume you are loading some short 20's. Care to share your load data? Are they low pressure?
I have 2 Damascus 20 gauges, with 2-1/2" chambers. Parkers of course. Wink

Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Location: Middletown, Ohio

very nice. Very Happy

Dave M, I got the load from you using Unique 13.4 grs. 7/8 oz shot, Rem 209 primer, Rem RXP 20 wad 1,050 fps @7525 psi.
Hull used Remington Gun Club, same as their STS Premier.
Also that is the only one listed under Alliant Powder on their site

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

Dave, I haven't tried reloading any yet. I just finished trimming the shells, and I just got my 20 ga. roll crimper and overshot cards from Grafs.
I am going to roll crimp the shells, because I thinkl that what I cut off is still enough to be able to roll crimp with.
Also waiting for a new charge bar for my machine. I have a Mec 650 set up in 20 ga., and the bar was for 1 oz shot. Even though I won't be using all the stages, it will get me to where I can take them off and put the OS cards in and go from there.
I will load a few by hand and measure powder and shot and see how they turn out and will post a few pictures for you.

Dave, went to the basement and loaded two, used two machines but at least I know the powder and shot was right. Just used the 650 for the deprime and wad setting. Used about 30-35lbs wad pressure. I believe that is standard. The close ups of the shot in the shell where blurry, so I discarded them. Had close to 3/16" of hull exposed after shot card was put in. I use a dowel of the same size to get the OS card even in the hull, and then roll crimped them. I only used one OS card, and for the next ones I will use two.
The roll crimp didn't come out bad, it still needs to be broken in. I quess the inside gets smoother and gets to burnish the shells better.
Only thing now is to go shoot them, I don't see why they would be any different.

I also noticed that near the mouth of the cut hull it was slightly beveled in. (the begining of the 6 crimp) Makes putting the OS card in hard. I quess I will use the old plumb bob in the chuck to roll open the mouth a little.

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

David,

From the looks of your drill press and your hull holder, you must be a machinist. Are you using the BP roll crimper? The STS hulls didn't roll crimp that nice. I much prefer a Lyman roll crimper if you can find one. They have about 6 notches in the tool for rolling the hull. I have them in 10,12, and 16 gauge, but not 20 gauge. And your correct about trying to get the O.S. card in. I ended up using a 28 gauge card. (I cheated) Wink

I'll keep playing with this load, if I find any new tricks, I'll let you know.
Dave Miles

Dave I am using the BP roll crimper. I did work as a machinist when I was younger, and a mill wright until I retired 5 1/2 years ago. (early retirement at 55). Do mostly wood working and have a 3 drill presses but this one has the largest capacity.
I keep on looking on ebay for roll crimpers and have only seen one Lyman and I believe a 12 ga.
I also roll crimp new Cheddite 16 ga. shells and they come out nice also.
I think when I get the mouth of the shell opened the 20 ga OS cards will go in better.
Yes keep me posted on your results. I might try some 2 1/2" 20's on some tame pheasants this Saturday. I will let you know how they work.