I recently acquired a 37 in 16 gauge of 71 vintage with a modified barrel. This past sunday I patterned 3 different loads through this gun. One lead , one steel, and one non-toxic. The lead load is fioochi golden pheasant, the steel load is from Sporting Ammo, and the non-toxic is a load from Nice shot. All three loads gave respectable patterns. The problem is with the amount of force to eject the empties. The Nice load was no problem but the other two required a little force to eject the empties. This is the first pump that I've ever owned as I've shot semis all my life so this shucking is a new deal for me. So is the problem load specific or gun related?

Thanks Lon

grassfarmer wrote:I recently acquired a 37 in 16 gauge of 71 vintage with a modified barrel. This past sunday I patterned 3 different loads through this gun. One lead , one steel, and one non-toxic. The lead load is fioochi golden pheasant, the steel load is from Sporting Ammo, and the non-toxic is a load from Nice shot. All three loads gave respectable patterns. The problem is with the amount of force to eject the empties. The Nice load was no problem but the other two required a little force to eject the empties. This is the first pump that I've ever owned as I've shot semis all my life so this shucking is a new deal for me. So is the problem load specific or gun related?

Thanks Lon

I can think of probably two dozen reasons why this would happen, so let's start with the obvious ones first.

I don't know much about Nice Shot, but I do know that Fiocchi and all steel loads are higher pressure loads. What that means is that when you detonate the powder, more pressure will be applied to the brass and the hulls than a standard load. This will, of course, force the hull and the brass into and against the chamber with more force. The first thing I would do is inspect the spent shells for any kind of scratches, dents, splits, bulges, etc. These are signs of a problem with the chamber itself. There could be a gouge or a scrape or unusual wear, causing the chamber to go out of spec. Anything other than a round shell with a nice smooth surface. Also, inspect the chamber carefully for any signs of excessive fouling. Dirt, gunk, oxidized oil and grease, powder, you name it can foul the chamber so that it would make extraction more difficult due to resistance. Most people forget to really clean the chamber, but that is very important, too. It should be smooth and slick and clean to help facilitate smooth and easy extraction. Also it is just as important to keep your shells clean, too. dirt can scratch and harm a chamber as the pressures of shooting can imbed foreign particles into the chamber walls.
A good thorough cleaning of the chamber should be in order.

ANyway, check these first before doing anything else. These are the obvious ones

Ravengunsmith

Thanks. When I get time I''ll check those things out.

Lon