When reloading shells that are to be used again 

 the same length as they originally were, without 

 cutting them off, they should be rolled or ironed at 

 the muzzle. This operation hardens and solidifies 

 the soft portion that lias been previously crimped. 

 It also straightens out the wrinkles, and leaves the 

 muzzle in better form to receive the wads. If the 

 muzzle of shell is ironed before being inserted in 

 the No. 2 Shell Receiver, it will prevent injury to 

 the springs which is liable to occur by forcing in 

 shells, the muzzles of which are left ragged and 

 doubled up. At every club shoot there are quan- 

 tities of shells of various kinds used and cast away, 

 most of which may be used again two or three 

 times. The longer ones may be cut off to any 

 length desired, and they will be found as good as 

 new. The Ideal Shell Trimmer illustrated (see 

 cut "U") is a very satisfactory implement for this 

 purpose. With it, shells may be cut off any 

 length, from three and one-quarter to two inches. 

 These Trimmers are made for all sizes from 10 to 

 28 gauge. 



Last, but not least, is the operation of crimping. 

 There is as much depending upon the uniformity 

 and perfection of the crimp, as there is upon any 

 other one thing in loading or reloading paper 

 shells. 



Many have an idea that to get strong shooting 

 the whole charge must be rammed very hard, and 

 the powder, shot and wadding crimped as snugly 

 as it is possible to force the loaded shell up against 

 the crimping head, the shortness of the lever on 

 the crimping tool alone preventing the cartridge 



Imperfect 

 Crimp. 



Square 

 Crimp. 



from being crushed. Occasional complaints are 

 made that the crimping togl spoiled the shells, 

 and samples of work done have been sent us, as 

 per illustration of end of imperfectly crimped 



\ 

 V? 



30 



