Old Gun Hot Loads

[wonder]

I've got a question for some of you seasoned Turkey Hunters.  Went out with my buddy last night to get our guns patterned.  Both guns are 870's but one is new and one is ancient.  My ancient gun's breach was opening up after using some of those Hot Turkey loads (#5 nickle plated 1345 fps I think) I just got from Wholesale Sports.  Did the same thing with some old #6's I reloaded myself for Chukar hunting.  This has never happened before.

A friend said I'd better keep a good eye on this because it obviously can't handle these pressures anymore.  I was hoping to talk to a gun smith but the only one I know Grumpy's doesn't open up for business until 4.  Anyone have a similar problem and obvious advice other than my gun is just too old and can't handle the load?

Good luck to you all on opening day!

[The Gobble-stopper]

Ive as well have an older 870, turkey loads and also steel shot will do the same thing you are talking about. Dont qoute me, but everytime you shoot, the guns action is released for opening and ejection of the shell. With the higher pressures, your action is helped along its way and pushes slightly back, instead of you having to start that action yourself. I have never had any problem with that. Of course the first few times it happened, I was worried. Just in case there is something going on, I would still check with a gun smith. Good luck

[Curly]

I used to have an old 870 that would do that.  I think it was just so well used that the action was sort of loose.  I could pump that thing and shoot faster than I could with a semi-auto.  I don't think it would hurt anything to shoot that gun with your Turkey loads....................   (don't go by my advice though, do what you think is right).

[wonder]

Thanks guys for the input

[Andrew]

Last season my ejector spring couldn't handle the recoil on my 870 and bent and sheared off...luckily I didn't need a follow up shot!  Then on my second bird my dad's SBE had issues with the cycling and the shell hung up in the port...again luck was on my side and no follow up shot needed.  It amazes me how tight the constriction is on a 12 ga. super full tube...mine has the sam I.D as a 16 ga. modified tube.

[wonder]

My gun is vintage 70's so it's seen a lot of rounds and I'm just figuring that it's wore out.  I guess I'll try some little loads for trap and see if it acts up too.  Didn't really want to buy a new guy to hunt turkeys or go thru major repair either.  It's sounding like the ol 870 has some limitations that a lot of you have been dealing with for some time. 

Best of luck to all of you on opening day.  I don't have a hunting partner so will have to wait until he can get out or venture out solo which I plan to do anyways, especially after all you start posting all these stories.    Geez, I need to retire and just hunt all the seasons and not worry about this work thing!  Not