old 3" .410 shells

S

SNO

New member
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Location
Southern Ontario
Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone knew of a place with a stock of old 3" .410 shells. I think they were Imperials and I think they were paper.
My great uncle got rid of his .410 when I was starting out hunting and gave me a few boxes of shells since he didn't need them anymore. I ran out a couple of years ago and I'm now regretting every missed shot because I haven't found (not that I've tried too many) a load that works quite as well. they seemed to have more kick and the brass was better for ejecting/staying in the tube.

I'll also take suggestions on your favourite .410 rounds since I'm looking for something better than the #6 winchesters available at my local CT. I really didn't like the #4 federals I tried last season (maybe it's unrelated but I've never missed more in my life).

Thanks
 
The only way to get Imperial shot shells is find some in some ones gun room. They do show up once in a while at gun shows. They were good shells but if you can get someone to reload new plastic 3", you will have a better shell. New wads keep a better pattern. Ps have to love the smell of burnt powder from an Imperial paper hull. :)
 
Have to agree about finding those old shells.

The little 410 is a great gun if used in its limitations. For me its a 25-30 yd max sitting grouse/bunny round. I dont have a lot of use for it as a wing shooting choice. That's literally me, the quacking sound that ducks make is them laughing at my shooting.

Biggest problem is the cost of ammo. Target 12/20 is like $6.50/box, 410 and 28 can be over $17-20. More expensive than top end waterfowl loads.

I use whatever 410 i can find cheap. By cheap i mean $10-12/box. Would not suggest you use any 410 shells with #4 shot, #6 would be the largest, #7.5 or #8 is best. The reason i say this is that the shot weight is small in the sub gauges. A load of 5/8 oz of #4 is not going to have very many pellets, the pattern could fit un hit birds inside it.
 
I have to agree with everyone so far...

the smell of those shells is something else
I might have to find my dad and grandpa's reloader and get parts for .410
#4 was useless, I got it by mistake. I've been shooting #6 but I want to try a 7.5 again, it's been a while.
looks a like a have a good excuse to start hunting down some gun shows in my area

thanks for the posts, still waiting to hear what people use now? what brand, shot size, velocity even?
 
I never use anything but #7-1/2 for hunting with a 410, or #9 for skeet. I am using Fiocchi ammunition in my sub gauges, and am very happy with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom