870 Doesn't Like S&B

[Gary G23]

I finally found a load my 12ga 870 doesn't like. I've been experimenting with different ammo lately and bought two cases of Sellier & Bellot. The S&B has serious extraction problems in my gun. The last two days at the range have been very frustrating and I finally gave away the remaining ammo this afternoon.

 

[schapman43]

I've hear the aguilla mini slugs dont work well in the 870's either

 

[bpisler]

S&B buckshot worked fine in my 870
but don't pattern very well.15" at 15 yards with 4-5 flyers.

 

[VeT|Us]

Gary: We have the exact same problem.
My 870 will not cycle S&B, no matter what!
To get some shells out, I had to smack the butt of the gun on the ground, hard, while cycling the action. Ah well, better to find out it doesnt cycle some ammo on the range than at another, more stressfull time aye?

 

[ARGarrison]

Only have S&B Buckshot and slugs. Never had a problem with the buckshot, But the slugs
My brother and myself both got some S&B slugs at the same time. He used his first. Jamming his Mossbergs 500 action, much like VeTlUs stated. He got the shell out and didn't fire another. I have 20 rounds (4 boxes) that I have yet to think about using because of my brothers experiance.

 

[fix]

Same thing here about 4 months ago. I've also heard of problems in the Mossbergs. My Winny is the only thing I trust now. It has never failed me, with any load. My 870 has been demoted. It's my fun gun. The Winchester stays by the bed now. Just need to get a light for it.

 

[seeker_two]

A man went to the doctor. The doctor asked him, "What seems to be the problem?"

The man said, "It hurts when I do this." He then proceeded to hop on one foot.

The doctor looked at him & said, "Then don't do that."


If S&B doesn't work in your gun, don't use it in your gun. That doesn't mean you have a junk gun or that it's too unreliable to rely on. It just means that S&B ammo doesn't work in your gun. Use something else.


That'll be $50 dollars, please.....

 

[Mikul]

My 870 likes S&B #4 birdshot.

 

[sm]

Some ammo specs differnt than others. Find a known load that works and take the measurements. Length , dia, case head..

I know you folks have no plastic fouling in chamber - right? Some hulls are more condusive to this than others. While you were removeing the plastic fouling you also pipe cleaned the extractor and made sure it was clean and free to move.

Old rod with wisps of 0000 steel wool on a brush takes out the plastic fast...chucked in a drill s even faster and if rod is long enough , quickest way to clean a chamber and the whole bore.

Once in while if shell is too long this happens. Recall a 2 3/4" chamber is more than 2 3/4" - this is to allow for the length of the "fired hull". If hull to long / chamber too short, it will hang up in that area.
Even if the chamber is clean and dry...too long to properly extract...and we still may have those gases working aginst us as well.