Shotshell Reloader Mechanical Problem

[jckeffer]

Just thought I'd check the Smitty board just in case.

I have a MEC 9000G progressive shotshell reloader that I got new about 5 years ago. After reading the manual and assembling as instructed, I reload a couple dozen 12ga shotshells. The machine worked fine, the shells also worked fine.

Yesterday I decided to start reloading shotshell again. I re-read the manual, rechecked the assembly and proceeded to check the primer feed as instructed. The manual suggest that you adjust the primer feed tube and cycle 50 or more primers (using a full stroke - page 16, 9000G manual). I was able to do this successfully until about the 30th primer. Then the reloader started to bind. I stopped cycling and investigated. What I found was that the Trip Bar had slipped out of the Trip Bar Bracket and bent the bracket down about 45˚ and the Trip Bar was now rubbing against the bracket rather than running the guide hole at the end of the bracket. I straightened the bracket with a pair of pliers, repositioned the Trip Bar so that it passed through the guide hole at the end of the bracket. It worked fine for one stroke. Then it slipped out on the next up-stroke. It appears as thought the Trip Bar is too short. How can this be? It didn’t shrink, but there doesn’t seem to be any way to adjust the position of the bracket or the Trip Bar. Can anyone help me fix this problem?

See attach parts list with red highlights.

Thanks

 

[VaFisher]

Not sure this fits in the smith forum but post to your other post.

I would suggest calling MEC and talking with a service tech about what issues you are having, they are second to none with help and will stand behind your unit.

 

[Unclenick]

I don't have one of these machines, but if I understand the drawing correctly, the lower snap ring on the trip rod looks like the bracket is meant to push up on it to raise the rod. At the same time it appears to compress spring 35. It is possible that spring has taken a set and is not pushing down on the trip rod with enough force to keep it from bouncing out of place. The spring may need to be stretched out a little or replaced.