3" .410 loads ??

[Bad Bob]

I just purchased a MEC Sizemaster in .410 and like it real well.  I would like to load 3" shells also but can't find where to get wads for them.  Since the 3"  shoots about 1/4 oz more shot I would like to load them also.  Do I need to get another sizemaster and what wad do I use.  Any help greatly appreciated.

[Ka6otm]

Bad Bob,

I use the Winchester WAA41 for all my 3" .410 shells.  The Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook 4th edition lists loads using this wad in Federal, Remington and Winchester 3" hulls.  Let me know which hull you want to use and I'll get you the recipes from the Handbook.

You can get the wads at:
http://www.precisionreloading.com/
http://www.cabelas.com/

If you wanna load both 2-1/2" and 3" shells on one MEC, there's an adjustment you can do, but it's a major PITA.  I was forced to make a choice about this years ago and decided to stop loading 2-1/2" shells and just use 3" for everything.  It was either that or have two loaders for .410 and I don't shoot in large enough volume for that in .410.

And....the shotgun loading bench is already pretty crowded as I've got 4 MECs and a Dillon SL900 there already.

And then there's the metallic loading bench....this is an obsession.

[HammerMan/LongbowMan]

Congradulations on your Sizemaster purchase.  I'm sure you will like it.  I know I like mine.  I use WAA41 wads for my 3" shells.  Be careful if you buy new winchester 410 shells that say HS on them.  These are a new design and require winchester's new 410 wads that are red in color, not white like the original ones.  I only reload winchesters so I can't comment on the other brands but I know the WAA41 wads are used in them for 3" also.  You can do 3" shells on the same machine you have and I find that it is really not that difficult if you follow mec's directions.  I have dies for my sizemaster and I find I can change to a new gauge in about 10 minutes.  When changing to 3" 410 shells, You have to:

1.  Adjust the collum.  The bolt goes in the top holes.  
2.  Add a 3"spacer to the deprimer.
     Move the sizer collet nut to the lower hole.
3.  Add a spacer under the primer cup.
4.  Change the wad guide to the 4103 one.
5.  Swap final crimper.  I find this the hardest part to do, but if you remember how many theads are showning above the plate for the
 410 2 1/2" you can save this for future reference when changing back again.  The 3" crimper has the roller guide pin in the other hole and  uses the nut above the plate instead of below like the 2 1/2" crimper.  You put the crimper up there with the ram and nut from the other crimper.  Thread the ram into the plate and the nut with nut on top.  I like to leave about 2 threads or more showing above the nut, but 2 threads above the nut is where mine is set.  
Remember to change the shot and powder bar and bushing.  I use the universal adjustable bar on mine so all I have to do is turn some knobs.  
To swap back to 2 1/2" shells, just reverse the order.  
I hope this helps out and it will take at least one or two swappings to get the hang of it.  Post some more questions if you need help.  Mec's directions are the best place to start for changing to 3".

Happy reloading.
HammerMan

[Bad Bob]

You guys are walking text books! Thanks.  I think I will buy another sizemaster for 410 and will use Winchester old style hulls.  MEC will have the correct bushings for it  but maybe you can guide me to the correct powder and how much.  Thanks again.  Bob

[HammerMan/LongbowMan]

:grin:   When using 410 3" old style winchester hulls, 11/16 oz. shot, WAA41 wads, and win 209 primers, I use 13.5 grs. of either H110 or
win 296.  This load is supposed to to about 1135 fps.
This is the basic loads.  At Hodgdon.com you can find the load recipes so you can varify.  Also this is a great site to find any reloading data.  All I have used is H110 and 296.  I haven't heard much on lil'gun, but the Hodgdon site has data for it.  
Remember that shotshell loads should be followed exactly because even primer or wad substitutions can cause very high pressures that are not good.  
HammerMan