Shotgun shell preference

[Guest]

This is kind of in tune with the semi auto jamming, but figure I would ask. What are your preferences fro semi-auto's Federal's use to do a good job then started jamming, I switched to Remmington's and they worked for a while also then It started not kicking shells again. I shot 2 3/4 shot as my gun is old. opinions would be great.

Thanks--
Brocosguy, and speaking of them they sure are looking good. SOrry am a Vikes fan also but could not resist a shot at them. My brother alreayd is off the band wagon for them.

[GullGuide]

Bronco,
My weapon of choice is a Rem 1100.
I've been shooting 2 3/4 Federals through it for the last 10 years with no jamming problems.
I have gone to 1oz 2 shot. A little light for most people, but I let them in real close before I shoot and it does the job just fine. They have a speed of 1450fps and they are really cheap. I get mine at Reed's in Walker for about $65-$75 per case(seems to vary from year to year)
Good Luck
>"////=<

[Duck-o-holic]

Bronc--

If I had to narrow down a brand choice, I would pick Winchesters. There are however, a lot of good brands and loads out there. I've seen a lot of Federals leave behind unburnded powder, which can gunk up an auto's action. Kent makes a great steel load called Fast Steel. PMC makes a great shell if you can find them (They are not waterproof however)-- Cabela's doesn't carry them this year though, Remingtons are high quality, Herter's makes their own shell, but I've never tried them. I haven't seen Activ shells around lately-- I've heard good reviews of them, but had problems ejecting the brass-less hulls. Cabelas now has their own shell which is made by Federal. I like shooting Winchester shells. Xperts are the inexpensive load similar to Remingtons Sportsmen shells. The Xperts are not waterproofed like the Winchester Drylocks, nor are they plated steel... so don't get them wet or excessively damp. Drylocks cost a bit more, but are EXCELLENT shells. Winchester Supreme are the ultimate steel loads, but cost a pretty penny. Definitely a great load for shooting those thickly downed, fat, late-season mallards and geese.
ScottS told me that Mills Fleet Farm is having a great sale on shells... might be worth your while to check out!

Good Gunnin'...

Duck-o-holic

[Bryce]

Don't listen to anyones advice and try to forget all of your own previous experiences. With any new gun (even an identical model), you need to pattern the gun to see what it likes. May take many tries to find the right brand/shot size combination but if you put in the time, you will see greatly improved shooting ability.
Gullguide. I have seen you hunt Mud Lake by New London frequently. Maybe hear you shooting out there on Sunday. Hope to renew a tradition of doing the opening Sunday on Mud after a couple of years off.

[Borch]

In most cases the brand of shot shell has no impact on whether your gun will jam or not unless you are shooting significantly different loads. This is especially true when shooting steel loads. Some may carry a lighter payload but then shoot at much higher velocities as Gull Guide pointed out. Most jamming occurs from a dirty gun or worn/broken parts. On the 1100, you should clean it regularly(after each outing or weekend depending on conditions) including taking the stock off and cleaning the recoil assembly(at least once a season). If your still jamming you are most likely dealing with worn/broken parts. Likely, culprits are a broken ejector, worn/missing o-rings, recoil tension spring weakened or I also had a hairline crack on my bolt which caused intermittent jams.

As long as my 1100 is clean it performs flawlessly no matter what I shoot in it. Shot in a sporting clays league and even with the light target loads shot over 1000 rounds without a jam. Then at the end of the season intermittent jams(cracked bolt was the culprit). Consult a qualified gunsmith if you are unable to diagnose it.

Best of luck!

[Guest]

Borch-
I tend to disagree about your statement on the brand of shot shell will jam your gun or not. I have a Browning B-80 and I have never, ever had a Federal shell jam in my gun. The only shell that jams in my gun is Winchester (even on a clean gun). I don't know why, it just does. No matter what shot, size, etc. a Winchester shell will likely jam sometime. I have put some real cheap steel shells ($4 a box) and not had a problem. I stick with Federal.

[Borch]

CD,

Wouldn't be the first time I was wrong. But I've never heard of it before. Usually specific loads irregardless of manufacturer. But I suppose in some guns it might make a difference in how one manufacturer sizes(or doesn't) it's brass.

Good Luck!

[Guest]

Right on rvvrrat! My 870 wingmaster pump is the best gun I've ever owned. You can stick the barrel in the mud and keep on hunting, (Seems to be a problem for me.) switch chokes and barrels for upland game, put on a rifled barrel and use sabot slugs for deer hunting in Iowa. Gosh I sure do love the fall, too much to do and not enough time. I hope everybody has good luck this weekend.

[Guest]

My Benelli Nova likes Fiocchi's,Sellier & Belliot sporting clay loads did fine, but Federal's have not worked all that well. Go figure. Can't argue with results as they are/have been.The Nova is by far the best pumpgun out there, no question about it.

[rvvrrat]

This discussion reminds me why I stick to my 870's for swamp guns...never have jams no matter what shells I use.

Use a 20ga Browning semi for pheasants that is fussy as heck which shells were in it...only got Remington's to work consistently.

[Guest]

Fishchaser,

Have you seperated your sholder yet with your Benelli Nova? I have never shot a gun that kicked so hard. Apparently there is a recoil reducer made for it that alleviates the problem.

If you want a quality 3.5 capable gun, look at Browning's BPS.

[slick2526]

WINCHESTER! the only thing you will ever have to relie on.

[Wobbler]

I have to agree that WINCHESTER is the best shell. Sheel, lead, rifle!!!