Heavy Load Shotgun Shells

[Jman]

I shoot an older Remington Model 11, semi automatic, 2-3/4" 12 guage. It has a 30" full choke barrel. I understand that I cannot shoot steel shot due to damaging the choke/barrel. Can I shoot the new "Heavy Load" shells through this older barrel? Remington produces a 2-3/4" shell ( 5 shot ) that sells at Wal-Mart for $20.00 a box ( 1 box = 10 shells). Very pricy but allegedly great performance.
Any comments welcome.

[GSP]

I have 2 Model 11's. I have shot plenty of heavy loads through mine.

Lead shot that is.

[Flintlock54]

I think you would be Ok if you used #5's in lead. That's all I have ever used.

[ez]

i have an older model 870......1970's and shoot the heavy loads only w/lead shot.........i think you will get more accuracy with lead then with steel and the lead shot will give you better knock down power and less barrel wear..........i have also tried remington vs winchester and have had better luck with the winchester loads #5...........ez

[Multidigits]

First of all, what your asking about is the Hevi-shot Remington ammo. It's a hard shot, that doesn't deform like lead. You could use these, but you need a choke of about .675 constriction. That's what Remington uses for this load. Your gun doesn't have removable choke tubes, so that's a problem. Your either regulated to standard lead loads or you'll need to have it drill and tapped for tubes.

As far as the Hevi-Shot turkey loads, These are awesome turkey loads and offer great penatration. They DON'T pattern well with very tight chokes.

As far as steel, you can shoot steel, but you don't want any choke or very little choke. Seldom do you want anything tighter than Imp. Cyl., but you could probably use a modified OK. Without interchangable tubes, the advice you got wwas probably good.

[Jman]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for your input. The shells that I currently use are the 2-3/4" magnum (6 shot). They are lead and Multidigits you are correct, the new Remington shells I've been desiring are a "harder than lead" shot. You answered my question. Shooting those through the standard full choke is out. I don't think I'll pursue having my barrel tapped and tubed. I'll stick with what works consistently at 40 yards and under.

I apologize for the double posting fellows. Keyboard error!

[BowNewby]

If you search the net for hevishot you will find the site sponcered by the company that makes the shot itself. At this site is does report that hevishot has been shot through all the remington choke tubes. You can shoot it through your current setup. However, you wont get results advertised for those loads. I have even shot the hevishot through the ventilator remington turkey choke but had a very poor pattern. Not worth speding 20.00 dollars a box on. So you would be better off using what you have been using.

[Multidigits]

I disagree. The stuft is great. BUT you have to know it's different than lead. Remington makes achoke that will shoot it fine. Other companys(if asked) will tell you what works in their guns the best when using this shot. Most of the time it's a Imp. Mod. or a Factory Full--NOT SUPER FULL OR TURKEY CHOKES.

The advantages are that you can use a smaller size shot(meaning more projectiles out the bore) and retain the range and penatration the same as if you were using a size or two larger. IF you decide to use 4's for example, your killing range would be at least 15 yards further than lead 4's. These are easy 50 yard loads and probably will kill a lot further, not that I'm advocating it.

As you say, Hevi-shot owns the pattent, but have sold rights to others-including Remington. I've shot the Hevi-shot brand and Remington. The Remingtons are best.

[Jman]

I finally made contact with someone at Remington via email. I was advised by them to NOT use the "Heavishot" in my current set up. I'm sure they have liability concerns to some extent and if ever in doubt, will advise against the use of it. Nevertheless, to me it's not worth taking the risk of damaging an irreplacable (sentimentally)third generation shotgun. I'll stick with my lead, 2-3/4" magnum #5's or #6's. I'll just have to get better at calling them in within that 40 yard range!