Just picked up a 1957 Winchester Model 50 20g semi-auto shotgun [with Cutts' Compensator and Cutts Modified choke on end- and I kind of dig the weirdness.]
I have picked up a service manual to get insight into this shotgun, but it doesn't list anything regarding ammo selection.
It has a 2 3/4" chamber- so, obviously, no 3" shells.
However, what 'range' of speed/weight was this shotgun designed around?
I assume I shouldn't use anything faster than 1375fps, or heavier than 1 1/8oz.
But, is there a minimum speed and/or weight?
I know- test it. I will. However, I am in California and ammo selection/availability is being affected by new ammo laws. I don't want to wait forever to try something, and have it not work- but it be a known 'fail' speed/weight.
I am hoping that the 7/8oz loads from Winchester or Federal bulk target stuff will cycle it reliably- as they are cheap. [around 1200fps, I think?]
Second ammo-type question: For hunting where lead is not allowed, what type of shot is generally recommended for these older shotguns [remember- it has the Cutt's Compensator with modified choke attached].
This ammo question is also something that I am interested in for some older SxS shotguns- like LC Smith and Parker, as well as late 1940s FN made Auto-5 shotguns [modified choke].
All three have fixed choke barrels- as was the norm then.
I have been told to 'never use steel' by some, but others have said 'steel can be used if choke is Modified or more open, and shot size is 5 or smaller'.
Is there something that is really the cat's meow for these older classic field hunting 12g shotguns?
thank you for any insight
I have picked up a service manual to get insight into this shotgun, but it doesn't list anything regarding ammo selection.
It has a 2 3/4" chamber- so, obviously, no 3" shells.
However, what 'range' of speed/weight was this shotgun designed around?
I assume I shouldn't use anything faster than 1375fps, or heavier than 1 1/8oz.
But, is there a minimum speed and/or weight?
I know- test it. I will. However, I am in California and ammo selection/availability is being affected by new ammo laws. I don't want to wait forever to try something, and have it not work- but it be a known 'fail' speed/weight.
I am hoping that the 7/8oz loads from Winchester or Federal bulk target stuff will cycle it reliably- as they are cheap. [around 1200fps, I think?]
Second ammo-type question: For hunting where lead is not allowed, what type of shot is generally recommended for these older shotguns [remember- it has the Cutt's Compensator with modified choke attached].
This ammo question is also something that I am interested in for some older SxS shotguns- like LC Smith and Parker, as well as late 1940s FN made Auto-5 shotguns [modified choke].
All three have fixed choke barrels- as was the norm then.
I have been told to 'never use steel' by some, but others have said 'steel can be used if choke is Modified or more open, and shot size is 5 or smaller'.
Is there something that is really the cat's meow for these older classic field hunting 12g shotguns?
thank you for any insight