Low-brass shotgun shells are popular because they’re cheap and easy to shoot. But not every shotgun wants to play nice with them. Some guns need heavier loads just to run properly, especially semi-autos with tighter tolerances or stiffer springs. If you’ve ever had a range day ruined by constant failures to eject, you know how frustrating it can be. Before you pick up a shotgun for light target loads, here are ten models that have a reputation for being picky with low-brass.
Remington Versa Max
The Remington Versa Max runs great with heavy loads but often struggles with light target shells. Its gas system is tuned for reliability with magnum rounds, and the trade-off is weaker cycling with low-brass. Some users report cycling issues straight out of the box unless they stick with heavier ammo. It’s a solid choice for hunting and heavy-duty use, but if you mostly shoot light skeet loads, the Versa Max can leave you clearing malfunctions.
Mossberg 930
The Mossberg 930 is a popular budget semi-auto, but it can be inconsistent with low-brass shells. Many shooters notice stovepipes and failures to eject when using cheap target ammo. It tends to perform much better with buckshot or slugs, but light loads cause trouble. Some owners swap out springs or modify parts, but right out of the box, it’s not always reliable with the lightest shells. It’s built for heavier shooting, not quiet afternoons at the skeet range.
Beretta A300 Outlander
The Beretta A300 Outlander cycles beautifully with field loads but gets finicky with cheap low-brass. It’s known for needing a little extra punch to work smoothly, especially before it’s fully broken in. Target loads sometimes short-stroke the action, leading to jams. While it shines in hunting scenarios, it’s not always the best match for cheap shells at the sporting clays range. Many users end up sticking to heavier loads just to avoid the hassle.
Browning Maxus
The Browning Maxus is a high-quality semi-auto but has its quirks with low-brass ammo. Lighter target loads can cause short-stroking, particularly when the gun is new. It’s tuned for reliable cycling with field and waterfowl loads, and low-powered shells don’t always give it enough gas to cycle reliably. Cleaning can help, but it’s not always a guaranteed fix. If you plan to shoot a lot of cheap shells, the Maxus can be a bit disappointing.
Winchester SX4
The Winchester SX4 has a reputation for reliability with hunting loads, but low-brass can still trip it up. Some shooters report stovepipes or failures to eject with lighter loads, especially in colder weather. It’s designed for hard use in the field, and light sporting loads sometimes fall outside its comfort zone. If you’re using bulk ammo from big-box stores, you might find yourself clearing more malfunctions than you’d like during casual shooting sessions.
Stoeger M3000
The Stoeger M3000 uses an inertia-driven system that thrives on heavier recoil. Light loads, especially bargain low-brass shells, often fail to cycle the action reliably. It’s known for performing well with hunting and buckshot rounds but can leave you frustrated during clay shoots. Some shooters find it loosens up after a long break-in period, but it’s not the smoothest performer with cheap shells. If you shoot mostly light loads, you’ll likely have a tougher time with the M3000.
Franchi Affinity
The Franchi Affinity feels great in hand, but light loads tend to give it trouble. Like other inertia-driven shotguns, it prefers heavier hunting shells to work properly. Low-brass target rounds often cause failures to eject, especially in early range sessions. While it’s a soft shooter with field loads, it can be finicky when you’re trying to save money with bulk shells. It’s something to keep in mind if you want a gun for casual weekend shooting.
CZ 712 G2
The CZ 712 G2 offers solid value, but low-brass shells can be a problem. While it cycles heavier loads without complaint, lighter target rounds often cause stovepipes and cycling failures. Some owners report improved reliability after swapping out springs, but it’s inconsistent out of the box. It’s a good budget option for hunting, but not the best if your focus is on shooting cheap shells. Be ready for a few headaches if you load up with light loads.
Hatsan Escort
The Hatsan Escort keeps its price low but doesn’t always play nice with low-brass rounds. The gas system is tuned more for hunting ammo, and cycling issues are common with light target loads. Cleaning helps a bit, but reliability stays spotty unless you use heavier shells. It’s one of those guns that looks appealing in the store but causes frustration when you’re running boxes of cheap shells on the range.
Charles Daly 601
The Charles Daly 601 is one of the cheapest semi-autos you’ll find, but low-brass reliability isn’t its strong point. Lighter loads cause frequent failures to eject or cycle, especially when the gun is new. Some shooters report it improves with time, but most agree it’s more hassle than it’s worth with bargain shells. If you want something purely for cheap target shooting, the 601 can be more of a headache than a bargain.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
