Thread: New to shotshell reloading and I know enough to know I don't know enough

Hi all. I have been reloading a few different rifle and pistol calibres over the last 10 years but never any shotshells yet.

I have bought Lee whack mole sets in .410 and 12g, some .410 magtech brass, some Lil'gun powder, primers and some #4shot.

What my end goal is, is to be able to load up the .410 magtech. The loads don't really have to be anything special as I just use the .410 for possums and rabbits up close when a stray .22 projectile could lead to problems. Ideally I would like to use non plastic wads if this is practical.


I think I have a fairly solid understanding of reloading for rifled barrels and which precautions to take when substituting components. However reading the different stuff online about reloading for smooth barrels has left me apprehensive about just diving in. I feel like I am struggling to grasp the relationship between hulls,wads,charge weight and powder charge. Coupled with the fact that it isn't easy to find a large variety of .410 wads around, I can't just follow the data to the letter.

Is there anyone local or semi local who really knows their stuff that would be keen to walk me through the process (preferably for .410) so I can get a proper understanding of what to be careful of. Happy to provide an appropriate gesture of appreciation.


Before anyone wants to suggest I just buy factory because shells are cheap, yes I realise this but reloading is a hobby for me as well as a means to an end.

Thanks in advance for any help on this one.