This may be a common issue with all MECs and I have noticed it more on 20 than 12 but the (lead) shot seem to get jammed up in the tube, quite often, and end up falling out after I let the handle up, spilling all over the place.:mad: I have learned to let the handle up easily and peek to see if they have fallen and if not I shake the loader and they usually fall. :cool: Also have used a light tap with hammer. But all this ATD cramps my rythem:rolleyes: and I'd like to rock and roll out the ammo.:D

Any of you wise old gurus got any ideas?:rolleyes:

What size shot are you loading? Try polishing the inside bottom of the rammer tube. Lift the rammer tube to the top of the shot cup before you shift the charge bar. Don't slap the bar, push it slowly.

Bye
Jack

I'm loading #8 chilled lead Jack. I use the technique you suggested, pushing the bar slowly and lifting the tube off the base of the shell.

The tube on my machine has a slight taper at the end, why I do not know but it is made that way.

What do you think about swabbing a little graphite on the inside?

Thanks,
O'C

Never had it happen with 8s or 6s, but seemed like it was fairly common with 4s, last time I used a MEC.

I think there is something wrong with your loader. It definitely shouldn't be happening with shot that small, my opinion.

After loading 16 boxes (20 ga) I broke down the machine and found the tube to be taperd about half way down. After looking thru the MEC manual I saw where they recognized this as a problem "in smaller gauges" and recommend shifting the bar "smartly" and doing so with the tube at the top of the shell.

I loaded over 10 boxes, very deliberately, without a spill, until the 16th and last box. I got a little careless and raised the handle without looking and, sure enough, just as it hit the top of the stroke, out they came! Shot everywhere.

Since I usually only load once a year or so I guess I tend to forget about these little quirks.

When you hit the bar over, and have the handle down, still in the shell, just give it a little shake. and dont pull it all the way outta the shell until you see the shot drop. it becomes muscle memory after a while.