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STEP 8: STATION SEVEN (CRIMP)
Fig. 9: Crimp
As you pull the handle (37), the shell in Station Seven will enter
the crimp die (59) . The shell will contact the inside of the die
and raise the die body (59) as it goes up . It will then contact the
crimp plunger (58) and the crimp will be closed . On the return
stroke, the shell will be pulled from the crimp plunger (58)
but the crimp die (59) will keep pressure on the case to retain
the proper shape . Since different manufactures’ cases have
varying types of construction, different settings are required
for best results . The two-stage die enables the user to create
a reloaded round that has approximately the same tapered
mouth as a factory shell . There are two adjustments to the
crimp die assembly (57, #58, and #59); the larger outer position
adjusts the die body (59), the threaded bolt through the center
of the die adjusts the crimp plunger (58) . To adjust the die, refer
to the number of threads exposed above the large die body
locking nut (15) as reference points for each brand of case .
For Winchester AA type shells, ten to ten and one half threads
should remain above the locking ring (15); for Remington Blue
Magic and Federal Gold Metal Cases, eleven to thirteen threads
should be exposed . These measurements are approximate and
may need adjustment up or down, depending on the plastic and
components, but should be correct in most situations . Before
adjusting the crimp the crimp die (59), the crimp plunger (58)
should be raised a few turns by loosening lock nut (15) and
turning the crimp die bushing (57) clock wise . Then, make the
necessary die body (59) adjustments, and follow by crimping
the case . At this point, the case mouth will not be closed . Lower
the crimp plunger (58) in small increments, each time recrimping
the shell until the final desired crimp depth is obtained . The
crimp depth is up to you, but excessive depth shortens case life,
while a crimp that is too shallow will not yield uniform velocity
or good patterns . A good practice is to keep a factory round on
hand for reference
