[Pete D.]

I've run into a problem using my MEC 650 to load 20 gauge Fiocchi hulls. The same machine loads Remington hulls flawlessly.
I had a bag of primed low brass Fiocchi 20 gauge hulls and a bag of Trap Commander wads. The BPI load book specifies 21.9 grains of 800X and 7/8ths ounce of shot.
The first few hulls through the machine were crushed just above the brass. I adjusted. The best I can get so far have crimps that look like this:

And a dent on the side of the crimp that looks like this:

Only Fiocchi hulls.
Suggestions are welcome.
Pete

 

[Oberndorf]

It depends

Not sure what is going on with these hulls or how to correct it. I have noticed that Remington 20 gauge hulls seem to give a nicer crimp than Winchester. So I now use mostly Remington. Take care...
Oberndorf

 

[DMC]

That Trap Commander is a Basheiri & Pellagri wad. Their website might have some ideas you can use. (My connection is so slow that it would take a couple hours to look up much).

DC

 

[hailstone]

Been years since I reloaded shotgun shells but from your photos appears theres too much room in your shells. When you crimp theres nothing there to offer resistance to the crimp starter die or the crimp finishing die. Thus you get the poor crimps and dents. That would indicate not enough space taken by the powder charge due to some type of internal shell volumetric difference. In short you may need to change powder to a bulker one that takes up more room or change the wad your using. Before plastic wads one could vary the wads to get the right height.

 

[Pete D.]

The thing is that this loading is an exact recipe from loadbook. This hull, this wad, this exact amount of powder (800X - already pretty bulky). Adding to the confusion is that I have gotten comments (this was posted on one other forum) to the effect that the hull is too full - too much powder (21.9 grains).
Much has been attributed to the hull.....think I'll just go back to Remington hulls.
Pete

 

[TMan]

Adding to the confusion is that I have gotten comments (this was posted on one other forum) to the effect that the hull is too full - too much powder (21.9 grains).
Much has been attributed to the hull.....think I'll just go back to Remington hulls.
Pete

Pete D. I often find that some published recipes simply don't work for me. I think that may in part be due to variations in press adjustments, and the Fiocci hulls are not the same length as the Remington hulls. They need to be started differently, and finished differently with respect to length.

Your solution is sound though. I'm a hull buzzard at the local public trap area, and I've picked up, and tried most flavors. These days, it's easier to get a better looking load from a Remington, than most others. AA's are also very good. But I find that I have to reduce the shot/powder volume on some combinations to get them to work in my press.