Saving money, Reloading 410 shotshells by hand. Is it worth it? Time will tell…

Published on June 9, 2022
Duration: 13:25

This guide details a DIY approach to handloading 410 shotshells, focusing on cost savings and utilizing repurposed tools alongside specific MEC press components. The process involves trimming 3-inch shells to 2.5 inches, depriming, resizing with a dedicated die, and priming. It then covers measuring powder (14 grains of Winchester 296), seating wads, adding shot (half an ounce of #6), and performing both pre-crimping and final crimping using MEC accessories. The presenter emphasizes the challenges of achieving perfect crimps without a full MEC press setup.

Quick Summary

Handloading 410 shotshells can be done affordably with a DIY setup. Key steps include trimming shells to 2.5 inches, depriming, resizing with a MEC die, and priming. A typical load uses 14 grains of Winchester 296 powder and half an ounce of #6 shot. Achieving a perfect final crimp manually is challenging without a dedicated press.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Shell Trimming
  2. 00:47Trimmed Shell Outcome
  3. 01:04DIY 410 Reloading Setup
  4. 01:53Depriming 410 Hulls
  5. 02:31Resizing 410 Hulls
  6. 03:16Priming 410 Hulls
  7. 04:46Powder, Wads, and Shot
  8. 05:04Crimping Process
  9. 05:35Cost of DIY Setup
  10. 06:38Reloading 410: Powder, Wads, Shot, Crimps
  11. 07:04Accurate Powder Measurement
  12. 07:29Adding Powder and Wad
  13. 08:06Adding Shot
  14. 08:33Starting the Crimp
  15. 08:51Finishing the Crimp
  16. 11:20Challenges with Final Crimp
  17. 12:07Reviewing Crimp Quality
  18. 12:40Powder Scale and Process Summary
  19. 13:03Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I shorten 3-inch 410 shells to 2.5 inches for reloading?

To shorten 3-inch 410 shells to 2.5 inches, use a piece of 3/8" ID galvanized pipe as a guide. Place the shell over the pipe so about half an inch protrudes, then use a sharp razor blade to carefully trim the excess length for a clean, uniform 2.5-inch shell.

What tools are needed for a DIY 410 reloading setup?

A DIY 410 reloading setup can be built using common items like 3/8" pipe, a modified nut driver for depriming, a dedicated MEC 410 resizing die, a 12-gauge priming cup, a powder scale, and MEC crimping tools. The total cost for these specialized parts can be around $35-$45.

What is a typical powder charge for handloading 410 shells?

For 410 shells, a common powder charge discussed is 14 grains of Winchester 296 powder. This powder is fine, so 14 grains represents a relatively small volume. Accurate measurement with a scale is crucial for safe and effective reloading.

What are the challenges of hand crimping 410 shotshells?

The primary challenge in hand crimping 410 shotshells is achieving a consistent and well-formed crimp without a full MEC press. It requires careful manual pressure to start the crimp and then a specific technique to finish it, often resulting in less-than-perfect results compared to machine-crimped shells.

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