browning auto 5 . What shells can i shoot?

zedex

zedex

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I was given an old auto 5 and am wondering what type of ammo i can shoot in it since everything has changed over to steel shot. Do i have to do anything to the gun? I will only shoot this gun(at clays) maybe once a year then it goes back in the safe. Not into shotguns really. :(
 
If its old , its most likely a full choke gun. If so no worries of shooting steel up to #4 , maybe #3 . And lead is as always shoot what you got :D
The steel is just for ducks and geese anyway, for the range you only need lead anyway. If you get into hunting, there are other options other than steel in big shot that will not harm the barrel of your gun.
Frank
 
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The only thing I can add to to "what the man in great taste for chew" (I am assuming) is go with a little heavier load. Sometimes the cheap #7 club target stuff wont cycle worth a damn. Never had a problem with 5 or larger though. Plus that was before I took it all apart and cleaned it all up too. My auto 5 has a five digit # and was made around 1945 IIRC, and the crud that was in the action and spring was astoningshing, dont think it had been touched in decades.

ETA:One more thing I wouldn't put steel shot through my humpie, if I bought a new barrel maybe, but for now shes stricly lead.
 
Thanks Roy. This gun is 6 digits and has a hell of alot of little symbols and things stamped all over the barrel. I have had it apart and its very clean. I think i will use the heavier load as you suggest because if i recall it didnt cycle well last time i tried it. I remember as a kid my dad saying that his reloads worked better than bought shells but didnt mean much to me at about 10 years old. I believe the gun is a little picky what it eats.
 
I believe that browning states that the Belgium made brownings are NOT safe for steel shot, (regardless of choke or shot size), due to the relative softness of the barrel. I think the Japanese ones are fine, providing the are suitably choked.
If anyone has other information, feel free to correct me.
 
Auto 5

Strongly advise that you do not shoot steel in your Auto 5 if it is a Belgium made gun as Browning advises not to. Shooting steel in the Japanese made guns is fine.

Regardless of the shot size I'll personally never put steel shot through a full choked gun. Too much potential for a split or bulged barrel or worse especially if your like me and carry several different shot sizes.

With lead shot mine digests everything. I have a 1964 A5 with a 28" full choked barrel that has become my trap gun. Sold my BT-99 as I do better with the A-5 ...... go figure.

REM3200
 
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If it's a Belgian-made Auto 5 Browning recommends against using steel shot.

http://www.browning.com/faq/detail.asp?ID=128

Q. Can I shoot steel shot in my Browning shotgun?

A. All current Browning shotguns with the Invector or Invector-Plus choke tube system are fully steel shot compatible with current factory loads. However, there are limitations to the compatibility of many older Browning shotguns with conventionally choked barrels. In certain models, shooting steel shot may cause a slight "ringe bulge" just inches behind the muzzle. The damage to your gun is purely cosmetic, but the "bulge" can be a factor in resale, especially with collector-grade shotguns.

Accordingly, our recommendations concerning the use of steel shot in Browning shotguns is as follows:

1. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS: All Browning shotguns with the Invector choke or Invector-Plus tube systems, However, we do not recommend the use of Invector full or extra full chokes with steel shot. They pattern too tightly, and sometimes result in a "blown" pattern.

2. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS EXCEPT THOSE WITH T, F, BB AND BBB SIZE SHOT: The B-2000 and B-80 shotguns with conventional chokes (Non-Invector)

3. DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS: The Belgian-made A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all other models not listed in category 1 or 2. Note: Belgian Auto-5 barrels are interchangeable with the new Invector barrels which are made in Japan. With this new Invector barrel installed on the Belgian-made Auto-5 receiver, steel shot loads can be used.

DAMAGE: In not all, but a number of instances a very slight ring will develop about 1 1/2" to 3" rearward of the muzzle. This ring is about .005 of an inch above the plane of the barrel, completely encircling the barrel. From our tests we could determine no adverse effect on pattern or shot velocity because of this ring. Our conclusion is that the most significant objection, the slight ring, is entirely cosmetic. This "ring" effect does not affect the function or safety of the firearm.

YEAR OF PRODUCTION: Nearly all Browning firearms manufactured after 1975 have two letters in the serial number. The two letters indicate the year of manufacture: M=0, Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9.

FUTURE: Obviously, we have no control over the ammunition companies and the loads they will produce in the future. So, if in doubt, please check with us or the ammunition company before using new loads in your shotgun. ​
 
If you are going to shoot clays occasionally, get a flat of lead loaded shells and be done with it. There is no reason to even think of using steel.
 
For clays, no need for steel. Unless you have a Magnum model (3" chamber) then any light load can be made to work. Set the friction rings correctly, and alter the amount of oil on the mag tube if necessary. Only use enough oil to get it to cycle; you don't want things crashing into the receiver. 'Feel' for a smooth push, rather than a harsh jolt.

Best way to clean out the action is with spray brake cleaner. Hose it out, let all the crud flow out the barrel opening, and relube lightly.
 
Great tips. Thanks guys. This is an older belgian FN model so lead it is. I was under the impression that lead shot was no longer available and steel shot was now the norm. Shows my ignorence towards shotguns.

learn something new every day.
 
A5

I bought one of these guns to use for sporting clays, but found out that target loads aren't strong enough to cycle the rounds, a club member told me that I would have to go to a heavy load to make it work, another member told me to take the gun to a smith and have the "spring" modified, is this true and what is it I'm looking to buy ammo wise, or is this not an option at all for sporting clays:confused: thanks for helping
 
Is it a 2 3/4" or a 3"?

If it's a 3"er then you will have to make sure the gas rings are installed the correct way around, else it won't cycle the 2 3/4" shells.

RePete.
 
RePete said:
Is it a 2 3/4" or a 3"?

If it's a 3"er then you will have to make sure the gas rings are installed the correct way around, else it won't cycle the 2 3/4" shells.

RePete.
Click to expand...

The thought is correct but the term is wrong. FRICTION rings, not gas.
 
friction rings

I've got a Humpie too and I found and downloaded the owners manual online...

If is doesn't cycle properly you can change the recoil spring and friction ring configuration for different loads so you can use lighter or heavier without any problems.
 
If you want to shoot steel have the barrel opened to a modified choke.I have an Belg made auto 5 built in 1957 and had the choke opened to mod and have been shooting steel through it for 4 years and have no problems with it.Browning dosen't want you shooting the steel in a full choke barrel in the older guns.
 
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