heavier 12 gauge trap loads

safehunter

safehunter

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I'm using a Auto5 Magnum which doesn't cycle trap loads - it was never designed to. However I'd like to practise with this gun as much as possible. I'm contemplating rolling my own as I haven't found affordable factory trap loads that cycle the gun reliably, regardless of how much I grease up the friction system.

Are there powders that put out hunting load recoil at trap load costs? I've reloaded rifle, but I haven't reloaded shotshell.

Thanks in advance
 
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As you stated the A5 wasn't designed to shoot trap loads.. Fella on my team shoots one can't for doubles.. Likes field loads.. In my opinion loading is probably gonna be rich.. I only load for my black powder cartridge 20 ga because I have to... Other than that I buy... There's lots of playing around making the gun pattern right if your loading.. Btw they are beautiful guns
Leroy
 
I agree with Maynard that you should try some challenger handicap loads. Through my Browning gold hunter they eject considerably farther than the standard federal loads.
 
The Browning Auto 5 is adjusted for trap or field loads by the arrangement of the friction rings on the recoil spring under the fore-end. Download the operator manual for the Auto 5 and follow the directions.
The 12 Magnum can be used without one of the friction rings for light loads. This info also found in the Browning Auto 5 user manual. If you Wikipedia the Auto 5 look for the link to the user manual.

My dad had an FN sweet-sixteen which we kept adjusted for field loads. That shotgun shot slugs like a rifle and hammered game with shot.

270 totheend
 
Could be an obvious question, or not, but have you swapped your recoil system for low recoil shells? I know it's possible with the magnum Auto-5's but I'm only familiar with the standard 2.75" ones. For mine I just move one of the friction rings from the top of the recoil spring to the bottom.

This is assuming it's one of the original Auto-5's and not one of the modern A5's which use the Benelli inertia action.

I remember buying some 2.75" field loads meant for rabbit and pheasant to cycle a stiff tactical semi I had a couple years ago. Worked like a charm and it was only a couple dollars more per box than trap/sleet loads; also gave me decent high-brass hulls for reloading.
 
The Winchester AA tracker shells are about as heavy a load as you can shoot at most clay ranges. They are 1 1/8oz, 3 1/4dram and are definitely hotter in the recoil department than your average target load. They are a bit pricey- but decide on how much practice you need and decide if it is cheaper to modify the gun for lighter loads or keep it so it is good for hunting.

Good luck!
 
You might try Kent FITASC loads, 1oz at 1450 fps. Seem to have more recoil than the Challenger Handicap.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try the Kent and challenger shells and report back. The Aa tracker at $15/box is too rich, I'd be better off loading my own.

I bought this a5 used. It only came with one friction ring. It's cycling as low power as it's going to go.

I have found the manual online. That's where it states that it won't cycle light loads. I only use the one friction ring - which is the minimum, running without the rings isn't recommended as it can damage the groove on the barrel the ring fits into. I'm not familiar with the light 12 a5s but I can tell you the recoil spring on the magnum is a monster.
 
Check out the bulk packs at walmart/can-tire. They come in various shot sizes. Should work.

IMG_3587.jpg
 
After a disassemble and cleaning I tried a case of the challenger high velocity handicap trap loads. It's possible I under lubed the lifter but they were a complete jam fest. I may try again to see if I was running the a5 too dry but first results were less then promising. My bud I was with was using a sx3 and also had lots of issues.
 
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