HV loads in shotguns

[beefyz]

Hi. Got lucky over the Holidays and got something I've always wanted to own; a Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen. I've noticed that there's some "HV" loads now out there, "sonic" > 1,400fps. I was curious if some of these could be run through some of our shotguns. Called Browning and got a very nice discussion. While not giving me a flat out NO, the rep explained that my 1961 was built for the ammo of the day and some of the HV & + that did not exist. Why would I want to take a chance with a classic like mine and even older shotguns ? They don't make barrels for it any longer and parts are getting harder to find. And of course the # 1 concern; possibility of serious injury. I am just curious; never had to think about this issue.
Have any of yous ever used this HV ammo? Fiocchi has one that makes 1,1300, Federal has one over 1,400. I believe Remington & Winchester go there also. Not trying to justify it, I didn't intend to use a steady diet of these, just the occasional 2nd shot. But then again, all it takes is just 1 to have a "bad day". Thoughts...........

 

[I6turbo]

Based upon my own shotgunning experience, which includes hundreds of pattern tests, a LOT of wingshooting, and a LOT of different 12 and 20 gauge loads with muzzle velocity from very low to pretty high, I haven't found a legitimate benefit to HV shotgun loads. I found that, in most cases, a properly selected moderate-to-low velocity load (which may include a little more shot and a little less MV) will outperform the HV loads.

 

[jmr40]

I'm not a big wing or clays shooter. But I do turkey hunt and can share my experience. I've seen enough to figure out that a 20 ga, (with the right shells) is a legitimate turkey gun. And since my turkey hunting can involve walking as much as 10 miles in a day and often in rugged terrain a lightweight 20 was appealing. I ended up with one of the 870 youth guns with a 21" barrel that weighs next to nothing.

But I had a heck of a time finding shells that gave me patterns I liked even with aftermarket turkey tubes. Anything over 20-25 yards and the pattern was too thin to feel good about making hits. I tried a variety of 3" shells and shot sizes without finding anything I liked and eventually went back to my 12.

I didn't hunt with the 20 for 2-3 years before deciding to try again. All of the other shells I tried were running close to 1200 fps. I picked up a box advertised at 1000 fps. Same shot size, same manufacturer, but the difference in the pattern was dramatic. With that load I'd feel good to about a 35-40 yard shot.

They make some shells advertised to be effective out to 60-70 yards. But those break down to $12-$18 every time you pull the trigger. I don't want a turkey that bad. I'll just get a little closer or let it go.

 

[Boattale]

Pattern > velocity

 

[243winxb]

High velocity deforms soft lead pellets, making larger patterns. Plated shot & plastic buffer, makes tight patterns.
Recoil operated gun= more felt recoil. To me.

Shotguns are low pressure. Slow burn rate powders are used to get the higher velocity. I dont see an issue.

 

[Rudolph31]

Congratulations on your new to you Sweet Sixteen. I don’t see any reason not to shoot heavy loads in it if it is set up right.

First, before you shoot it at all, make sure the friction pieces are all present and in the correct alignment. The Steel Friction Ring goes flat side to the recoil spring, whether it’s in its storage spot by the receiver or atop the recoil spring for heavy loads. The Bronze Friction Piece goes on bevel up so it can mate with the corresponding bevel in the barrel ring. (I have diagrams of this but Imgur isn’t cooperating.) I’d suggest setting up a newly purchased gun for heavy loads the first time out, even with target shells. The friction pieces, recoil, and action springs may all be worn out.

And before you go to those HV shells, replace those springs and friction pieces. They’re available brand new from MGW.

To get to the Action Spring you’ll need a set of Browning screwdrivers, as the slots on those screws are incredibly thin. But you’ll only need to remove 2 screws to get the stock off. Step by step disassembly procedures can be found here:

https://www.shotgunworld.com/threads/browning-a5-disassembly.261840/

And the parts are available here:

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/A5RBD16

 

[Jenrick]

I might recommend this thread: HD/SD Patterning test | The High Road

Scroll down to the Hornady Light Magnum and compare it to the TAP shell which is the next set of pictures. Identical wads and pellets, just vastly different powder charges (1600 fps vs 1100).

 

[Seedy Character]

I do a lot of goose and turkey hunting. I have found factory loads @1500 fps and steel up to 1700 fps. The difference is in use an 870 Wingmaster pump. In my 1100, i stick with heavy field loads @1330 fps or less.

Steel shot needs the initial velocity, at is not as dense as lead and loses energy (velocity) quickly. To make up the difference, steel requires LARGER shot (thinner pattern) or higher velocity.

Not a Sweet 16, but close; I have my Granddad's Remington 11 16ga. I use it only with field loads in it.

 

[PapaG]

Interestingly, faster loads lose speed quicker than some that start out a little slower. I've not shot much steel. That's what finally got me out of the duck blind, but I've done just fine on turkey, dove, pheasant, quail, rabbit and squirrel with 1200-1250 fps lead loads.