Powder vs gauge

[OH_Spartan]

I have never loaded shot shells before. This weekend was my first time researcHing reloads for shotguns. One thing that struck me odd is that 12, 20 and 410 all seem to take different powders. I was surprised that the 410 powders seem to be the same ones used for handgun magnum loads (h110, 2400 etc.) and "shotgun" powders like clays and 700-x don't even have published recipes for 410 on the website.

Does anyone know why this is?

My interest in reloading shot is to find a low recoil formula for my boy to learn how to hunt this early summer. Of course, cheaper and low recoil both mean more rounds down range for him.

 

[rsrocket1]

I think it has to do with expanding volume vs bore area. As the powder burns, expands and pushes the payload out, a larger gauge shotshell increases the volume much faster than a small gauge shothshell. This drops the pressure faster so you need a powder that consumes itself much quicker than one used in a gauge that drops the pressure more slowly. Not absolutely sure about this but it sounds good

What I am sure about is that if you are shooting 12 gauge, nothing beats 3/4 ounce of shot with a fast powder under it. Look up the recipes for Alliant Extra Lite and 3/4 ounce loads. You can do the same with Hodgdon Clays or Titewad. I'm using Red Dot which is OK, but only because I can't find any Clays or Extra Lite right now.

3/4 ounce smashes the clays on the skeet range and 16 yard trap and with my old Remington 1100, the recoil is similar to an AR-15 meaning you can shoot 6 rounds in an afternoon and hardly notice it (and I have, although usually I only shoot 4). Plus you can load an extra 12 and a half more shells per box with the lead you save vs. 1-1/8 ounce.