Reliable 410 reloading data can be found directly through the Hodgdon online data center, the Alliant Powder website, and specialized manuals such as the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook or guides from Ballistic Products Inc. Published data normally includes the specific hull brand, payload weight, powder type, exact powder charge, primer, wad type, muzzle velocity, and maximum chamber pressure. Available data heavily represents 1/2 ounce lead shot for standard 2.5 inch shells and 11/16 ounce or 3/4 ounce payloads for 3 inch magnum shells. Reputable powder manufacturers currently publish 410 data using fast burning magnum pistol powders like Hodgdon Lil’Gun, Winchester 296, and Alliant 410. Results vary immensely because shotgun reloading relies on exact internal volume stacks; substituting a hull, wad, or primer changes the internal pressure curve completely and can lead to catastrophic firearm failure.
410 Reloading Data
| Payload | Payload Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Pressure | Hull | Primer & Wad | Source |
| Lead Shot | 1/2 oz | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Fixed Recipe | 13.0 gr | 1200 fps | 10,400 PSI | Winchester AA 2.5″ | Win 209 / WAA41 | Hodgdon |
| Lead Shot | 1/2 oz | Winchester 296 | Fixed Recipe | 14.5 gr | 1200 fps | 9,600 PSI | Winchester AA 2.5″ | Win 209 / WAA41 | Hodgdon |
| Lead Shot | 1/2 oz | Alliant 410 | Fixed Recipe | 12.5 gr | 1200 fps | 9,700 PSI | Remington STS 2.5″ | Rem 209P / SP410 | Alliant Powder |
| Lead Shot | 11/16 oz | Hodgdon H110 | Fixed Recipe | 14.0 gr | 1150 fps | 11,200 PSI | Winchester HS 3″ | Win 209 / CB5050 | Hodgdon |
| Lead Shot | 11/16 oz | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Fixed Recipe | 12.5 gr | 1150 fps | 11,600 PSI | Winchester HS 3″ | Win 209 / CB5050 | Hodgdon |
| Lead Shot | 3/4 oz | Alliant 410 | Fixed Recipe | 11.5 gr | 1100 fps | 11,400 PSI | Federal 3″ | Fed 209A / Fed 410SC | Alliant Powder |
| TSS Shot | 9/16 oz | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Fixed Recipe | 16.0 gr | 1200 fps | 11,100 PSI | Cheddite 2.5″ | Ched 209 / TPS410 | Hodgdon / BPI |
Understanding The 410 Reloading Data
When analyzing any 410 load data chart, reloaders must understand how shotshell data differs fundamentally from metallic rifle or pistol data.
- Starting load vs Maximum load: Unlike rifle cartridges that provide a starting and maximum powder charge range, shotshell reloading uses a fixed recipe. There is no starting load. You must use the exact published maximum load charge to achieve the exact stated velocity and pressure.
- Velocity: Measured in feet per second (fps), indicating how fast the shot column travels when leaving the muzzle.
- Pressure: The internal chamber pressure generated upon firing, measured in PSI or sometimes LUP (Lead Units of Pressure). The SAAMI standard maximum average pressure for the 2.5 inch .410 bore is 12,500 psi. For the 3 inch .410 bore, it is 13,500 psi.
- Payload weight: The mass of the shot or slug measured in ounces.
- Powder: The specific chemical propellant used.
- Barrel length: Test barrels for shotguns are typically 30 inches long.
- Firearm used for testing: All authoritative data is generated using a universal pressure testing barrel.
- Cartridge overall length: Designated by the fired length of the hull, strictly categorized into 2.5 inch or 3 inch 410 shells.
Different published sources may produce different results because internal hull volumes vary wildly between brands, and specific wads are designed to seal tightly only in specific hulls.
410 Payload Weight Reloading Data
The .410 bore is highly versatile, supporting several specific payload weights across target shooting and hunting disciplines.
- 1/2 ounce: This is the absolute standard for 2.5 inch target loads used in skeet shooting. Massive amounts of 410 reloading data exist for 1/2 ounce lead shot, typically tuned to exactly 1200 fps to match standard clay target leads.
- 11/16 ounce: The traditional payload for 3 inch hunting loads. This heavier payload is utilized for upland birds and small game, usually driven around 1135 fps to 1150 fps.
- 3/4 ounce: A maximum payload for the 3 inch 410 shell. Heavy loads of 3/4 ounce shot require specialized slow burning powders to keep chamber pressures under the 13,500 psi limit.
