410 vs. 20 Gauge

[AScheele]

Why are 410 shotgun shells so much more expensive than 20 gauge? Or any of the larger shells for that matter. 410, for a box of 25 rounds is 14.99 at walmart. On the same shelf, a 100 round box of either 12 or 20 gauge shells are 24.99. Why so much higher for the much smaller 410 shells?

 

[tomturkey]

I am just guessing but I think this is probably a good example of supply and demand. Not nearly as many .410's shot per year as 20 gauge. No documentation just my guess. gobble

 

[Anonymous-0]

Well, at least Walmart has them.

 

[AScheele]

Didnt think of that Tom. i was thinking 410 equals less shot, less powder, smaller hull. But more expensive than the other shotgun shells i buy. I definetly shoot the 410 less than my 12 gauge.

 

[Lou from Wi.]

AScheele,
The following is just an opinion.
There are various 410 shells available,each one different. Due to the recent uses of 410 loads for Judges,derringers and such, the market has increased for them. Firearms manufacturers are promoting this fact of not needing to be accurate as with a single projectile weapon,and the public has bought quite a few of them. Just as with 22's the ammo manufacturers know this and increase their production line along with their costs, this is passed on to the consumer,as always. Like I said, JMO.
LOU

 

[D beatty]

You say $14.99 for 25 rounds but was it 2 1/2 " or 3" and what shot? I have seen 12-16-20 gauge for about $8.95 a box but they were bird shot. You can find 2 1/2" no. 5 and 6 shot for $10.00 if you hunt for it and 3" is higher.

 

[Welding man]

410 is now a handgun cartridge. Ever hear of a Judge or a Snakeslayer? All Pistol ammo is out the roof, if you can find it. There hasn't been any at the local Wal-Mart for months.

 

[HillsofTn]

Likely for two reasons:

Production costs tend to decrease per unit, based on large volume versus small volume.

Profit margins at retail often depend on how quickly the merchandise is turned over - meaning a retailer must make more profit per unit of sale for a slow moving item.

 

[sflem849]

(quoted from post at 05:49:15 03/05/14) Likely for two reasons:

Production costs tend to decrease per unit, based on large volume versus small volume.

Profit margins at retail often depend on how quickly the merchandise is turned over - meaning a retailer must make more profit per unit of sale for a slow moving item.

I would guess it is strictly based on those facts. Yes, there has been an increase in Judges etc, but they were more expensive than a 12 ga 10 years ago. If people really are finding them for $10/box that is lower than the last boxes I purchased. They may be coming down due to increased demand.

 

[Mike M]

It's always been that way some of these replies make it sound like a new event.

What you do is buy some new shells and save the hulls and RELOAD them. I bought the cheaper model mec reloader and it works great on the .410. Very cheap shooting when you reload then as it hardly takes any shot or powder.

 

[Bret4207]

Supply and demand. 410 has been a premium priced round, at least the 3" quality stuff, for years. It's the same with other rounds. 308, '06, 38 Spec. 30-30...those you can usually find at a decent price (excepting for hoarders) because there's lots of it made. Try finding 250-3000, 264 Win Mag, 6.5x50, 8x56R, 8mm Rem Mag, 9mm Federal, 41 AE, 475 Widley, 358 Norma, 32 S+W, 22 Jet, 218 Bee, 32 Remington or 33 Winchester. You will pay a premium simply because not much is produced.

Count your blessings being able to find anything these days. Try being a 16 ga aficionado!

 

[David G]

The 410 and 16 gauge have a lot less demand, so not as many produced.

 

[ShepFL]

Thats what I did/do. Have a pr. of 22/410 Over/Unders that are lot of fun for squirrel hunting. Were originally bought to be grouse guns.

 

[old]

Simple supply and demand. There is probably 2 20 gauge shot guns for every 410 so twice the demand make things cheaper

 

[Russ from MN]

Last week we were in Gander Mt. and they must of had a ton of 9mm, the hoarders must be getting full!

 

[MarkB_MI]

Going back at least to the seventies, .410 ammo has been as expensive as 12 gauge, if not more so. It's just not as popular as 12 and 20 gauge; the economies of scale aren't there.

 

[Bret4207]

(quoted from post at 07:31:31 03/05/14) Thats what I did/do. Have a pr. of 22/410 Over/Unders that are lot of fun for squirrel hunting. Were originally bought to be grouse guns.

Gotta a Savage 24 22/410 myself. Great little farm gun. I have to put a decent rear peep on mine, the old eyes ain't working so good anymore!

 

[souNdguy]

less use, costs more for limited run.

 

[rossowmn]

Not exactly relevant, but related: .410 shotguns always cost more than larger-gauge guns. Compare a clean .410 with an equally clean 12-gauge and the smaller bore is usually at least half again higher in the used-gun market. Less metal but higher cost. As I said, perhaps not apropos to the ammo question, although it does make one wonder if the .410 itself is so popular, why aren't more people shooting them? (Disclaimer: I'm prejudiced. I love the .410 and have probably 35 or more of them as single-shots, double-barrels and rifle-shotgun combos. Some .410 doubles are outlandishly higher than equal 12s. Biased, so feel free to ignore my comments.)

 

[redforlife]

I learned how to hunt as a kid with a 410. I can remember even way back then, the shells being more exspensive. not something that has happened here just lately. I think its just because they are not as common, not mass produced, don't move as fast in stores, and so on. since they are exspensive to buy, people dont blast their way through a bunch of ammo with a 410. generally shoot something cheaper if going through a bunch of ammo. kinda makes a chain reaction so to speak.

 

[old popper]

I used a 24 Savage like that in high school. When my parents divorced, the Savage went with my mother (probably to the 1st pawn shop). I've wanted one every since, but opted recently for a model 24 with 222 on top and 20 ga underneath. (bigger toys for bigger boys)