Shot Shell Crimp Problems

Crimp problems are usually caused by not having the correct wad length for the shell and components selected. If the crimp is too deep use a longer wad. If none are available, you can use a wad that is too short and use a fiber or a cardboard wad from a smaller gauge to take up the excess space. It is usually best to place this directly below the shot. Even a crumbled scrap of paper will do.

Sometimes a wad slightly long can be compressed in the wad starting station. Do this by moving the wad starter up 1/4 inch (for 3" shells). Then use a 1/4 inch spacer under the shell. The spacer should have a hole in the center so nothing will touch the primer. A few washers work fine. This will then permit the wad to be seated deeper.

Poorly formed crimps can be caused by using the wrong crimp starter, 6 or 8 segment, or starting in the wrong place. Be sure to align exactly on the fold. With some brands of shells a better crimp is formed by starting exactly in the wrong place. That is where the shell previously folded out, recrimp with the fold in.