45LC/410 Contender or Encore Question

[kynardsj]

For those of you that own a Contender or Encore with a 45LC/410 barrel. How accurate does the 45 LC shoot from a chamber that's 3 inches long ? I'm thinking of owning one of these but if the 45's don't shoot good too then I don't need it.  Thanks.

[jjvw]

Depends what you call good. For target accuracy, I use the 45 in full length 9.74 brass. they last forever and when loaded with shot, are great for small game.

[P.A. Myers]

Straight 45 barrels are harder to find, but they shoot 45s much better than a 410/45. Sometimes confused with the 410 barrel is the 'hotshot' barrel. It has a 45 only chamber, but has a screw-in choke for the obsolete 45 hotshot cartridge.

[DEACONLLB]

I have a super 14 stainless with vent rib and have owned a 10 inch with rib and i found the barrel to be good with 410 shell but not so good with the 45 because of the long jump and had wondered about loading it up with longer cases. there is a brand of 410 out of russia that uses brass cases and have wondered if they were strong enough to be used as a 45 cal.
Deaconllb

[P.A. Myers]

I do know that 410s operate at much lower pressures than even the standard 45colt loading. Might have crimp problems too. Sounds like fun with a touch of danger.

[kynardsj]

Also if memory serves me correct a 410 shotgun shell has a diameter of .410. A 45 slug just ain't gonna fit in one.

[coyotejoe]

The bores are .45 caliber, so it really is the .410 which doesn't fit. If you look at wads fired from one you will often find the cup or flang at he bottom of the wad has rolled up around the base in attempting to fill the .042" oversize bore. I have a lot of fun and bag small game with my .410 pistols and have no desire to shoot .45 Colts out of them, for that I perfer a revolver.

[bojack]

are 410 slugs accurate in them?

[TCU SHOOTER]

are 410 slugs accurate in them?

bojack: I would say no especially beyond 25 yards. The 410 wad is just to small to realy inguage the rifling. Give it a try and I am quite sure you won't want to wast you money after a few shots.

[jjvw]

I've had a 45/410 since they came out in the 80's. If you buy one to shoot as a 410, you will be very happy with it. If you want to use it primarily as a 45, you will be disappointed. It will shoot the slugs ok, (killed a 125# boar shot between the eyes at 50 feet) but the slug is very light weight and loses what little energy it has very fast.  The sights are the weak link. The bead sight on the vent rib is not adjustable and are designed for shot.
 9.3x74R brass with .45 bullets could be good enough for deer to 100yds. They would be ideal for a combo small game hunt with the possibility of larger game. Use caution, a full house load is not suitable for a contender.

[Bill,SC]

The 45-410 barrels have been on the market since 1968.  The 410 can be used for clays, for small game, and rat control.  Know the limitations and it will work for you.  I will admit it does not work for squirrel hunting very well.  I have not been disappointed for the last 42 years.