Would everyone make the same choice for reloading more 3” hunting loads vs 2 1/2”?

I believe my 9000G can only be set up for 2-1/2" .410 reloading.

Thanks everyone for the input. I know the best means different things to different people. I think for me it’s value for money.
I’m in some ways a minimalist and think for the round count I’m thinking, a 600jr V is smart. AAHS hulls seem to be the hull as well. Now to start the arduous task of sourcing components as they hopefully become available.
Any ideas in that vein?

Currently the best reloader for 410 isn't any particular model, it is whatever you can find. Last December I treated myself to 410 and 28 Gauge tubes for my Beretta 686/682. Needing presses I did some searching and I was fortunate to find a 410 Sizemaster and 28 Gauge 600 jr. at the Den in Shelby, Ohio. They also had shot on sale at 35.99 for 25 lbs. bags of West Coast Shot. Looking around the Net more recently has revealed that reloading presses are now Unobtanium.

So, my preference for hulls is Winchester AA HS and I'm loading 1/2 ounce of number 9 shot over 14 grains of H110.

I agree. I am going to have to be very patient. Sourcing materials is going to be a nightmare.

Midway USA has new MEC presses in stock

Thanks for the tip. I think that the real challenge will be powder, shot, primers. Being patient will be the key to success.

Anyone here loading 410 with a Ponsness Warren 375?

I have an extra toolhead, and was considering getting a set of 410 tooling for it.

I am. I love my Ponsness-Warren 375. I like how it resizes and holds the hull securely. As long as the ends of the hull are okay, the crimps come out really good too. I hear others complain about how hard it is to reload 410, but I have no idea what they're talking about. On my PW375, it's a breeze.

I've got 410 and 28ga set up on one toolhead and 20ga set up on another.

The aftermarket shell plate for the MEC 9000 stabilizes the hull throughout the process and makes .410 reloading flawless and easy. I highly recommend it.

I’ve been waiting for over a month now for a 410 tool set. I called again yesterday and was told hopefully they will be sent out in a month.

I waited to order as I didn’t have any powder, but should have ordered the tool set right away. I now have 4 pounds of powder, wads, hulls, primers, but no tool set.

Awesome, thanks for that. Do you have the 2.5 only or did you get the 3" conversion die as well.?

Dad had 12 and 20 for the 375, and I picked up 16 ga tooling and an extra toolhead a while back, so I have 1/2 a toolhead I could set up for 410.

Now to get the order in and wait LOL

With the size master I can lift the ram/drop tube up a 1/2" before manually dropping the shot which eliminates shot bridging completely. I have never had a shell go pop. Because I known every single reload was loaded correctly. Speed seems to be the enemy when reloading so slow and steady gets me at least 100 per hour.

+1 for 375C. Easy to clear bridged shot and a well made press.

I only have the 2.5” die. I’m using Winchester AA-HS hulls, Claybuster WAA replacement wads, 1/2oz shot, Nobelsport 688 primers, and I think around 15gr. of Win296/H110 powder.

.410 powders that work well with less hull burnout are W296/H110 (same powder, 296 is usually cheaper) or Alliant 300MP. Little gun and .410 powders produce shorter hull life.

I bought a 410 right around Thanksgiving. Searched high and low on the internet for a press and the only one I could find was a 600 Jr at the Sportsmans Warehouse in Tucson. And no, I wasnt going to pay 4 figures for a 410 press, so that was it. I use them for 12-28 anyways, so I went with it and have had no issues. It crimps AA's so well they look like factory ammo.