Auto-5 / steel shot

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Charger426

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Hi all, new to The High Road.
I recently acquired a mid 60's Auto 5 Magnum with 2 barrels, both Belgian made.
One is about 30" vent rib with full choke.
Other is 28" vent rib mod choke.
I understand steel shot is not advised in these barrels. 3" lead shot loads are hard to come by in my area - central Ontario.
However, I have been able to find some copper or nickle plated lead shot.
Would either of these plated lead shots be safe to use in either of these barrels?
Thanks in advance
 
This was on Browning's website:


3. DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS:

The Belgian-made A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all other models not listed in category 1 or 2. Note: Belgian Auto-5 barrels are interchangeable with the new Invector barrels which are made in Japan. With this new Invector barrel installed on the Belgian-made Auto-5 receiver, steel shot loads can be used.

So my guess is steel shot is out unless you have the Japanese made barrels. Plated shot is coated lead shot to prevent soft lead from deforming from heat and pressure in the shell when firing. The very soft metals using in the plating is softer than steel. So I would not be worried using it in an A-5.
 
But why are you asking about 3" shells? I do not believe those guns were made with 3" chambers.
 
Yes, the Auto -5 magnum is strictly 3" shells.
It won't cycle with 2 3/4 " shells.
Although I've heard you can manipulate the friction rings and it may work with higher velocity 2 3/4" shells . Results are inconsistent however.
 
Yes, the Auto -5 magnum is strictly 3" shells.
It won't cycle with 2 3/4 " shells.
Although I've heard you can manipulate the friction rings and it may work with higher velocity 2 3/4" shells . Results are inconsistent however.

It most certainly will! You merely have to set the friction rings correctly. DO NOT (and this is where many mess up) fire 3" Magnums in it with the rings not set properly, it will crack the forend very quickly. Perhaps your results were inconsistent. Anyone who has actually read the directions has had no problems. You probably won't get 7/8 oz. Skeet loads to function, but a 3 dram 1 1/8 oz. load will function the action with boring regularity when set right.
 
To clarify I haven't tried manipulating the friction rings. I have only heard of doing this with the inconsistent results.
This is why I am seeking information here.
The knowledge and experience from the resident experts is undeniable.
I will look into the proper set up and try it myself, hopefully with positive results.
I appreciate all the feedback.
 
Don't shoot steel through a full choke, plated or otherwise. Steel shot won’t compress like lead, and will bulge your barrel.

Browning says steel is only safe in Japanese barrels with Invector chokes. But our friends is Europe have been forced to shoot steel for some time, and report no damage in barrels choked modified or less.
 
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