Weatherby SA-09

[mausercat]

I used this drill bit set to make sure that I only used a drill that was slightly bigger than the existing gas port hole. I siggest that you drill just one or two sizes at a time until you get your shotgun to work reliably.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078JDNW4V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[CJJohn]

I used this drill bit set to make sure that I only used a drill that was slightly bigger than the existing gas port hole. I siggest that you drill just one or two sizes at a time until you get your shotgun to work reliably.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That is exactly my plan. I'm only going to open one port up at a time until it functions reliably. My concern is the barrel is chrome lined, so I'm kind of worried about breaking off a drill bit. Was the bore of the barrel you did chrome?

[mausercat]

I am pretty sure it is not chrome lined, but I did talk to someone who did the same thing on his RIA VR80 and had no trouble, and I think that they are chrome lined.

[AAR]

I took a look at the Weatherby website, and no where does it mention that hot loads are required, but apparently, they are.

The manual talks about light load and heavy load pistons, but has no specification difference on the ammo requirement for each piston.

I'm not sure what your manual says, but the current manual says the minimum requirement is a 1300 FPS 1 1/8 (12 gauge) or 7/8 (20 gauge).

Does that mean 1300 FPS 1 1/8 are light loads? No one thinks that is a light load.

If it's buried in the manual, how are you supposed to know all this before you buy it. What a load of crap. I'd be pissed if the sales person didn't tell me this first.

Thanks for asking the initial question, I'm glad I learned this.

I've thought of getting these for our RMEF fundraiser over the past few years, but now I know to stay away from them.

[ATTACH]1113818[/ATTACH]

That's the minimum for heavy loads, I believe. I broke mine in with 100 rounds of 1 1/8 oz at 1300 fps with heavy piston installed. First 50 rounds locked the bolt open but did not eject the shell. The next 50 were flawless. Afterwards, I've cycled 1 oz loads at 1145 fps using the light load piston with no problem.

[AAR]

Give Weatherby a call, they have good customer service. I wouldn't be surprised if they take care of it past the five year warranty period.