Hi, I have my Rem 870 Wingmaster that I used to pheasant hunt with back in the 70's. I modified it for home defense, switching the barrel to an 18",removing the mag capacity reducer, and adding a side saddle and a light.
I did some research on loads when I did this, and ended up getting some Hevi-Shot #4 frangible buckshot. This has muzzle velocity of 1250 FPS. Then I decided I should have some 00 so I got some Federal Power Shok 00 which is 1325 FPS. Then i decided it wouldn't hurt to have some slugs in case I needed them, so I got some X-Treme rifled slugs that are 1550 FSP. Most recently and finally I got a box of Winchester Defender PDX1 that are 1600 FPS. I'm not sure if chamber pressure is a concern in a 50-year-old 870 and if the muzzle velocity translates into chamber pressure. So I wanted to ask about that here. Just wondered if I should be concerned about the gun handling running the higher FPS slugs through it. I don't know if there are factory specs available on things like max chamber pressure.
I have read that the higher the muzzle velocity the more the kick, and that the PDX1 at 1600 FPS has quite a bit.
Thanks.
70's Wingmaster / HD / load pressures
Re: 70's Wingmaster / HD / load pressures
I don't know anything about chamber pressures for the 870, max or minimum although I'm sure somebody has them. Like reloaders.
I wouldn't worry about any major supplier of ammo loads though. There are plenty of old shotguns around and there would be a huge case for liability for any manufacturer to start offering ammo that exceeds the chamber pressure of older shotguns and not loudly announce it on the box. Now there can be problems with blackpowder shotguns (and damascus barrels?) and modern ammo but your shotgun isn't either of those.
I think your shoulder will give out long before your 870 will. I will also suggest that any ammo you purchase for HD you run some of it through your shotgun to see how it cycles, patterns, ect. You will also get first hand knowledge of dealing with the kick.
I wouldn't worry about any major supplier of ammo loads though. There are plenty of old shotguns around and there would be a huge case for liability for any manufacturer to start offering ammo that exceeds the chamber pressure of older shotguns and not loudly announce it on the box. Now there can be problems with blackpowder shotguns (and damascus barrels?) and modern ammo but your shotgun isn't either of those.
I think your shoulder will give out long before your 870 will. I will also suggest that any ammo you purchase for HD you run some of it through your shotgun to see how it cycles, patterns, ect. You will also get first hand knowledge of dealing with the kick.
Re: 70's Wingmaster / HD / load pressures
Thanks much. I will definitely take it to the club and run some of these through it - have been meaning to.
Re: 70's Wingmaster / HD / load pressures
No worries with that classic 1970's Wingmaster. Any correct size modern factory ammo will be safe in it.
My 1973 Wingmaster is set up for HD and it's slick as butter. Those old Wingmasters were very smooooth.
My 1973 Wingmaster is set up for HD and it's slick as butter. Those old Wingmasters were very smooooth.