45LC / 410 question

[hammerwrought]

Just purchased an older Contender SER#59XXX.   Barrel is marked 45COLT not 45/410.   Chamber will accept a 3" 410.

Question: Are 2.5" shotshells recommended or are 3" fine?

Came without the choke, in the process of replacing it thru Ed's.

Without the choke the pattern is sort of doughnut shaped.

Have not shot the 45COLT for accuracy.  Not expecting much with the long jump to the rifling.

Bought it for the 410 anyway.

[shot1]

I don't know about the shotgun part of the question because I have never shot any shotgun shells in mine. But you may be surprised at the accuracy that you can get out of the 45 Colt. Mine shoots very well with some hot loaded Hornady 250 XTP's . I am going to have to get me some 410 shot shells and try mine out. Maybe sneak up on some squirrels if it is up to it.   

[Artful]

on mine accuracy with jacketed is good but cast not so good in 45 colt - at one point they only offered 45 colt chamberings due to ATF - you had to have rechambered to 410 after you got the barrel - my smith did 2 1/2 but you can measure it by looking down the barrel put a rod (chop stick whatever) into the barrel with a light behind it so you can see the end of the rod reach the beginning of the rifling - then measure the length of the rod that has gone into the barrel.

[shot1]

Just remember that you need to have some room for the crimped part of the shell to open up and it not be into the rifling.

[Hopalong7]

     TC produced a 45Colt hotshot barrel for several years, but they were not marked or designed for .410 shells.  If yours is like mine it will chamber an unfired 410 shell....but, try chambering a fired 3" case....no go in my barrel.  TC says they are for 45Colt loaded with shot capsules.  They never produced the "Hotshot" capsules or ammo in 45Colt like they did in 357 and 44Mag.
Walt

[SHOOTALL]

The one I had was 2 3/4 shells . It was a 10 inch with iron sights not the vent rib one.

[thompsonjoedeals]

If the barrel is not marked 45 / 410, it was not chambered for .410 Shells... you call buy .45 shot shells at most shops.

I have both in 10" and would never shoot a .410 thru the barrel marked .45 LC.

I beleive your headed for a diaster, but call T/C and they will tell you..

[SHOOTALL]

Or simply check your chamber . How much free bore before the rifling starts ?