Choke confusion.

[STP22]

Hello, all! I hope all is well with you.

My name is Steve and I'm from central New York. Not new to hunting, but a novice is regards to turkey hunting. Been a lurker on your forum and read quite a bit of useful and friendly information.

I have a new Beretta A400 Xtreme. Love the gun! I want to pattern Federal Heavyweight (3" / 1 5/8oz. / #7s). I have seen some pretty devastating patterns on YouTube and the internet. My question is what aftermarket choke would be a good choice considering the Beretta Optima HP choke system (thin-walled) and Federal's Heavyweight shot and the Flitecontrol wad?

I made a few calls. Beretta USA stated no steel or tungsten-alloy shot through a constriction tighter than OEM modified. They would not comment on the safety of aftermarket chokes which I understand. Federal and Hevi-Shot state their high density shot is slightly harder than steel and recommended the same barrel and choke restrictions as one would with steel shot. Ok...so now I am left with  the aftermarket choke company's recommendations. I have made a emails to various manufacturers. One recommend staying away from using tungsten-alloy shot through any choke tighter than modified...most say their chokes are made to be hard enough to tolerate tungsten-alloy loads.

1.Would you trust an aftermarket choke considering the above?

2.What constriction (.650, .660, etc.) would you recommend to start with considering the Flitecontrol wad? I've read tight chokes (full or extra-full) blow the pattern.

I may or may not be over-thinking this, but, I don't want to do anything that would harm the shotgun or myself. If it's recommended to stick with lead, I would gladly try the new Winchester Long Beard XR as I have seen equally impressive results online.

Thank you for any advice.

Take care.

Steve

[IowaGobblers]

When talking to William at Sumtoy Chokes, he specifically stated that he due to the thin-wall of the choke and the hard wad of the heavyweights, it is a recipe for a swollen choke, and does not recommend it. However I have a Sumtoy .665 in my a400 and it has thrown very good patterns with longbeards 5's and 4's.

[STP22]

Thank you, IowaGobblers!

Actually, I did speak with SumToy this afternoon and he stated the very same thing. That's why when a well-known and respected choke manufacturer says stay away..I was getting confused when other reputable manufacturers stated it would be ok with their chokes.

By the way, he was very nice and patient. He stated the same thing about the Winchester Long Beard XR.

Steve

[IowaGobblers]

Not a problem.  I always enjoy talking to William and he is very helpful. Like I mentioned I have had great results with the longbeards and many others have as well.
I also forgot to mention great place with endless knowledge.
Good luck and feel free if you have any more questions.

[STP22]

Thanks, again...IowaGobblers!

[K9Doc]

The Federal Heavy weight is a total different
"Animal". It's a devastating 15gr/cc pellet.
Carries lots of energy and penetration.
Basically like shooting lead 4's in a small
Package. But it's sometime difficult to pattern
Due to the Flight control wad and small
Payload.
If you want killing patterns without lots
Of experimenting and spending lots of $$$,
I would pic the following;
1.  Call Sumtoy and he will steer you in the best direction.
I don't personally own one of his chokes, but I
Have NEVER heard anything but GOOD CUSTOMER
FEEDBACK!!!!
2.  Hevi-Shot Magnum Blends or Hevishot 7's
3.   Winchester Longbeards in #5 or #6
Just my 2 cents.
Good Luck!!!

[STP22]

Thanks, K9Doc!

I did speak with a very nice gentleman at SumToy this afternoon.The problem I have is with the choke system of the Beretta A400 Xtreme. It is thin-walled. Too tight of a constriction would cause havoc with the Flitecontrol wad.

He did try to impress upon me that he has seen some outstanding patterns using one of his chokes for my gun with the Winchester Long Beard XR #6s. I just may have to go that route. I don't think I will be disappointed in his choke or the Winchester shells as I see plenty of you guys like them both. I can already tell he is very dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Thanks, again.

Steve

[SumToy]

Steve You have a few good chokes for that gun.  I know We have had good luck with the long beard and HV13 out the gun.   I like long beard because for one the $$$$ and for two you can pick it up easy around most stores. 

[STP22]

I will be looking forward to ordering one from you soon with use of Winchester Long Beard (#5).

I certainly like the price, and availability, of the Winchester shells.

Steve

[Snoodsniper]

I will be looking forward to ordering one from you soon with use of Winchester Long Beard (#5).

I certainly like the price, and availability, of the Winchester shells.

Steve

Should be a killer combo. #5 LB's are flippin' deadly.

[STP22]