410 Wads

[kimbernut]

I've always loaded 2-3/4" 20 and 12 gauge shells with never a thought of reloading 3" shells but I am just getting into 410 shells and have an interest in reloading both 2-1/2" and 3". Some of the wads available online say they are for 2-1/2" but in checking reloading info in powder manufacturers booklets they seem to be used interchangably with both 2-1/2" and 3" shells. Is this correct or am I missing something here. Thanks. Don

 

[243winxb]

If you follow recipes, load data, that is correct.

 

[12Bravo20]

I use the ClayBuster wads for both 2 1/2 and 3 inch shells.

 

[NCsmitty]

As far as I know, there are no dedicated 3" wads in 410 anymore in popular brands of wads. I use Claybuster wads interchangeably with Remington 410 wads in both sizes.
If you use a Mec 600 JR, you'll learn that changing from 2.5" to 3" and back is a pita to get right.



NCsmitty

 

[kimbernut]

Thanks all!

NCsmitty, I was hoping nobody would say that but I suspected that might be the case. Is it worth the effort for a few extra (75 on #8 shot) pieces of shot?

 

[NCsmitty]

I have far more 2.5" hulls than 3", and if I find that I have enough 2.5" loaded ahead, then I will set up for 3".
I only shoot clay targets, and for that, 2.5" is quite adequate. I use Alliant 410 powder in the 2.5" and H110 in the 3".



NCsmitty

 

[12Bravo20]

I use a plate that I machined to exactly .500" and put it under the shell holder to reload 2 1/2" shells. The only hulls that I have to make adjustments for is Federal shells when switching from 3" to 2 1/2" shells with my adapter plate. I reload Remington hulls in both lengths and also Winchester in 3"

 

[kimbernut]

12Bravo20

Any chance of a photo of your plate setup. It sounds like a great idea but I can't picture how you have that arranged.

 

[12Bravo20]

Here are 2 pictures. Using the plate is the same as adjusting the re-loader but much easier/faster to do (at least for me)

 

[MetalHead]

Wow! Looks like something I shoulda thought of!
I have a diffrent project, I want to load up some 2" 410s, figger 1/4 oz load for short range running farm varmint shooting.

 

[12Bravo20]

I played with the crimping adjustments so that it would work with most 3" and 2 1/2" hulls without having to make any adjustments other than adding/removing the plate and changing the charge bar.

 

[Forklift352]

I got some 3" multi hull and 3" foirocci.We are trying to load 000 buck and roll crimp.
So far with poor results.Mostly we think its the wads.We are using "stump"wads
and they are too loose.Tried nitro cards and a fiber wad not much their.
We buffered them....still poor performance.We are looking for a tight fitting wad
that will fit 000 buck.