MEC 650 and reclaimed lead problem solved

[1 Cor 2:9]

I load a lot of 20 gauge and currently am using reclaimed shot as it is available. The charge bar wanted to hang up and if I did not see it I would wind up with a shell without powder and the one before it without shot. Once I figured out what was happening I started watching the charge bar very carefully and giving it a slap with my hand to get it to drop the powder. I went online and bought one of the charge bars that is manufactured for bushing in both positions took a unused powder bushing put it in the lathe and opened it up to the size I wanted it to drop lead shot, problem solved no more hanging charge bar.
Just got thru loading 450 rounds and nary a hitch, I checked the bushing no damage to it from the shot. Hope this helps someone, I got real tired of a hanging charge bar.
JW

 

[Armored farmer]

I have loaded a considerable amount of reclaimed shot and had the same problems. It sounds like your solution works.
I tried mixing powdered graphite in with my shot, but only had minor success. I finally shot it all up and never looked for more.
I didn't have much trouble with my 12 ga trap loads, but it was a disaster with my .410 loader

 

[George P]

Does your MEC chrage bar come with a "dog bone" rubber insert to prevent that? I have used reclaimed for decades that was mined from our club; it is ~OK~ for practice, but I wouldn't use it for serious competition as the patterns tend be somewhat spotty. Remember to sweep it with a magnet to remove any steel shot.

All were loaded using MEC Jrs, 9000s, and Grabbers.

 

[1 Cor 2:9]

Yes my MEC charge bars have rubber inserts, and in speaking to a friend of mine who is a competitive skeet shooter He relayed the same concern with reclaimed lead. His answer was to buy the rubber inserts by the handful and change them often. We are using reclaimed lead as it is all we can get locally at the moment, and I never thought to sweep it with a magnet. Thanks for the tip!
JW

 

[12Bravo20]

I haven't used any reclaimed shot so I don't have any advice there. In fact I haven't had to buy shot in a while since a 25 lb bag goes a long way when reloading 410 shells.

And for those that reload 410, if you haven't noticed yet, any shot bigger than #6 or #7 1/2 WILL bridge in the drop tube. When ever I load #4 shot, I keep something handy to tap the drop tube as I lift the handle to help keep the shot from bridging. It is just something that you deal with when reloading 410 shells.