.410 subsonic ratting handload? -1st attempt at reloading

[HW682]

I keep seeing 9mm RF garden guns and 22 shotshell guns etc advertised and think to myself I "want" one of them. However, there is a difference between "want" and "need" so I have managed to resist so far

 

Also, like most technically minded people on here I have an interest in following the reloading threads, but again so far have not taken the plunge. From what I understand it is very unlikley to work out cheaper than factory loads - especially for bog standard 12g clay or pigeon loads. It seems to make most sense for specialist loads.

 

The recent thread on handloading has got me thinking... what I would really like is a dedicated subsonic ratting load for a fully moddded .410 Hushpower. This would be for use in and around stable blocks and the yard.

Distance would be 5 - 15 paces max. I have used the Eley 3" no6 subs, but in this environment I could get get away with much smaller shot to minimise damage to buildings etc and could also get away with less energy if meant less noise. The quieter the better in this location.

Even though 5 -15 paces is only a difference of 10, it is still a ratio of 3;1, so don't mind if it means two different loads, one for inside say up to 7-8ish and one for the longer range. This would correlate to inside the buildings and outside them. I am imagining an almost "dust" load which would be effective close up but lose range quickly.

 

It is something I don't think can be purchased and I would only need to make them in quantities of a box at a time - so if anything is going to get me started, this is the one.

 

Having said all that, I am aware that the .410 has the highest pressures and that the subsonic loads can be more difficult and it is definitely not a case of just reducing the powder from any published load as this can lead to detonations etc.

 

So - does such a loads(s) exist or could be developed - or am I in cloud cuckoo land?

 

I am not expecting anyone to just give the recipes out willy nilly. I appreciate that I might have to buy a manual or two or datasheet etc. But in principle - does this type of load exist or am I wasting my time thinking about it?

 

BTW I have quite a few once fired Eley 3" empties saved up.

Also - due to the full moderator and the location I really am only interested in fibre/felt wads. (I guess that has just eliminated most/all of the likely recipes )

 

Cheers

HW682

 

 

(edit, Ps I know some people say 2" carts can be quieter then 3" subs, and I do use an air rifle in this location - but this is an itch that needs scratching)

Edited April 13, 2013 by HW682

[Guest cookoff013]

first of all, the .410 recoups money faster than most gauges. the only gauge that beets it for value is 10bore.

 

second, if you are ratting/ ratting propperly, even #9s would do at those distances, #9 reload very well in a .410 due to small droptubes / reloader parts.

 

someone else shouls be along with actual subsonic data.

 

if you want the full 18grams of shot subsonic, sp3 is the powder.

if you want 14gram subs, then you`d have to think alittle more....

[HW682]

Thanks for the reply

 

So if I understand what you are saying... 18gm is probably easier to load than a lighter load. That wouldn't be an issue.

 

I was thinking of #9 or even maybe smaller but will take guidance on the feasibility of those loads.

 

 

 

Cheers

 

 

(Just to summarise my lengthy original post, I am looking at a super quiet, very short range load preferably fibre wad.)

Edited April 13, 2013 by HW682

[Guest cookoff013]

most likely, i`m being very vague, just because i have limited experience (thats a big fat NONE) of loading subsonic .410.

i understand the rules for subsonic cartridges, the ballance between good pressure and low velocity is quite hard to match. saying that........ i`m always going to say

FOLLOW THE DATA that someone should post.

 

sp3 is a classic .410 powder. most data should revolve around this powder.

 

there is other data available from gualandi, but thats for 14gram loads. but there is no speed or pressure data.

[HW682]

Thanks again.

 

I understand that subsonic loads are if anything trickier than standard loads.

I can also imagine why it might not work to just swap very fine shot into a published load. Thats why I wondered if I was being realistic in expecting such a load to exist.

[Paladin]

I don't know if anybody can remember this being covered in one of the shooting mags.

A couple of guys had to sort a pig farm and to clear the rat population,(without causing any damage) and wanted to use a less powerful .410 they were using cut down cases, cut down wads with something like 10 shot. and were getting through in excess of 5,000 a year.

So yes it can be done.

[colin lad]

i done some cut down loads a while back last year and posted on here if you can find it i cut the 9g 2" shells back to 4.5g lead and half the powder and it worked for me very quiet

i have since brought a 410 hushpower so just stick to hull 2.5" 11g 6s

 

colin

[alendil]

So my experience

standard load from shop

 

3" subs / magnums are almost same in my hushpower mossberg .410

2,5" eley 14g loads are much quieter in same gun.

i am stil to try 2" eley hope for better results.

[HW682]

Thanks for the replies, all appreciated.

 

I am considering something ultra quiet as well as very short range so really much smaller shot than #6.

 

There isn't a massive rat problem, so I can get by - but I am looking for an excuse to try some some hand loads and this one has got my interest

[Floating Chamber]

I don't know if anybody can remember this being covered in one of the shooting mags.

A couple of guys had to sort a pig farm and to clear the rat population,(without causing any damage) and wanted to use a less powerful .410 they were using cut down cases, cut down wads with something like 10 shot. and were getting through in excess of 5,000 a year.

So yes it can be done.

I remember that well!

2" case, CX50 primer, 8 grains of A0, H27 Gualandi wad, 9 grams of shot.

[HW682]

I remember that well!

2" case, CX50 primer, 8 grains of A0, H27 Gualandi wad, 9 grams of shot.

 

so is this a subsonic load?

[Floating Chamber]

I remember that well!

2" case, CX50 primer, 8 grains of A0, H27 Gualandi wad, 9 grams of shot.

Edit: Old A0 8grains, New A0 7.5grains.

[HW682]

Still interested to know if this is a subsonic load?

Thanks