Just wondering: are there normally any restrictions as to what ammo is useable in competition? I normally shoot only with friends so I don't know "the rules". I tend to just shoot cheapo Remington promo loads in a pump, but my A-5 needs the recoil of a heavy field load or else it won't load the next round. Are heavy/hi-power loads permitted in competition or do you have to stick with normal "target" loads? <p></p><i></i>

You A-5 won't shoot lighter loads even with the rings set for light ones? That's odd, not calling you a liar on anything, I just find it odd... <p></p><i></i>

It's a Magnum Twelve (has no friction config for really light loads). One setting will eject 3" magnum shells, and the other lighter setting will eject high power 2 3/4" shells (the diagram specifically says this is for '2 3/4" Magnum and 2 3/4" High Velocity loads'). It won't eject the light 2 3/4" loads on any config I've tried. <br><br>It's pretty specific about not removing any more hardware beyond the light setting so I've not tried anything else. <p></p><i></i>

At least from whet I read on the shell boxes - it seems like there are limits for shooting trap (ATA). I think 1235 fps is the maximum alowed velocity for trap (since the Remington Nitro27 handicap are at this velocity). If you pick up a box of "sportin clays" shells (again Remington Nitro27) it states the velocity is 1300 fps and warns that it exceedes the ATA limits.... <p></p><i></i>

NSSA and NSCA both have maximum loads allowed. And the states rules may vary but should just about mirror the national rules.<br><br>Generally speaking...<br><br>12ga 1-1/<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8o --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/nerd.gif ALT="8o"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> z (507gr)<br>20ga 7/<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8o --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/nerd.gif ALT="8o"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> z (394gr)<br>28ga 3/4oz (338gr)<br>410ga 1/2oz (229)<br><br>Usually 7 1/2 max and #9 lead minimum shot.<br><br>See the appropriate rule books for details. If your just shooting for sport does it really matter? If and when you decide to start competition shooting you should start shooting regulation loads well ahead of time.<br><br> <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/banner/gizmotimetempbig/US/TX/Montgomery.gif"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br></p><i></i>

Michael, I wondered about it being a magnum after I left the house, not thinking I guess, thanks for the reply.. <p></p><i></i>

I have a 12ga 3" Franchi, which is a very similar setup to the Browning. It also is designed for 3" mags when set for heavy loads and 2 3/4" mags when set for light loads. The 3" has a heavier recoil spring.<br><br>I got a standard recoil spring for a 2 3/4" gun when I bought my gun. By using the standard recoil spring and setting the friction rings for light loads, I can shoot light target loads. <p></p><i></i>

Does that mean that you can't shoot reloads in a competition? I can't imagine how you would certify reloads so I'm thinking you can't use your own.<br> <p></p><i></i>

Casual Shooter,<br><br>In the PITA at registered shoots a competitor may shoot reloaded ammo that falls within the guidlines of acceptiable ammo as spelled out in the rule book (max 3-1 1/8-7 1/2). This is regulated by a person's honesty and another rule that basicly says that if a competitor feels that another competitor is using improper ammo, the ammo can and will be checked by a shoot official. If the shoot management finds the challenged ammo to be out side of the guidlines they will try to determain if the shells were loaded intentionally or accidentally and disqualification may result.<br><br>An example of un-intentional reloads might be (there is a 3 dram limit) A 3 dram load of American select powder for <br>1 1/<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8o --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/nerd.gif ALT="8o"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> z of 7 1/2 shot (league limit) say is 19.8 gr's of powder (this a guess DO NOT use this as a load) and the shoot official measures the load and it measures 20.0gr. There is a good chance the load was intended to be within the guid lines and the reloading machine has a 2-3 tenths margin of error.<br><br>Where as if the load is examined and the official finds a shot charge of 1 1/4 oz of copper plated #7 then there is no question that the shells were loaded intentionally and the shooter will be disqualified.<br><br>I hope this helps. joe <p></p><i></i>

There is a provision for using reloads. As I recall you must show your ammo to the field referee and have it certified in advance of the shoot. Your boxes will be sealed until your shoot begins wherein you break the seals. At any time a referee acting on his own or from a request of another competitor can have your ammo weighed. I think a request from another competitor is limited to one, and it cannot be annonymous of from the entire squad.<br><br><br> <p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/banner/gizmotimetempbig/US/TX/Montgomery.gif"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br></p><i></i>