Reloaded .410 shotshells. Will they go bang or pop? The Governor will decide!

Published on June 26, 2022
Duration: 7:54

This video details the process and challenges of reloading .410 shotshells for a Smith & Wesson Governor. The reviewer highlights issues with hand crimping, leading to unburnt powder and potential chambering difficulties. Despite these challenges, the reloaded triple-aught buckshot and bird shot demonstrated acceptable performance at close range, with the buckshot patterning effectively within 7 yards.

Quick Summary

Reloading .410 shotshells for a Smith & Wesson Governor presented challenges with hand crimping, leading to unburnt powder and chambering issues. However, reloaded triple-aught buckshot patterned effectively at 7 yards, with all 8 pellets hitting the target, while bird shot spread widely. Estimated velocities for 14 grains of Winchester 296 were 1100-1200 fps.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction: Smith & Wesson Governor and Reloads
  2. 00:15Triple-aught Buckshot Reloads
  3. 00:36Number Seven and a Half Bird Shot Reloads
  4. 00:45Initial Firing and Functionality Test
  5. 01:07Performance Observation: Light Recoil
  6. 01:1125-Yard Target Shots
  7. 01:41Powder Charge: 14 Grains Winchester 296
  8. 02:21Crimp Issues and Unburnt Powder
  9. 02:39Case Types and Reloading Challenges
  10. 03:21Ammunition Availability for .410 Reloading
  11. 03:30Soft Loads and Velocity Estimates
  12. 04:17Reviewer's Anticipation for Testing Reloads
  13. 05:07Target Analysis After Shots
  14. 05:15Patterning Triple-aught Buckshot at 7 Yards
  15. 05:26Patterning Bird Shot at 7 Yards
  16. 06:19Buckshot Performance Summary
  17. 06:29Wad and Pellet Observations
  18. 06:52Reloading Load Imperfections
  19. 07:03Overall Functionality: 'Boom' Achieved
  20. 07:07Case Resizing and Chambering Issues
  21. 07:17The Nature of Reloading: Finding What Works
  22. 07:21Successful Reload Types: Buckshot and Bird Shot
  23. 07:30Pellet Size Recommendations for .410 Reloads
  24. 07:42Closing Remarks and Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main challenges encountered when reloading .410 shotshells for the Smith & Wesson Governor?

The primary challenges involved inconsistent hand crimping, which led to unburnt powder escaping and potential issues with chambering the rounds. Some cases also appeared not to be resized correctly, causing them to stick in the chamber.

How did the reloaded triple-aught buckshot perform in the Smith & Wesson Governor?

The reloaded triple-aught buckshot performed well at close range, specifically at 7 yards. The reviewer reported that all eight pellets from two rounds hit the target, demonstrating effective patterning for self-defense applications.

What were the observed velocities for the reloaded .410 shells?

The reloaded .410 shells, using approximately 14 grains of Winchester 296 powder, achieved estimated velocities in the range of 1100 to 1200 feet per second. This is considered a lighter load compared to factory slugs or buckshot.

What pellet sizes does the reviewer recommend for .410 reloads based on their experience?

Based on their experience, the reviewer suggests that pellet sizes larger than number seven and a half, such as number four, might be problematic for .410 reloads unless they are specifically designed buckshot loads like the triple-aught buckshot that performed well.

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