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How do I break-in my SA-08, or SA-459 shotgun?
All semi-auto firearms need a break in period for optimum performance and the SA-08 and SA-459 are no different. We have found that a minimum of 100 rounds should be fired using ammunition that reliably cycles the action before the shotgun can be considered to be “broken in”. During the manufacturing process, the action is mechanically cycled 750 times on an automated machine built especially for this purpose. However, actual firing of the shotgun is still needed in order to seat and mate the internal parts of the shotgun.
*** SHOTGUNS RETURNED TO WEATHERBY FOR FUNCTIONALITY ISSUES STAND SUBJECT TO A $155 TESTING FEE TO COVER TIME AND RESOURCES USED, SHOULD NO ISSUES WITH FUNCTIONALITY BE FOUND ***
Recommended Loads for Break In
SA-08:
- 12 gauge: 1 1/8 oz., 1,300 fps or greater
- 20 gauge: 7/8 oz., 1,300 fps or greater
- 28 gauge: 3/4 oz., 1,300 fps or greater
SA-459:
- 12 gauge: 1 1/8 oz., 1,330 fps or greater
- 20 gauge: 7/8 oz., 1,300 fps or greater
Most ammunition manufacturers will have their shotshell size, velocities, shot size, and weights published on the box. If they are not published on the box, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the ammunition to get that information. An example of this can be seen below:
If you are unsure if the shotshells you have are a Heavy Load or Light Load, you should always test fire the shells with the Heavy Load piston installed first. If the shotgun cycles the ammunition with the Heavy Load piston installed, then continue to use the Heavy Load Piston. If the shotgun fails to cycle the shotshells with the Heavy Load Piston installed, you should then install the Light Load Piston, and use the Light Load Piston with those shells. If you are using shells below the minimum load requirements for your shotgun posted above, it is highly likely that the shotgun will fail to cycle those shells.