410 Bore Troubleshooting

Bulge at base of shell

• Too much pressure applied to handle
• Handle is actuated too quickly
• Case is overfilled, select shorter wad, reduce powder charge, or reduce shot charge

Crimp is too tall

• Shot level is too high. Select a shorter wad, reduce the powder charge, select a powder type that uses a smaller bushing.

Crimp is too deep with hole in center

• Use longer wad or add a Cheerio ® (cereal) above the shot to help compensate for length. 
• Add a nitro card to the shot cup before you dispense shot.

• The 410 is one of the most difficult shells to reload, even brand-new factory ammo have inconsistent crimps.

• Sort shells by brand and type to assure consistent crimps.
• New, unfired and no crimp shells are the most challenging to reload. In station 4 crimp starter, this station requires the lever to be lowered more slowly onto the shell and pause for 5 seconds at the bottom of the stroke for the folds to take a "set". Sliding the sizer ring back onto the shell before starting the crimp will help prevent the bulge above the brass.

• If the crimp isn't fully formed and shot can escape, we recommend taking apart the shell and starting over. A flat blade screwdriver can be placed underneath the cone or petals of the shell to open up. Dump the shot back in the hopper, use the flat bladed screwdriver to slide out the wad, and dump the powder back in the hopper. 

• 3" shells require you to adjust the height of the wad guide on the column and use a bulge buster with spring over the shell in station 4 and 5. See article for setup.

• The powder charge, wad and shot charge must fill the shell to within 1/4" of the mouth. If the shot level is too deep, select a longer wad, or select a different powder that uses a larger bushing, or select a higher velocity load that uses more powder. if none of these options are possible, add a Cheerio ® (cereal) above the shot charge before crimp start. It's important to verify the powder charge and wad length are correct for the selected shell.

• With a shell or catch container underneath station 3, bump the handle two or three times downward with the heel of your hand before and after dumping the shot.
• If shot does not come out, unfold a large paper clip and insert inside of the drop tube from the rear of the tool to release the bridge. Reminder to prevent shot bridging, keep handle level with the workbench and slowly move the charge bar left to dispense the shot charge.

• Some leakage with spherical powder is to be expected. If this is objectionable, switch brand/ type.