Ammo Problem with my 410 Lever Shotgun

[Retired W4]

I finally got around to shooting my ~1930's 410 and ran into a big problem. I bought a 10 box case of Winchester SuperX, 2 1/2" 410 shot shells and loaded the magazine tube up. Unfortunately they did not extract. At first I thought something was wrong with the extractor but it was very difficult to remove even using a small screw drive against the rim. I had to use a rod from the muzzle to push the round out. The chamber is clean and bright so I got out my other 410 Marlin. Same thing. I sold my old Browning 410 long ago and I don't have any other 410 ammo to try. After pondering the situation for a while I wondered if the high brass might be the problem. This high brass SuperX is the only 410 ammo I have in the house.

Anyone have an Idea on what is happening? I was looking forward to giving the lever shotgun a work out.

The 2 1/2" shot shells are pretty common these days after the introduction of the Judge and Governor. The 410 must be a sloppy fit in those guns as they also chamber a 45 Colt/45 ACP.

[marlinman93]

I'm thinking maybe the modern .410 ammo you got in a high base might be fairly warm? Might try buying some .410 trap loads in 2.5" or other light loads and just one box to try before you buy too much. If lighter ammo works then you can buy a larger quantity.

[Retired W4]

Yea, this stuff comes out at 1245 FPS which might be too much for the old girl(s). The problem is worse with the younger of the two, SN: 2247. 7009 extracts about 2 out of 3. Better but still unacceptable. I'll try Academy for some 410 trap loads. Their store here has a good inventory of ammo.

Will report.

[Retired W4]

UPDATE I dug around and found one old SuperX 2 3/4" 410 shell and put the digital caliper to it. The newer one measured .473 while the one I retrieved from the basement is .470. The 2 3/4 OAL would not fit in the chamber so I cut it open and, IT FIT. .003 does not sound like much but it made the difference. I'll have to take the caliber with me when I go to buy ammo.