troubleshooting

[Bruce Day]

I shoot Federals a lot. The problem is that the shotshells you are using are developing chamber pressures at maximum SAAMI pressures, around 11,000 psi. Coupled with the softer brass in Federal shells, you are getting shell head expansion that is pressing against the fixed standing breach and binding upon opening. Those shells were developed for use in semi automatics for assured cycling and actions that lengthen the recoil pulse.

If you feel compelled to shoot such heavy loads to kill pheasant, try another brand, like Winchester or Remington, that has harder brass.

I use Federal 12ga Game Loads in 1 1/8 oz 3 dram ( 1200fps)for pheasant, and I do a lot of wild pheasant hunting. I'm sure everyone has their favorite shells and loads. I do not favor heavy recoil loads. Although your gun will take it, maybe think about whether you really need it?

My usual pheasant gun is a 16 ga in either fluid steel, Damascus or Bernard, and I like the Federal Game Load 1 oz 2 1/2 dram load ( 1165fps). Just hit them in the head and those shells will perform well at up to 60 yards for full choke.