I have a Merkel 28 gauge SXS that will not chamber Federal ammo, the action will not quite close.. just wondering if this is not enought headspace on these rimmed shotgun chambers. I do find that win AAA and Remington fit fine.

Sure sounds like you have insufficient headspace. You could:
A: Not shoot Federal Ammo
B: Have it reamed to SAMI specs.

I would think the issue is one of shell head diameter rather than headspace. That is set off the rim anyway in a shotgun. I shoot a Beretta 390 that takes a bit more sizing that the others for reloads, exhibits the same symptoms you describe.

Sounds like my very fine 45-70 which was chambered to use only Remington brass for accuracy.Any other brass will jamb before it gets more than half way in.I just use the right brass and keep the 1/2 MOA !!!

Are you shooting reloads?

Mete,
I confused! I've never heard of a rifle (I assume your 45-70 is a rifle if you are gettin .5MOA accuracy with it) where only one brand of brass will chamber.
Do you size the brass at all when loading, or do you just prime, pour in powder, and shove a new bullet in?

A lot of tightly cut target chambers well only take certain type of brass and even then some have to have the neck turned ect before they well chamber a round.

Jlongo. the rifle is a Lone Star Rifle rolling block . Beautifully made but they are chambered specifically for Remington ammo for max accuracy.Other factory ammo will not chamber .

Jameister,

The shotgun shell is headspaced on the rim. You might have a smith check the chamber length, it may be cut for 2 1/2" ammo if it is an older gun. 2 1/2" is the length of the case after it is opened. The 2 3/4" case is very near 2 1/2" loaded and might be a touch more and may be running up against the forcing cone of the chamber.



If it is a rim diameter or depth problem as someone surmised, try seeing if you can insert the case in backwards with the action open and see if the will bottom out and if the brass is fully seated.



BTW, isn't the 28 a joy to shoot? I purchased a Verona LX 692 20/28 gun with two sets of barrels and am having a ball with it. I have not tried Federal cases and have been using Remington STS and Win AA hs shells.

Mete; My 28 ga will not quite shoot MOA, you must have an
exceptional one.
Good Luck!

The rims are too thick - don't use that brand! Don't change the gun!

The problem is with new in box factory loads.. course since the federals dont fit, and dont reload, I only reload remington and winchester hulls.

That was my conclusion.. I have had half a dozen merkel 28 gauge shotguns, and only this one has the problem with federal ammo... course it is also the one I shoot best with....

this is a recent built 147E so I know it has full length chambers...

I just thought it an interesting problem of not enough head...

I would be tough to measure with size 9 shot and a skeet choke.

Jamieister,
It is seriously flawed. Send it to me and I will take very special care of it.