Best Lead Load for a fixed full choke?

[wiltznucs]

So I picked up an older 1970's era double shotgun with a fixed full choke.  It does have a 3" chamber.  I want to use it this spring but the manufacturer does not recommend shooting steel or hevi's through it.  Before Hevi shot hit the scene I used a duplex Remington load or #4's.  But since I moved to Hevi's for my other turkey gun I really havent kept up with lead loads.  

Anybody have a recommendation for a good lead load?

Remington, Winchester, Federal?

[drabndouble]

Well first let me congratulate you on the double . I also shoot a double with fixed chokes . Standard full/Modified . I have patterned several brands and loads since getting this gun . It prefers WINCHESTER XX SUPREME MAGNUM #6's,,2 3/4 inch ,,,,1 5/8 oz.
 Longest shot to date is 39 steps for a longlegged feller . I also was anxious to try out the Fed.TITEWAD loads when they first hit the shelf. All I could get was #4 shot . My gun performed terribly with these loads . I don't know or have any idea why . Every shot was at 25 yards into heavy cardboard , and each wad went through the card ,,,,,,kicked like a young mule too.

I hope you enjoy hunting with it as much as I like mine . I like the two choke choice for upclose and out to 40 . I prefer the bird inside 30 . Most of the birds I've taken with this gun fell to the modified barrel.

[Porter]

I put a many smack downs on birds with Winchester Double X Magnums back in the days.  I also liked the Remington High Velocities.  

[Mzlhunter]

Hard to beat Winchester Double X magnums. I always liked the #4's in a full choke.

[Bulldogmikey]

Hard to beat Winchester Double X magnums. I always liked the #4's in a full choke.

I'll triple that emotion!

Mike

[Drum817]

Try the federal #6's with the flight control wad....that wad was designed for fixed choke guns.   

[Turkeybuster]

I like the Remington Duplex 4x6 myself.
Jon

[wiltznucs]

Well fellas I ordered in the Winchester XX Supreme Mag #6... I hope to get the old double on paper here in the next week or two.  Thanks for the recommendations!

Drabndouble... how much difference in point of impact did you get with your gun.  Does barrel A match up pretty good to barrel B?  I have an O/U that has 6 or more inches of difference at 40 yds and I'm curious how the SxS will compare?

[GR8CALLS]

Just to let you all know, Hevi-shot is now producing shells for older guns.....from .410 to 10 ga. I know of several people who have used them for pheasant, and they say that they would not hesitate to use them on turkey.

Bill

[wiltznucs]

Just to let you all know, Hevi-shot is now producing shells for older guns.....from .410 to 10 ga. I know of several people who have used them for pheasant, and they say that they would not hesitate to use them on turkey.

Bill

Trust me I'd love to use the Hevi's, its apparently not an issue of pressure but the hardness of the shot.  Browning said they dont recommend using steel or hevi shot in the gun; only lead shot.  They made very clear that if I bulged the barrel I was on my own. These double guns were discontinued in the early 1980's and no replacement parts are available.

[GR8CALLS]

Chad

Just passing on the information........according to what I have read, they are considered safe and were developed initially just for older double barrels.

Bill

[wiltznucs]

Chad

Just passing on the information........according to what I have read, they are considered safe and were developed initially just for older double barrels.

Bill

I appreciate you, and I went and checked them out.  They sound great, my only concern is the minimal amount of shot in the shells.  For the 3" mag they are only pushing 1 1/4 oz.  That pellet count seems a little anemic when I could be shooting 2 oz of buffered lead.

[GR8CALLS]

Well.................I don't know, That is the same load for the 3" 20 ga. and it handles turkeys just fine. They did load them specifically for the older guns w/ fixed chokes....guess that's why the look anemic. They knock the he double two sticks, out of Pheasants at 40 yds. Should handle the Gobblers at that range too. I'm going to buy a box and try them in my Model 21 Duck gun and see how they pattern.

Bill

[drabndouble]

Well fellas I ordered in the Winchester XX Supreme Mag #6... I hope to get the old double on paper here in the next week or two.  Thanks for the recommendations!

Drabndouble... how much difference in point of impact did you get with your gun.  Does barrel A match up pretty good to barrel B?  I have an O/U that has 6 or more inches of difference at 40 yds and I'm curious how the SxS will compare?

My gun is on the money with both barrels . I'm sitting here rackin' my brain  trying to recall if I've actually patterned the gun at 40 yards . All that comes to mind is 25 yards , and POI is identical . Haven't shot paper with it in over two years . This is my first double and I readily admit I was nervous at the time of purchase not knowing if it would put both barrels on the same spot . I am delighted with the gun , though many folks don't think much of Russian made firearms , this Baikal double is well built , and fits me like a custom made gun .

[Porter]

Chad

Just passing on the information........according to what I have read, they are considered safe and were developed initially just for older double barrels.

Bill

I appreciate you, and I went and checked them out.  They sound great, my only concern is the minimal amount of shot in the shells.  For the 3" mag they are only pushing 1 1/4 oz.  That pellet count seems a little anemic when I could be shooting 2 oz of buffered lead.

One thing I'd be interested in is how much buffering was in that shell.  That's probably why only 1 1/4 oz of shot.  Buffering to protect the barrels and why they are intended for older guns. 

Those Double XX's were mean medicine for me in the days.  I'm interested to see how your SxS shoots!