Semi auto ammo test

Status
Not open for further replies.

z7

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2014
Messages
1,200
i have been knocking over rabbits, squirrel, Turkey, dove, duck, pig and deer with a shotgun for a long my time, but I just got a new semi auto shotgun and this is new to me. I am also going to Try out some 3 gun stuff

I know how to check a pistol to ensure proper function with a certain load, ie if it locks the slide to the rear, with an empty mag.

How do y’all test shotgun factory loads for reliable function in your semi autos?
 
Yes shoot em, yes “if they work” but it is tough to shoot 100rds of every type of ammo. Is there a way you evaluate ammo function without shooting a whole lot of that ammo, say shoot 5 or 10 of each vs 25
 
FWI, the Winchester bulk ammo is poor quality, won't function semi autos and frequently jams in pump guns. AAs and the field loads, perfect. Stay away from the bulk stuff or reserve it for single and double guns, better yet skip the Winchester bulk and use Estate brand.
 
For three gun I only use two or three different loads (one bird-shot load, one slug load and every once in awhile a match might call for some buckshot) so its pretty easy to test that and then stock it deep in the ammo that works. Also club level matches sort become a test venue sometimes if I am pretty sure it will work but want to make sure before a bigger match.

Hunting loads are tougher but I have found that more expensive hunting ammunition QC is usually better so I don't seem to run into issue as much. Its also usually a bit hotter/heavier and my semi auto shotgun seems to like it hotter/heavier than not.
 
FWI, the Winchester bulk ammo is poor quality, won't function semi autos and frequently jams in pump guns. AAs and the field loads, perfect. Stay away from the bulk stuff or reserve it for single and double guns, better yet skip the Winchester bulk and use Estate brand.

Saying it won’t function in semi-autos is a little ambitious. I have eleven semi’s and the Winchester’s don’t function well in four of them, they run fine in the others. But it is true they are the shells most likely to malfunction in a shotgun, at least IMO. I won’t use them. I did for about six months in 2012 when my local Academy had them for $15.00 a flat. I’d rather shoot less frequently now than use them.
 
OK, fair enough. Won't function in any of MY semi autos, won't function satisfactorily in any of MY pump guns and stick in most of MY single shot and double guns. Your results may vary, but not likely. Better? :)
 
Yes, shoot them. I also learned in 3 gun that more care should be taken to clean a mossberg 930 JM Pro than for a remington 870.
 
Yes, shoot them. I also learned in 3 gun that more care should be taken to clean a mossberg 930 JM Pro than for a remington 870.
yeah i can imagine, I don't remember the last time i "cleaned" my 870, years ago I put some krylon on it to help hide from Gobblers in the spring so no external surfaces are exposed. i have sprayed it down with rem oil a few times but that is about it. I am pretty sure that 870 will still be functioning when I am dust.
 
"...know how to check a pistol..." Why do you think a shotgun is any different? The only difference is that you need to pattern a shotgun too. Just like you need to sight in a pistol.
 
I wasn’t able to run any birdshot today but 30 Rds of slugs and various buckshot went well, no issues, proper function and nice pattens of some of the buckshot,
 
Final update, I ran 100 rds of birdshot through it today on a sporting clays trip, 60 federal Walmart special, 25 estate Walmart special and 15 old Winchester Walmart specials, it ate through all of them with no problem, so now I need to clean it and buy more shells
 
Which semi-auto? Gas operated guns and recoil operated guns have different quirks. Some ammo that works fine in one might give problems in the other.

Many won't work with very low powered shells. Not enough power to cycle the action.
 
It’s a moss berg 930 jm pro,

I have put two types of slugs 3 types of buckshot and 3 types of birdshot through it with no issues. The cheap Walmart federal is what I will mainly Use
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top