[blazer610]

I've never used the modern non-lead shot. I've been considering using Hevi Shot for some close range coyote hunting. My question is; will the tungsten shot damage the barrel of my 50's and 60's era Browning A-5's?

Thanks in advance,
Larry

[rcmodel]

Yes, it will damage your barrel!

Bismuth is the only non-lead shot safe to use in an older A-5.

Only the later Japan made A-5's with thicker muzzle steel and hardened choke tubes were rated for steel or tungston matrix shot.

This from Browning:
http://www.browning.com/customerservice/qna/detail.asp?id=128

rcmodel

[blazer610]

RC,

I appreciate the swift reply. I do have a Miroku produced A-5 barrel. However, it is not a screw in choke variety. It's a vent rib, improved cylinder variety. I assume that Hevi Shot is also contra-indicated in this barrel.

Thanks,
Larry

[rcmodel]

I don't know for sure, but it maybe would be O.K. in Jap Imp-Cyl barrel.

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

So my answer is, I don't know for sure!

rcmodel

[Virginian]

Hevi-Shot isn't all the same any more. Stuff changes so fast you have to keep up.
We have new softer lighter Hevi-Shot as well as the original. We have Dead-Coyote now too ! I am not saying it is safe in your gun, but the Imp Cyl choke makes everything a lot safer.
Kent tungsten matrix is okay, as it is a mix of tungsten and polymer with a hardness about like lead. It is a great performer, and it is also big $s.
You need to look on each manufacturer's site for the latest dope. I can't tell you about a Browning barrel, but the shot cups they use are major thick, and I have been banging everything, especially Hevi-Shot and Federal Tungsten Iron thru an early '70s era Remington full choke barrel with no ill effects whatsoever so far. It may develop a ring with the next shot, but I don't care, then I will have the excuse to go ahead and get it shortened and threaded for choke tubes.

[rcmodel]

Older Belgium Browning A-5 barrels were about half as thick at the muzzle as a 870 Remington.

Japan A-5 barrels are a lot thicker, heavier, and more 870'ish.

rcmodel

[ARTiger]

They now make something called "Classic Doubles" designed for older vintage guns . . .
http://www.hevishot.com/images/panels/classic_doubles/panel_classic_doubles.jpg

[mswestfall]

Try shooting a rifled slug with a I/C. No worries with that regardless of gun.

A slug will bring a coyote down with authority.

[batmann]

I don't think you can get Bismuth either. Too bad, it was the best non-toxic stuff, the closest to lead I have ever used.

[TAB]

Any barrel not proofed for steel( which is not to say that steel won't damage the barrel. Becuase it will) will be damaged by lead subsitutes. you can minamize this by not use mag loads.

[Virginian]

"Any barrel not proofed for steel( which is not to say that steel won't damage the barrel. Becuase it will) will be damaged by lead subsitutes. you can minamize this by not use mag loads."

This is totally incorrect. There are several lead substitutes, including the Classic Doubles Hevi-Shot noted above, that are specifically designed not to damage barrels not intended for steel shot.
I am very fond of tungsten matrix. Too bad the cost of that has gone thru the roof.

[TAB]

And hybrids are designed to get great gas milage... just becuase a manufactor say it will do something, does not mean it won't.