Is there anything a .410 can do better than a much bigger shot shell?
YES, there is one thing, provide enough gun for close range shots with the lightest practical recoil.
It is a good beginners gun, because of the recoil, and for the hit the can on the ground, its excellent for beginners.
When it comes to wingshooting, however, it is an expert's gun. VERY rare the beginner who can make good hits wingshooting with the .410. For that, a light 12ga load is much better.
Ammo is expensive, because it is a niche round. Even though there is less material in each .410 round, they don't make/sell enough to get the price break of volume production like the 12 & 20ga do.
At 14 I shot an entire box of hard earned .410 shells and only hit things that were standing still. Was quite put out. The next time, I borrowed my Grandfather's 12ga, and even though it split my lip the first shot, I hit several flying birds that day, and became a 12ga fan ever since. I ignored the .410 for decades.
I have a new appreciation for it now, both as a long gun, and in the Contender pistol. Excellent pest gun a real rat wrecker in the barnyard, and without the recoil of a 12.
It is an excellent round, within its limitations, just don't expect more than it can give and you will not be disappointed.