Beretta A303 starting to jam

[Jhoss]

Hi Guys,
I could use some advice. My favorite sporting clays gun is starting to jam after about 40 rounds (Rio, 1 1/8oz 8's). I've been out twice in the last month. The gun was cleaned before each round of clays. Getting to the end of the course (both times) and jam-o-matic appears.
I've had this gun since the mid to late 80's. I've shot this gun a lot with all kinds of ammo from 1 oz to mega hunting rounds for geese. It's getting older just like the guy pulling the trigger. Short of pulling out the recoil spring in the stock for cleaning (tube and spring) and cleaning the magazine tube, which I will do because I've got to go kick the boss's azz tomorrow, I can't think of what has "shook loose" in my beloved Beretta. Any advice?
Jhoss

 

[oneounceload]

First make sure the ports are clean.
After that, you might need to not clean the recoil spring but replace it. It should be replaced about every 5000 rounds or so.

 

[JAshley73]

How is it jamming? Won't eject, of won't feed the next round?

Mine has only hung up about twice over the last 1500 rounds. When shooting doubles, the 2nd shell would get caught by the by it's nose on the face of the chamber and wouldn't feed in any further. Pulling the bolt back just a smidge freed things up and the shell would go ahead and load.

Is it doing this, or not kicking the shells out?

 

[Jhoss]

Failure to eject

Ports are clean, recoil spring ain't that old. It's on number 2. Update: I was out today (shooting), 1 fte in 75 rounds. Not bad, could've been the gun wasn't held tight to shoulder and recoil was ineffective. Shooting rem. STS, 3 dram. And 1 box of Rios 2 3/4 dram. Question 1: you know the tiny tiny little stake out on the end of the mag tube? The guy is sticking out a bit and leaving drag marks on the black outer tube that floats on the golden mag tube. I'm thinking about filing that down to flush. Any body seen this? Thanks for the input.

Question 2: Ever feel out gunned by all the O/U's out there? I did hit some 50 meter birds without changing chokes (a couple tries to do so). IC choke.

Jhoss

 

[oneounceload]

If it is sticking out, have you tried to see if it needs to go back in? I am not totally familiar with the 303, but standard ammo like you are shooting should be good to go. A friend had a similar issue with an A400 and that was causing his FTF/FTE

 

[Jhoss]

magazine tube cap with shaft

It is the head of the locking spring that holds tight the magazine tube cap with shaft. I will see about pressing it in with some ice pick type tool. It's gotta be the problem. Just shook out of position after all these years maybe. But man, internet searches turn up a lot of the same...drill ports out larger etc. I'm not so sure as I can remember churning thru lots of gun club type ammo in years gone by. Sure do appreciate the help here guys. Thanks.

 

[Jhoss]

100 rounds past weekend

No problems. I little clp on the tube and rails seems to be the ticket.

 

[slickracer]

2 of my happiest days were when I sold both of my 303's. I had a hard time keeping them running for more than 50 rounds between cleanings and they were a pain in the @$$ to clean to boot.

Bought a Browning Gold Sporting Clays and it will run anything from 7/8 to 1 1/4 pigeon loads and it's much easier to clean.