- 9/16 ounce and 5/8 ounce TSS: Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) has revolutionized the .410 bore for turkey hunting. Specialty manuals from Ballistic Products Inc publish data for these incredibly dense payloads, turning the 410 into a highly capable 40 yard turkey gun.
- 1/5 ounce (87 grain) Slugs: While factory slug ammunition is common, published reloading data for 410 slugs is relatively rare and requires specialized roll crimping tools and specific slug wads.
410 Powder Reloading Data
| Powder | Payload | Payload Weight | Published Exact Charge | Published Velocity | Pressure | Source |
| Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Lead Shot | 1/2 oz | 13.0 gr | 1200 fps | 10,400 PSI | Hodgdon |
| Winchester 296 | Lead Shot | 1/2 oz | 14.5 gr | 1200 fps | 9,600 PSI | Hodgdon |
| Hodgdon H110 | Lead Shot | 11/16 oz | 14.0 gr | 1150 fps | 11,200 PSI | Hodgdon |
| Alliant 410 | Lead Shot | 1/2 oz | 12.5 gr | 1200 fps | 9,700 PSI | Alliant Powder |
| Alliant 2400 | Lead Shot | 3/4 oz | 11.5 gr | 1100 fps | 11,400 PSI | Alliant Powder |
410 Hull And Wad Combinations
Exact component combinations are the most critical aspect of 410 reloading. You cannot safely substitute a hull or a wad in shotgun reloading.
Hulls are manufactured with either tapered walls or straight walls. Winchester AA and Remington STS hulls feature tapered internal walls that reduce internal volume near the powder charge. Federal and Cheddite hulls feature straight internal walls with a much larger internal volume.
A wad designed for a tapered hull, such as the Winchester WAA41, will fail to seal properly in a straight wall Federal hull, causing powder migration and squib loads. Conversely, jamming a straight wall wad into a tapered hull will drastically reduce the available space, compressing the powder and creating a dangerous over pressure situation. Furthermore, different primers burn at different temperatures. Swapping a mild Winchester 209 primer for a hot Federal 209A primer can spike chamber pressures by over 2,000 psi, which is enough to rupture a 410 barrel.
410 Velocity From Published Data
Comparing published 410 velocity data reveals a very narrow performance window compared to centerfire rifles.
- Winchester AA 1/2 oz Target Load: Utilizing 13.0 grains of Hodgdon Lil’Gun yields a manufacturer published muzzle velocity of exactly 1200 fps.
- Federal 3 inch 3/4 oz Hunting Load: Utilizing 11.5 grains of Alliant 410 yields a manufacturer published velocity of 1100 fps.
- Winchester HS 3 inch 11/16 oz Load: Utilizing 14.0 grains of H110 yields a published velocity of 1150 fps.
It is important to understand that shotgun velocities are intentionally limited to prevent blown patterns. Pushing lead shot past 1300 fps often results in deformed pellets and scattered, ineffective patterns on target.
410 Reloading Data By Barrel Length
Barrel length visibly affects published 410 velocity, though published manuals rarely reflect field conditions.
Most official manufacturer data utilizes a 30 inch test barrel as the industry standard. This long barrel guarantees complete combustion of slow burning magnum pistol powders like H110 or Winchester 296. When fired from a standard 26 inch or 24 inch hunting barrel, actual muzzle velocities will drop slightly.
When fired from a .45 Colt / .410 bore revolver like the Taurus Judge, the velocity drops precipitously. A load rated for 1200 fps in a 30 inch barrel may only achieve 750 fps to 800 fps in a short revolver barrel, resulting in substantial unburnt powder and massive muzzle flash.
410 Subsonic vs Supersonic Data
The vast majority of published 410 reloading data is strictly for supersonic applications.
Supersonic 410 load data pushes standard lead shot payloads to velocities between 1100 fps and 1250 fps, which is necessary to maintain proper leads on moving clay targets or flying birds.
Dedicated 410 subsonic load data is extremely rare in major manuals. While some specialty loaders attempt to create low noise pest control loads below 1,125 fps, achieving consistent wad ignition and safe pressure curves with standard 410 powders at reduced velocities is notoriously difficult. Shooters must strictly follow published recipes and never randomly reduce powder charges to create subsonic ammunition.
410 Energy And Ballistics
Reliable source data shows that the .410 bore relies on pattern density and specific pellet energy rather than total payload energy.
