410 reloading on the cheap

[Okiecruffler]

Thinking about giving the old 410 contender a try again. Figure it would be handier for carrying around the woods for squirrel than a big SXS. But those 410 reloaders don't come cheap. Anyone know a cheaper, if not easier way to reload 410's? I've managed to round up some data for using 444 brass and 303 brass in the contender (I don't think it would work in a normal 410 chamber) but was wondering if anyone had any other ideas.

 

[Sagetown]

Hey Okie

I'd like to know about that also. Been mullin over whether or not to do the same for my 410's.


Sage

 

[Dave McCracken]

Lee Loader. Dunno if they still make them at all, much less in 410, but that would work. Last one I bought was $15 new.

Slow, but this isn't high volume shooting or reloading.

Check the auction sites, Numrich, etc.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Been looking hard for a Lee loader, last one I saw on Ebay went for over 50 bucks. Some danged fools have got into their minds that those things are collectable. I could have sworn that way back in the day Lee made the Load all Jr in a .410.

 

[PJR]

With .410 and 28 gauge it can be a challenge. There aren't as many subgauge shooters and because the savings of reloading are still meaningful the loaders don't come up as often.

You might haunt some gun shows. I found a very sad looking 28 gauge MEC Jr. at one. No bottles, filthy, no primer cup but the unit looked sound otherwise and it had a 3/4 ounce bar and some bushings. The asking price of $50 was a bit much given its condition but I had some spare bottles and a primer cup from another MEC Jr.

It cleaned up nicely. The parts were installed. FYI, the MEC primer cup is the same regardless of gauge. The cost of the loader was more than recovered after my third flat of shells.

 

[MMCSRET]

I load 444 brass for use in a single shot .410. Use winchester shot cups and data for 2 1/2' I used a 44 gascheck to crimp over the shot. Next time I will cut some card wads. Worked really well.