Shells for a Beretta

[f4t9r]

I just heard that the Federal shotgun shells I have been getting from Walmart are hard on the gas system of the Beretta 391 series shotgun.
Are the Remmington or Winchester any better. What do you shoot in your gun ? I am looking for something a little cleaner. Anyone heard of Rios.

 

[sernv99]

I never heard of the Walmart Federal shells being "hard" on the gas system. Sounds like a bunch of b.s. to me. Browse other shotgun related forums and they will tell you the same thing.

I shoot Rios and they are clean burning, well I shoot them in my O/U and it is hardly ever dirty. A lot of folks shoot Rios, it's a great alternative to the more pricey Remington STS and Win AA shells.

 

[Snarlingiron]

I just heard that the Federal shotgun shells I have been getting from Walmart are hard on the gas system of the Beretta 391 series shotgun.

There are few subjects about which there is more mis-information than guns and ammo.

Are there some that will shoot cleaner? Sure
Are there some that will shoot dirtier? Yes
Will you find some you like better? Probably
Will you find some you like less? Maybe
Will they hurt your gun? Highly unlikely
May you have to clean your gun more often? Possibly

If you are figuring on putting 100,000 rounds of them through the gun it MIGHT be a consideration, but even then, probably not.

I shoot the el cheapo Winchester. The ones that are famous for jamming the 870's. I have shot lots of them. My Beretta A390 likes them. Probably 20 flats. They seem cleaner than the Federals to me.

If I found the Federals cheaper than the Winchesters, I would shoot them even though they are dirtier. I clean my guns after each session anyway.

Just my opinion.

 

[sargenv]

That 391 is likely designed for high performance hunting ammo, so I doubt that regular target loads would damage any gun designed to shoot high velocity steel, lead, bismuth, or tungsten magnums.

 

[ArmedBear]

The Remington Sport Loads at Wal-Mart are a little bit more expensive, but a good deal cleaner than the Federals (and they're great to reload, if you want).

I use both, but I have to clean a bit more after using the Federals. Now that the Federals aren't $13.50 a 4-pack, I've been using the Remingtons.

I don't touch the Winchester Universals, though I like Winchester ammo in general, for shotguns, rifles and pistols. I used the Universals once, and I won't do it any more. IMO the Federals are MUCH better ammo for the same price.

I used to reload, but I can't buy lead for a price that would make sense. The Remington Sport Loads are as good as most of my target-grade reloads have been, and I don't have to spend time loading them.

 

[PJR]

My 391 is 100 per cent reliable with every type of ammo with the exception of the Federal Top Gun crap. The ammo is filthy, it reeks, leaves pieces of plastic in the action, is frequently misshapen leading to failures to feed, inconsistent in velocity and otherwise pretty darn awful.

Winchester Super Target isn't particularly great ammo either but it's better than Federal Top gun. The Remington Gun Club is also better.

I've never seen the merit in spending the money on a gun, shooting accessories, club membership and targets only to go as cheap as possible on ammunition. YMMV.

 

[f4t9r]

I never heard of the Walmart Federal shells being "hard" on the gas system. Sounds like a bunch of b.s. to me. Browse other shotgun related forums and they will tell you the same thing.

I did that and is the reason I am asking. they say Federal works well but is dirty

This all came about when I had one heck of a time getting those two nuts off the gas system on 2 different AL391 Berettas. Anyways seems that some say you can go alot longer between taking that system down if you use cleaner ammo. After the battle I had I am all for that. I did take a few tips off Shotgun World that should make it easier next time.
I was just wondering what ammo may be cleaner. I normally get it from Walmart and they have other choices then federal. I am open to getting something else at some other place if its a little better.

 

[oletymer]

I clean the gun after every outing so it does not matter. These days there are more Federals being shot at the ranges here than any other brand because they are cheaper.

 

[Pete409]

This all came about when I had one heck of a time getting those two nuts off the gas system on 2 different AL391 Berettas.

I don't own a 391, but my understanding is that if a person keeps those two nuts well oiled on the exterior and interior (thread) area, then they are much less likely to rust. Grease may do an even better job than oil in this regard.

Also, some 391 owners claim that better wrenches than the el cheapo things Beretta supplies with the gun will make the job of getting the nuts loose/off much easier.

Also, don't wait a year or two before loosening/removing the nuts. Do it after every few shooting sessions and keep them well oiled or greased and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[PJR]

I don't own a 391, but my understanding is that if a person keeps those two nuts well oiled on the exterior and interior (thread) area, then they are much less likely to rust. Grease may do an even better job than oil in this regard.

I do own a 391. The valve nuts as they are properly known do not need to be 'well oiled' or greased. They are not any more susceptible to rust than the rest of the gun and my 391 has been shot in all conditions.

The Beretta wrenches are indeed not great but will get the job done albeit not quickly. The valve nuts do not need to be removed or loosened unless one is completely cleaning the gun. Perhaps you are confusing the valve nuts with the forend cap? The forend cap can seize. Greasing the threads and loosening the cap a turn or two after shooting is helpful.

 

[f4t9r]

I do own a 391. The valve nuts as they are properly known do not need to be 'well oiled' or greased. They are not any more susceptible to rust than the rest of the gun and my 391 has been shot in all conditions.

Thanks for the correct term.
The best advise I have got on the valve nuts is to put a little anti seize on the threads. Also put a little on the forend cap threads. This came from two very trusted sources and it makes good sense to me so I tried it.
I am looking for a better wrench and a manual for the AL391 Urika.
I also do not have a problem with paying a buck or two more for cleaner ammo.

 

[PJR]

I've just left the valve nuts alone and not have a problem even after 5 thousand rounds between cleanings. The forend cap is a different matter. I've taken mine apart and cleaned it more often than the valve nuts.

You can find downloadable Beretta manuals here:

http://berettaservices.com/

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

I shot so much crap through my 391...

About 1500-2000 rds of really dirty (Green Dot) reloads, department store flats, I'm sure at least 3 boxes of Walmart Federal.

Never cleaned it beyond brushing the plastic out of the barrel and wiping down the trim.

The 391 never missed a beat.

(I have since stripped and cleaned the works)

 

[Pete409]

I've just left the valve nuts alone and not have a problem even after 5 thousand rounds between cleanings.

So what do you suppose the problem is that the OP had with 2 different 391's in getting those nuts loose?

 

[Snarlingiron]

So what do you suppose the problem is that the OP had with 2 different 391's in getting those nuts loose?

Beretta's crappy wrenches? This is why I use the 390's. The 391 seems to be a solution to a problem that didn't exist.

The 390's shoot about anything without problems, and are far easier to dismantle and clean. Add to that the fact that they can be bought new for about $550.00 new, and used with wood furniture for a little more, and it just makes good sense to me.

The 391's are great guns, but I just like the 390's (or the 3901's) better.

 

[PJR]

So what do you suppose the problem is that the OP had with 2 different 391's in getting those nuts loose?

The valve nuts are typically quite tight when the come from the factory. They are not supposed to move which is why there is a valve counter nut on the system to keep the valve nut in place. Secondly, the valve nut is under pressure from the valve spring which also makes it harder to remove.

Add to that the very crappy Beretta wrenches and removing the valve nut can be a pain. I don't think there is anything wrong with putting a touch of oil on the threads but I don't believe it is necessary nor do I think there is anything to be gained by loosening the nuts after every few shooting sessions.