Because the .410 uses the same size pellets as a 12 gauge, a single #8 lead pellet fired at 1200 fps from a .410 carries the exact same downrange energy as a single #8 pellet fired at 1200 fps from a 12 gauge. The limitation of the .410 is simply the total number of pellets in the pattern.
This is why Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) data has become incredibly valuable. A 9/16 ounce payload of #9 TSS contains roughly 200 pellets. Because tungsten is significantly denser than lead, those #9 pellets hit with the energy of #7.5 lead pellets, allowing the small .410 bore to deliver devastating downrange energy on turkeys at 40 yards.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
Manufacturer published reloading data is derived from highly controlled laboratory environments using universal pressure barrels and precise piezoelectric pressure sensors. This data is the absolute only safe benchmark for 410 load development.
Independent chronograph testing for shotguns is inherently dangerous if used to develop unpublished loads. While an independent reloader can measure velocity, they have no way to measure chamber pressure. In a shotgun, a load can exhibit perfectly normal velocity while simultaneously generating a 3,000 psi over pressure spike that could eventually fracture the gun. Shooters must give absolute priority to official, pressure tested manufacturer data.
410 Pressure And Safety
Following published 410 reloading data exactly is paramount for safety. Shotgun actions are built to handle much lower pressures than rifle actions. The SAAMI standard Maximum Average Pressure is just 12,500 psi for 2.5 inch shells and 13,500 psi for 3 inch shells.
Never substitute a hull, primer, wad, or powder type. If a published recipe calls for a Winchester AA hull, a Win 209 primer, and a WAA41 wad, you cannot safely swap in a Cheddite primer or a Remington wad. Doing so alters the stack height and completely changes the internal volume, often leading to dangerous pressure spikes. Additionally, always inspect 410 hulls for split mouths or burnt plastic before reloading, as the high pressure of the small bore wears out hulls faster than larger 12 gauge shells.
Best Sources For 410 Reloading Data
The strongest current sources for 410 reloading data are the major powder manufacturers and dedicated shotshell ballistic companies.
The Hodgdon online data center is the premier free resource, offering extensive 410 load data chart options for Lil’Gun, H110, and W296 across every major hull brand. Alliant Powder provides excellent data specifically tailored to their Alliant 410 and 2400 propellants. For specialized applications like TSS, buckshot, and slugs, Ballistic Products Inc (BPI) publishes dedicated manuals that are universally trusted by advanced shotshell reloaders. The Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook is also an essential print manual for foundational .410 load recipes.
FAQs
Where can I find 410 reloading data?
Authoritative 410 load data is published directly by Hodgdon in their online data center, on the Alliant Powder website, and in print manuals like the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook.
What powders have published 410 data?
Published 410 powder recipes typically utilize fast burning magnum pistol powders including Hodgdon Lil’Gun, Winchester 296, Hodgdon H110, Alliant 410, and Alliant 2400.
What payload weights have 410 reloading data?
Published data currently supports payloads of 1/2 ounce for standard 2.5 inch shells, and 11/16 ounce or 3/4 ounce payloads for 3 inch magnum shells.
Does Hodgdon publish 410 data?
Yes, 410 load data Hodgdon tables are extensively available on their official website, offering highly accurate recipes for powders like Lil’Gun and H110 across multiple hull types.
Does Hornady publish 410 data?
While shooters often search for 410 load data Hornady publications, it is important to note that Hornady primarily publishes metallic rifle and pistol cartridge data, leaving shotshell powder data primarily to Hodgdon, Alliant, and Lyman.
Does Nosler publish 410 data?
No. Nosler manufactures metallic rifle and handgun bullets and publishes data for centerfire cartridges, not for shotguns or the .410 bore.
What is the difference between starting and maximum 410 data?
Unlike rifles, shotguns use fixed recipes. There is no starting load. You must use the exact published maximum powder charge, hull, primer, and wad to safely replicate the tested load.
Does barrel length affect 410 velocity?
Yes. A traditional 30 inch test barrel will yield higher velocities and allow for more complete powder combustion than a shorter 20 inch field barrel or a very short revolver barrel.
Why does 410 data vary between sources?
Data varies because different publishers test different hull brands, and the internal volume of a Winchester AA hull is vastly different than a Federal or Cheddite hull.
Where can I find pressure-tested 410 data?
Pressure-tested data is found directly through official reloading guides published by Hodgdon, Alliant Powder, Ballistic Products Inc, and Lyman.