Confirm That My Old Shotgun Can Take 42G Load?

[Matthew Phillips 36]

Hi guys,

I have an old Beretta AL-2 (american import version of the A301) that i would like to know if I can shoot heavy loads through it such as 42g.

I went out this weekend and used a box of 42g lead cartridges without problems but today the shop mentioned it's worth checking my gun is proofed for it. How do i check this? Also, is it ok for steel shot?



Thanks in advance

P.s. Yes it worked for 25 shots, but i don't want the 26th to be the one that goes wrong.

[charlie caller 3,654]

Its ok for normal steel shot, if it is less than half choke, but deffo not high performance steel shot, as it does not have the fleur-de-leys symbol, as for 42 gram stuff assuming they are 70mm 2/24" which your gun is chambered for, and not 76mm 3" then check on the box to see the minimum require tons per square inch, or in your case kg then check on the gun, yours appears to say 1,030 kg. 900kg I think been the old standard load, whereas 1200kg was magnum, so your gun appears to fall in between, so you are probably ok, however please dont take my word for it and always consult a gunsmith if in doubt.

Edited November 10, 2014 by charlie caller

[Matthew Phillips 36]

Its ok for normal steel shot, if it is less than half choke, but deffo not high performance steel shot, as it does not have the fleur-de-leys symbol, as for 42 gram stuff assuming they are 70mm 2/24" which your gun is chambered for, and not 76mm 3" then check on the box to see the minimum require tons per square inch, or in your case kg then check on the gun, yours appears to say 1,030 kg. 900kg I think been the old standard load, whereas 1200kg was magnum, so your gun appears to fall in between, so you are probably ok, however please dont take my word for it and always consult a gunsmith if in doubt.

Thanks for the response Charlie caller. Sadly the box doesn't state the required proofing, neither does the ink on the cartridge.... thus, i checked on the manufacturers website and can't see it there either! Useless...

http://www.lyalvaleexpress.com/super-game-42-grams

[ratbuster 807]

Did find this :

 

This proof is obligatory only for shotguns with chambers longer than 2 3/4” or 70mm. The proof pressure is 17637 psi.

 

 

AC stands for the year of production 1977

 

 

Here you can find it all:

 

http://www.shotguns.se/html/italy.htm

[Matthew Phillips 36]

Ah sweet. So that means my bare has also been proofed to 17637psi (1240kg/cm2).

 

Why proof it twice? Once when made and once when later imported to the UK? (Originally this shotgun was for the american market so might have had to have the British proof testing performed?)

[SportingShooter 0]

If I remember correctly, the European proof measures under C.I.P. are more stringent than the American SAAMI measures.

[hoggysreels 76]

Purely out of interest, what shot size are these 42g cartridges and what quarry are you using them on ... cheers

[Matthew Phillips 36]

42g no1s, they're more likely to kill the fox then no3s i though? And the more lead the better

[Matthew Phillips 36]

Ok, just to confirm Lyalvale Express have replied to me query, see below:

Dear Matthew,

Thank you for your email, the 42 gram super game is designed for normal 2 3/4" 70mm proof so this falls within your guns proof. Please ask your gunsmith to check the condition of your barrels etc. and that they are suitable for this load.

Kind regards,

Marcus

[charlie caller 3,654]

Thought so mate, nice of them to respond with that info, put your mind at rest

[celticrusader 78]

Well either that or a proofing is required for both barrels?...maybe!