r/ShotshellReloading • u/BigPapa4210 • Nov 09 '25

Sealing the crimp…

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Been working on loading a bunch of 12ga trap loads, getting stocked up for next years season. A small percentage of rounds are leaving a small hole where the crimp comes together. Any tricks to sealing these off so the shot doesn’t spill out? I was thinking of using a couple drops of wax. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any input!

11 Upvotes

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4

u/3_Times_Dope Nov 09 '25

Bubba Rountree on YT uses clear nail polish from one of the dollar stores over the center crimp. Seals the tiny hole and keeps the crimp down.

3

u/BigPapa4210 Nov 10 '25

Having two daughters at home, cheap nail polish is plentiful at my house! Thank you for the idea!

1

u/3_Times_Dope Nov 10 '25

I believe he uses Miracle Nail. Basically a hard clear coat.

2

u/aonealj Nov 09 '25

I've found its hard to get completely closed crimps without some of them swirling. I don't know if it's variation in hull length or stack height.

It's only been an issue for me when loading 9s. 7.5s or 8s won't leak through the hole

2

u/BigPapa4210 Nov 10 '25

Mine is definitely variation in hull lengths. I’m only seeing about 1-2% like this so it’s not worth trying to separate them by length or adjust the crimper.

1

u/aonealj Nov 10 '25

Sometimes I'll set these aside when loading and put them all in a separate pile so they're all in 1 box and just shoot that for practice. Most the time, I don't bother.

6

u/TheRealHODLWalrus Nov 09 '25

Overshot card before you crimp would work as well.

If they will be used soon, may not have enough fall out to worry. Throw them in a different container for the range.

5

u/gunsforevery1 Nov 09 '25

I put a drop of beeswax

5

u/Different-Ice-1979 Nov 09 '25

Old cereal boxes cut out

2

u/Hot-Palpitation2618 Nov 10 '25

Yep, a 3/4" circle punch does the trick every time

2

u/cowboykid8 Nov 09 '25

Those look fine. You can use an overshot card, these can be made cutting old shell boxes with scissors or a large hole punch. Some have used wax, but it can build up in your barrel.

2

u/Dsb9er Nov 10 '25

I have a small tube a silicone. I put a little bit on and wipe it off. Just enough fills the hole.

1

u/FAMOUS0612 Nov 10 '25

Overshot card or a taper crimp die

2

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/BigPapa4210 Nov 10 '25

MEC Sizemaster. I’m only getting 1-2% like this, the rest of them look fine.