Whats a good .410 load using 2.5" Eley Fourlong Cases ?

[silva]

My son has got a little .410 and so when I'm up and running again and funds allow - I'm going to take him for a bit of coaching, so he doesn't end up a terrible shotgun shot like his dad.

I have never grown out of sneaking up quietly, getting as close as possible, waiting til the rabbit or pheasant stops moving or lands - just in case you waste a cartridge. Then aiming and shooting - Bsa Meteor style.

No doubt he will be burning up some expensive 410 ammo, so was hoping to do some loading both for clays and meat hunting. Using perhaps size 7 shot ?

So whats a good .410 load using 2.5" Eley Fourlong Cases ? The hand loading kit is a Mrc (not MEC) and I also have a drill mounted rto head.

If possible could you let me know the primer and wad type you are using as well. I have a variety of fibre wads in four different sizes and .410 G-Nana wads from clay and game - but these came thrown in with the kit and may not be suitable. I have been saving Eley .410 empties for years and have a good few hundred to start off with - then I will get some 3" ones.

Cheers

[DesG]

The most important thing with any handloading is consistency. If you keep chopping and changing the velocity then you will never manage to connect with a moving target except by luck.

[silva]

Thank you for that good advice.
So how much does the brand of case matter in shotshell reloading ? So long as you are using a proven safe load and have enough room for a crimp or RTO - is the case okay.

Do you adjust for free space using different size wads. Are there pressure issues to consider ?

[TA6319]

use .303 cases, see youtube. A friend has done it and it works fine

[RichardH]

Start with 8's or 8 1/2's...

With a light load and a limited range gun that's plenty and patterns kill.

[silva]

That's good advice, thank you - as you say at 25yds enough shot in the pattern makes good sense.

What about the case type though - a lot of the loads on the web specify case manufacturers eg. Cheddite - but if it all fits in can you ignore the case make.

Also thank you for the info on the 303 brass - its something I will look into in the future, as it looks good fun - but I'm going to stick to plastic cases until I have a bit more experience under my belt.

Cheers