Shot Drop Miseries

[Stan Hillis]

I quit trying to load 7 1/2s in .410s. Too much aggravation.

Plus, I want the increase in pattern density that 8s and 8 1/2s give a .410. Pattern density and kinetic energy are the main killing factors with a shotgun, of any gauge. For a .410 to have these, three things must occur, IMO. You must have a sufficient payload with smaller shot (my favorite .410 hunting load for doves and quail is 3/4 oz. of nickel plated 8s), you must use sufficient choke to create that pattern density, and you must limit your range to about 35 yds. maximum, more or less, based on your skill level and your particular gun.

[Bill Murphy]

I have polished and waxed the inside of the tube with mixed results. Maybe there is enough meat in the tube to enlarge the inside. I gave up and load #9. My PW 375 wouldn't even work with #8.