2 3/4 crimp (who has the shortest it gets stuck in my old semi-auto)

[cowboycraig]

In my 1954 JC Higgins shotgun chambered for 2 3/4 finding that some shells after being shot have crimps up front that flair out too far and jam things up. Sometimes the action cannot kick them out. Maybe 5 out of 25.

This is only with some shells. Finding that Kent's do OK.

Does anyone know of shells that have the least flair out? Another question is did shells used to flair out less? Can this be gotten around hand loading?

Thanks!
Craig

[huntingfool7]

Rio and Federal Gold Medals are longest.
Kent and Fiocchi are in the middle.
Winchester is shortest.

[nickhunter9]

A little 400 grit sandpaper around the rough edges smooths it out 

[cowboycraig]

A little 400 grit sandpaper around the rough edges smooths it out 

Good idea, I didn't think of that. Also the shotgun we re-finished and might have a buildup there.

[cowboycraig]

Rio and Federal Gold Medals are longest.
Kent and Fiocchi are in the middle.
Winchester is shortest.

Thanks! Rio and Federal totally jammed up. Kent works 95% of the time... off to get some Winchester!   

[lokidog]

I would also make sure your bolt is moving backward freely as if it is sticking/slow it might not be able to flick the open shell past the chamber opening.  Also check that the extractor is in good shape.

A big oops once... I had shells that would not eject all the way out of my 870 when I would fire one round and try to clear it into my hand, but when fired rapidly would shuck out with just a tiny amount of sticking.  Turned out I had accidentally bought 3" shells the night before my duck hunting trip and I had a 2 3/4 slot in the side of the action.  Luckily, I did not damage the gun or myself and traded shells with my buddy.

[cowboycraig]

I would also make sure your bolt is moving backward freely as if it is sticking/slow it might not be able to flick the open shell past the chamber opening.  Also check that the extractor is in good shape.

A big oops once... I had shells that would not eject all the way out of my 870 when I would fire one round and try to clear it into my hand, but when fired rapidly would shuck out with just a tiny amount of sticking.  Turned out I had accidentally bought 3" shells the night before my duck hunting trip and I had a 2 3/4 slot in the side of the action.  Luckily, I did not damage the gun or myself and traded shells with my buddy.

Thanks. There is actually an adjustment on gas piston for different types of ammo. Supposedly tighter is for more powerful ammo, and looser for looser. Might give it a little tuning. Kind of a pain in the ass. Think my next shotgun is a pump

[h2ofowlr]

Good for you for trying, but by the time your done monkeying around with all the shell options, you could have replaced that shotgun with a Remington 870 or other model.  Just speaking from experience.  I picked up a similar one years ago for cheap and it lasted about a week, before someone else was a proud owner of it.   

[CP]

Auto loader technology has come a long ways in the last 60 years; they can now reliably cycle anything and everything that you feed them.  No need to revert to a pump or tinker with gas settings, friction rings or play around with ammo brands.

[cowboycraig]

Good for you for trying, but by the time your done monkeying around with all the shell options, you could have replaced that shotgun with a Remington 870 or other model.  Just speaking from experience.  I picked up a similar one years ago for cheap and it lasted about a week, before someone else was a proud owner of it.   

I agree 100%. After this season (or maybe before it is over) getting a Winchesters SXP Pump.

[lokidog]

If you like shooting those 3 1/2" shells, I would consider an autoloader.  I have a 3 1/2" Nova that has a long stroke to it.

[cowboycraig]

If you like shooting those 3 1/2" shells, I would consider an autoloader.  I have a 3 1/2" Nova that has a long stroke to it.

The standard Nova, not the Super Nova? Think the Nova is "good enough" compared to the Super Nova?

[Special T]

To improve your pattern and the ability to eject your shells put some ATF down the barrel. Then take a piece a scotch bright pad and feed it through your patch holder on your cleaning rod. Hone the inside of the barrel receiver with a drill using your scotch bright pad cleaning rod. Done it on my shotguns and they eject and shoot great!

[lokidog]

I don't know what the difference is, I have had this gun since 2002 or 2003 and just had the first problem last week (just posted the issue).  My biggest complaint is that when I used it for turkey hunting, it is pretty rattly in the forend.  A little moleskin on each side inside quieted that down though.  If you are going to use it for turkey or other upland birds, I would suggest the shorter barrel though (26?).

The Super Novas seem to have an issue with the trigger sticking with hard recoil, which is what just happened to my Nova.  I have shot turkey loads before and not had a problem though and we know those kick more than duck/goose loads.   

[CP]

The difference between the Nova and the Supernova is the stock.  The SN has the comfortech (sp?)  stock which cuts down on felt recoil.  It also comes with the shim kit to adjust LOP, cast and drop.  A well fitting shotgun makes all the difference ..

[curtdiesel]

CP thanks for the insight.  I assumed the difference was similar to the Super Vinci and Vinci and was surprised to find out that the nova has an action that can handle 3.5" shells and the comfort tech stock is the difference.

[cowboycraig]

In the end got a Nova and the Higgins just gets used for trap now and then.
Thanks for all the advice.