.410 Shells: Non-Toxic USFWS Approved Shot For Rabbits, Squirrels, and Birds

[roo_ster]

Howdy:

Want to go rabbit & squirrel hunting with my kiddos and some places insist on:
1. No rimfires or air rifles
2. Non-Toxic USFWS Approved Shot

Looking for some suggested factory loads for my kiddos' .410s, both of which can manage a 3" shell. Full chokes. One of which I am sure was manufactured before the advent of steel shot and the other is questionable.

For Rabbits & birds, I think #4 or #5 and for birds maybe #7 1/2 or so.

Have not found much and what I found had iffy reviews. If any of y'all have experience with this, I would be appreciative of your sharing of it.

Also, yes, I am aware of the limitations of the .410 bore and contemporary opinions as to its suitability as a kids' shotgun.

 

[ironworkerwill]

A good airgun with the non lead pellets are really kid friendly.

Most 410 ammo is really expensive for what it is. Steel shot is going to be the cheapest ammo but it lacks the punch of hevi shot. I have had fox squirrels take several loads of steel shot before succumbing.

 

[roo_ster]

Air rifles also are not permitted. I will edit my initial post to include that restriction.

The cost for a box or two of .410 shells is almost immaterial relative to the cost in time and money of making everything else happen. They will not be shooting skeet or trap competitively with these loads.

Steel is not an option.

 

[brewer12345]

They are quite expensive, but it looks like hevi-shot makes non-tox shells for the .410. Cabelas sells them, so they cannot be too exotic.

 

[mothernatureson]

Steel 410 loads

I bought a case of 3 inch #6 , cost about 15 a box, but these are aa hulls. If you reload for 410 this is not bad deal. Every one at local trap club will wrestle you to the ground for these hulls! Theres a mail order place in Stuttgart AR, that caters to wfowlers. They have good prices on these and free shiping by the case (10 boxes).