If you're mixed up with Split Rail there's probably not a better trail to be on. And watch out for Stone Creek Drifter - he's made from the same cloth.
I got a full sheet of 220 sandpaper & laid it on a table saw table, grit side up. (very flat, hard surface.) I then used a circular motion to sand the end surface of the container to insure it was flat. I always remove the gasket from the end cover & wash with soapy water to clean it & wipe the container end before screwing on end cap on. Very little trouble with leaking. Been using same end & same gasket for about 4 years.YMMV
Been reloading since the '60's. When the first Mec bottle broke I started a procedure I learned from my washing machine. I got up to go to the john early one morning & the carpet in the hallway was squishy. Hose had sprung a leak. From that day forward my washer gets a new set of hoses about every 6 to 7 years and the Mec gets new bottles.
Back in my dusty pass I had the privilege of shooting with Split Rail, Stone Creek Drifter, Griff, Red River Ray, Widder, Blackwater, Ringer & other legendary smoke makers. And got to shoot Possum Trot twice. Memories written in indelible ink.