Federal 3 inch 410 hulls cracking in TC barrel

[jh45gun]

Any one else have this issue with Federal Hulls? I bought some 3 inch Federal 410 shotshells 7.5 shot to try out my Encore 45/410 barrel and I shot it 4 times today just to try it out and pattern it at 10 and 15 an 20 yards. I noticed all 4 hulls were cracked from a quarter inch up to a half an inch on one of the hulls where the crimps are formed. The cracks were not just in one place but all around the diameter of the hull 4 to 6 on average. Considering the cost of 410 ammo I was pretty disapointed to see this considering I planned on reloading the hulls. Anyone else see this using Federal 410 hulls? I sent a email to Federal just to see what they say.

[Pepe Ray]

I'd guess that your chamber is only good for 2 1/2" shells.

[jh45gun]

No its made for 3 inch shells. I would suspect the hull for issues over the chamber just wondering if anyone else had this issue.

[Down South]

I’ve seen hulls crack in this area before but it was after several reloadings. It sounds like their quality of plastic is not very good. I’d be interested in Federal’s reply. Just for the heck of it, can you test some of the shells in another firearm?

[jh45gun]

Nope at least not now I can some time in the future if I get down to my nephews he has a over and under 410 but this is the only 410 I have.

[jh45gun]

Just got off the phone with Federal they told me that cracking is an issue with 410 hulls and that if you get several reloads your doing good. Also they sell the shells for the purpose of the shell going bang and not expecially for reloading but if you get several reloads out of a hull great thats a bonus. They are going to send me 25 once fired hulls in the hopes I can reload them a couple of more times. Thats decent of them. I guess that for a lot of reloads brass cases is the way to go.

[Bret4207]

Sounds like someone is playing CYA at Federal. Try some Remington or Winchester or Fiocchi cases.

[Slowpoke]

The Win HS hulls are the best.

[jh45gun]

Yea thats what I figured time to find some other hulls even if Once fired from some source. I still plan to use some brass cases too even if they are 444 cases.