.410 loads for my 454 casull

robsguns

Ok, I'm not asking this in the Experts fourm, because this is definitely a question for the reloaders with a flair for the unusual, not exactly what you'd call experts in action.
I want to load some shot cartridges for my 454, I got a buddy bringing me a .410 hull, tomorrow, but I dont expect it will fit, we'll see though. So, does anyone have experience with loading shot in a brass case for their revolver? If so, I'd love to hear some suggestions as to how to do this, before I waste my time goofing around with it, in all the wrong ways. Basically I dont need to know about powder and shot charges, I just need to know how to hold it all in, and ensure I get enough pressure in the case for it to work. Shot overcards? Wax? Let me know what you think, please.
Salzo, I got a whole can of shhh..!!, shhh...!!!

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

gruntled

I crimp in a .45 gas check for the overshot wad on shotshells I make for my trapdoor carbine. (I use the standard .410 2 1/2" load data.)

Iconoclast

Ryan, I can't speak to the .454 as I don't know the dimensions, but have shot a bunch of .410s in .45 LC chambered Contender and (don't laugh, now) a .45 LC derringer. At one time or another, I've also loaded shot into just about every straight wall revolver caliber I've ever owned. One gas check cup up over the powder, shot, then one gas check cup down over the powder with a light crimp to hold in place. I have some industrial felt & teflon slugs from which I've cut wads, also. More as a s***s & giggles thing than any serious project. No spectacular pattern, but I'm sure it would take care of any poisonous reptiles I encountered (sorry He Dog) if we had such things up here in the North Woods. I have some IPCO graphited lube sheets into which you press the neck of the cartridge in certain cast bullet loading techniques (purchased for a long-forgotten project which I never pursued). I have thought from time to time that I might try that for the overpowder wad. Also some cork sheet and other materials. Had a lot of fun playing (ooops, developing loads) at my loading bench in years gone by. I do recommend #12 dust shot for the charge. Hard to find, but it is out there if you look hard enough.

In your particular case, the big issues, I suspect, could be (a) extraction (b) sizing, especially after the first loading.

The big problems with these loads are: (a) more leading in the bore (at least that has been my experience) (b) being sure the trailing gas check is expelled; I had one turn sideways part way up the barrel. Not a biggie, but would not have wanted to touch off another round while the partial obstruction was still there.

Before anyone asks, I will *not* provide any load data, just this commentary about my own experiences. Your experiences may vary and none of these observations are intended to be recommendations. Thank you, ATLA, for making this a less civil world.

sealyon

Hi Robsguns. Sounds interesting, fun, and different---BUT---I think I personally would find something cheaper too experiment with. I could buy a number of guns for what I paid for mine............