I’m diving into reloading .410 buckshot and I could really use some advice from seasoned enthusiasts. I’ve gathered a few components, but I’m feeling a bit lost on the specifics. Here’s what I’m curious about:
Load Data
What are the recommended powder types for .410 buckshot? I’ve seen some posts mentioning Unique and Red Dot, but how do they stack up for consistency and performance?
What about shot sizes? I’ve come across both #4 and #00 buckshot. What are the pros and cons of each when it comes to home defense vs. hunting?
Wads and Components
Wad selection is another questionmark for me. What’s the best type of wad to use for .410 buckshot to ensure tight patterns? I’ve read that some folks prefer cushioned wads, but I want to know what works best for certain applications.
Troubleshooting
If anyone has experienced issues with their .410 buckshot loads, I’d love to hear what went wrong and how you solved it.
Safety Tips
Lastly, I can’t stress enough the importance of safety in reloading. Any tips on best practices or common mistakes to avoid would be greatly appreciated!
I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide!
I’ve been working with .410 buckshot loads for a while. For standard loads, I usually use #4 buckshot with around 17 grains of unique powder. It provides a great balance of power and minimal recoil.
That’s a solid choice! I’ve found that #00 buckshot at 3 inches with about 18 grains of 2400 powder gives impressive results, especially at short range.
What type of shotgun are you using for these loads? It can really affect the performance of the buckshot, especially the choke type you have installed.
For the Mossberg 510, try using #4 buckshot in a modified choke. It’s a great combination for small game and home defense. I’d recommend starting with around 15-16 grains of clay target powder.
That makes sense! I think a good .410 buckshot load would give you the spread you need for varmints while maintaining safety at home. Plus, there’s less recoil!
I’ve had better luck with Hodgdon Longshot in terms of consistency and reduced fouling, though both have their merits. It’s all about testing for your specific needs.
Haha, don’t forget to wear proper ear protection when shooting those loads! .410 can be a little deceptive with that ‘soft’ sound but they pack a punch!
Totally agree with that! I shot my .410 without hearing protection once - never again! So, any thoughts on the weight of shot? I find #4 is perfect for versatility.
To wrap it up, consistency in your loads is key. Experiment a bit, collect data on how each load performs, and you’ll find the right combo for your needs!
I’m curious about the difference in patterns based on the barrel length of your .410. I’ve seen a significant variation with my 18-inch versus my 24-inch shotgun.
Interesting point about barrel length! I’ve been using Fiocchi buckshot and noticed that the recoil is a bit more pronounced. Does anyone else experience that?