I was just wondering if anyone is handloading for the 410 bore/ga shotshells?
I have an old LEE kit that I am utilizing to get the job done.
The kit has most of the tools.
It has the steel sizer and deprimer die which is also used to tap the final crimp down.
One end is cut so to stabilize the base of the shell casing so you can punch out the spent primers with the de-capping tool.
Things I found to help resizing the brass section. I used my LEE 45ACP FCD, with its guts removed to take advantage of the carbide ring for resizing. I repriming while resizing the case as I push the casing up into the FCD sizing ring, the tap out the resized reprimed casing using a flat bottom punch 0.308" so as not to contact the primer from inside.
Then I measure out powder for each casing and push the appropriate wad inside to avoid spillage or powder loss...
The kit has shot dippers for 1/2 oz, 5/8 oz and 3/4 oz weights. I using 1/2 oz for the 2 1/2" shells 11/16 oz for the 3" shells.
The kit has a plastic 6 segment crimp starter that you can push down on the case mouth to start the 6 folds into a point closing the shot inside. I found I can sort of press this between the ram and die at the top of the press to add more forming pressure.
Then to finish the crimp I use that steel sizer with the steel plunger to tap down the crimp folds to finish. This is the tricky part to get it right with out inverting the crimp too deeply.
(https://s20.postimg.cc/kpa9qbcql/IMG_0261_zpsgbprxpt2.jpg)
Its on my list of stuff to do one day, but i will probably use the brass cases( if they fit right in my double) and cardboard instead of wads. Ive seen both hot glue used and white glue to hold the top cardboard in place. I have a near infinite supply of suitable cardboard and a local company casts lead shot. Just need to get the brass cases, every time i remember to try some i cannot find any.
On my list too. But I don't shoot enough shotgun to ever make it a priority.
Love me some .410 though. It was my first gun after a BB gun.
These were loaded for my nephew to have some fun with his single barrel Rossi...but the challenge was using the tools I had to make them work, the wads were for 3" shells so for the 2 1/2's I needed to trim about 3/8" off the wads.
Takes a while to load them but I was developing a systematic process to get up to speed... :D
Shadow:
There are progressive rotating presses for the .410 bore shotgun shell. When daddy was loading his 12 Gauge shotgun shells for trap shooting he used a MEC Jr. progressive unit. I'm certain that a large outfit such as Midway can help you find what you need.
Yes, I have priced the MEC units, I don't load enough to make it worth the expenditure. I was just using what I have on hand for now. My nephew is growing up so fast he will be moving up to 12 gauge before too long! ;)
Shadow: If it works for you, that's fine. I'm considering moving into a single-stage press myself I need some loading data for a 1/2" barreled .410 Bore shotgun. (The Leniad). The fastest burning propellants available for the case seems appropriate. I can even see buying a Baikal SXS .410 Bore for harvesting squirrels, hares and other upland game.