Model 12 Featherweight

[ElkTurkMan]

I have a old Winchester Model 12 featherweight with full choke barrel and chambered for 2 3/4 shells .My goal this spring is to shoot a turkey with it. I am wondering if Fox Trot or Apex Ammo would be safe to shoot out of this gun without damaging it?  I am going to start patterning soon and I already have some lead shells but am very curious about the TSS.  Any advice or input would-be greatly appreciated. 

[crow]

I've shot tss and 15g/cc out of guns from modern, 1960's - 1910 steel and late 1800's Damascus(Damascus wasn't choked tight) without any sign of barrel scouring, scratching  or damage.
These were lower pressure reloads from Hal's recipes.
I have a couple friends that have shot tss #9's out of flintlocks with no plastic shot cup and haven't seen any barrel damage.

I think Foxtrot has a lower payload 12 gauge 2.75" load available. Not sure about the chamber pressures in the Apex loads

[Spring Creek Calls]

Your barrel will be fine only shooting a handful of tss. Foxtrot Mini Twister and Herters both make a 1-5/8 ounce load that I shoot in my Model 12.

[ElkTurkMan]

Thanks guys for the advice. I have some fox trot ammo on the way.

[ElkTurkMan]

I wanted to give an update on my progress with this.  I purchased both Fox Trot Twisters  #9's and Herters #9 shot TSS.  The foxtrot didn't do well out of this gun, not sure what the deal was but I just couldn't get good pattern at 30 yards let alone 40 which is my limit. The Herters were phenomenal I am absolutely blown away with how good it patterns with my gun out to 40.  I will try and post some pictures later when I get a chance to try and figure out how to do it.  Anyway, I am ready for the GA opener next week and looking forward to taking a tom with this classic gun!           

[crow]

Nice, good success with it this season

[ElkTurkMan]

Wanted to give everyone another update.  I took a bird with the old Model 12 last Wednesday morning at 11:15. He weighed right at 20# had matching 7/8 hooks and a 9 1/2 beard.  This wont be the last bird I take with this gun. Thanks again to all who gave me advice on shells for this gun.

[crow]

Yes Sir, congrats on a nice one and good job with the old gun

[Yoder409]

AWESOME job !!!  Congrats !!!