New Semi-automatic shotgun break-in advice

[Icypu]

I have just bought a new to me semi-automatic shotgun that works on the recoil principle with a free floating carrier. As a function check, I'd like to put some varieties of light and heavy loads to figure out what type of ammunition it will fire reliably.

Which type of loads should I buy to try it out? I already have 3" magnum slugs, so where would be the "light" and "middle" and average loads to test out.

[sleepur606]

If you have the owner's manual, see if it mentions anywhere what the minimum load is. If you don't have the manual, you can usually find them online. PDFs might be better because you can quickly search, using the search or "find" function, to locate "minimum" or "minimum load" in the manual.

Then, you'll have a base line to start from.

Which shotgun is it? If you don't mind me asking. You might get more help if you say what gun it is.

[BigDogatPlay]

Definitely see if you can check out an owner's manual. Some recoil operated shotguns (Browning A-5 and clones come to mind) need to have the friction rings properly set on the mag tube corresponding to the power of the ammo being fired.

Anything that is Browning or Remington you should be able to find manuals on line.

[bjl333]

I have just bought a new to me semi-automatic shotgun that works on the recoil principle with a free floating carrier. As a function check, I'd like to put some varieties of light and heavy loads to figure out what type of ammunition it will fire reliably.

Which type of loads should I buy to try it out? I already have 3" magnum slugs, so where would be the "light" and "middle" and average loads to test out.

Sounds like a Benellli Clean and oil the gun properly. As others have mentioned the owner's manual is definately a good place to start.

Have fun and be safe!!

[TheExpertish]

Usually when asking for advice on a new gun it helps to mention what kind of gun. Not all semi-auto's are the same. I know as guys most of us avoid manuals, but if you have questions they are the best place to start for sure.

[Icypu]

Yeah its at my dad's house and its old. The side of the gun says "H&K tactical" and it holds 7 rounds in the tube and one in the chamber. Other than telling me it is inertia operated, I can't locate the manual so sorry I don't have the details on it.

[wjc]

You should Google for "H&K tactical shotgun manual". It hit a link that I can't access. They may have the manual for your shotgun.

[perpetual otter]

HK tactical ? Benelli m1 right ?

[RaymondMillbrae]

Sounds like a Benelli.

You also need to stipulate HOW you are going to use it. (Home defense, competition, etc...). The latter will help determine the correct shotshell to use.

If for home defense only...then just make sure it cycles 00-Buck...and you will be fine. If you live on a ranch or farm, then employ a few slugs in there as well.

If for competition...well...that's a whole different story.

In Christ: Raymond

[Icypu]

Sounds like a Benelli.

You also need to stipulate HOW you are going to use it. (Home defense, competition, etc...). The latter will help determine the correct shotshell to use.

If for home defense only...then just make sure it cycles 00-Buck...and you will be fine. If you live on a ranch or farm, then employ a few slugs in there as well.

If for competition...well...that's a whole different story.

In Christ: Raymond

The shotgun says: HK Fabarm tactical. It's not a gas operator, and its lightweight and it isnt the same as the gas operated fabarm tactical 8. I still can't find the manual online.

I want it to use at the range as a fun gun for blasting clay pidgeons. To update I went to the farm and shot 5 rounds of Federal 3" rifle slug magnums and it worked 100%. I tried with some federal target load and it it would not cycle or it stovepiped. The stuff I remember was 3 dram 2.75" #8 or so it was like $7 at walmart. I spent double that and got some high brass Winchester super X #8, 3.25 dram and it was 80% successful. The stuff is like $15 a box.

I went to my LGS and they said, its the nature of the HK and I should expect to feed it the high brass stuff it likes.

What is the lowest end high brass stuff I should try to make it work when i take to the range?

[Thefeeder]

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Just so ya know... 3 1/4 dram is a heavy trarget/ light field load, not a full house 2 3/4 " load