I would like to find a light recoil semi auto shotgun that will function reliably shooting light loads in colder temperature. I have this season seen what are supposed to be among the best jam while quail hunting. My own 20 ga. Beretta Xplor and Super X2 12 have let me down and I have seen a 12 and 20 Benelli hang up or snap on several occasions. They all seem to work fine with heavier loads but that is not what I want to shoot. If the Beretta was reliable I would be satisfied but it will not cycle 7/8 oz loads half the time and especially when it is cold. The Super X2 does good until it gets to around freezing and then it does not function 100% even when super clean. I have a shoulder injury that makes recoil an issue I have to deal with. I tried switching shoulders but snap shooting from my left shoulder is something I have not been able to master. If someone has put them to the test shooting light loads in cold weather and found reliability please let me know of it. Thanks in advance.

While living in fairbanks I had luck with the Weatherby. It was fairly inexpensive and I shot light loads for the same reason as you.
The main trick was storing it oiled but hunting with it dry because sand and such seem to stick in the oil and cause jams.

Shoot full-power 28 gauge, and skip the light 20ga loads. - That's one solution.

If you need or want to stick with light 20ga loads, read the following:

Autoloaders having problems with lighter loads in cold weather makes me think of shotguns that are not kept clean, or perhaps are over-lubricated. Using the wrong kind of lubricant will cause problems too.

My approach would be to disassemble the gun including the bolt and get it squeaky clean everywhere inside, then sparingly lubricate with dry-moly spray lubricant instead of oil or (shudder) grease when I was putting it back together.

Be sure to read and follow the directions on the dry-moly lube... Shake the can up good, don't over-lubricate, etc..

Autoloading shotguns are a lot like autoloading 22's... Any oil present will mix with combustion byproducts from the shells, and turn into a mud-like substance that will sooner or later gum things up. Especially in cold weather.

Dry-moly won't do that, it stays slick.

Another reason to run one dry in cold weather, oil can become stiff and enough of it can cause issues during cold weather. Charles replied while I was typing, I agree with him and will add have also had success with the Remington Teflon dry lube instead of the Moly, either will work better than liquid oils in cold weather

I notices an issue with cheaper metal/aluminum hulls or heads on lighter loads having to much expansion causing a jam. I went to t the more expensive brass heads with lighter loads and have stopped having issues.

The two beretta that I've owned wee hit and miss. Had a 1100 and never a single problem. Wish I'd kept it now

My Mossberg 930 runs great.

I think you should find some ammo that your gun likes.

My wifes mossberg sa-20 runs the lightest cheapest loads to the stoutest duck loads like a top. Ive been using it alot more.

My wifes mossberg sa-20 runs the lightest cheapest loads to the stoutest duck loads like a top. Ive been using it alot more.

If you can find one, a Browning B-80 is the most reliable shotgun I've ever owned. It's also good beautiful.

I like my Berretta a400 12 gauge I've shot lots of 3 inch and 3.5 inch shells with it and even today I was shooting light 2 3/4 light loads also recoil is amazing how little it kicks even when shooting the 3.5 inch shells

Cole used to make spring sets for 390/391 Beretta that allowed you to use lighter loads. They were used in the gas system. I have one that allows 3/4 oz 12 gauge loads cycle. Never played with the Xplor but you could call them.

I have SX3, SA-08 and Fabarm L4S 12 gauges that cycle 1oz loads with authority in very cold weather. They are also very soft shooting. I've had three shoulder operations and am also recoil sensitive. Haven't shot anything lighter than a ounce through them though.

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice! I have heard limited but good reports from bird hunters using the Fabarms L4S and hope to find one to look at before next season. Dealers are scarce so if anyone knows of one around Texarkana I would like to know of it. Thanks again!

I would also look into the Weatherby SA-08. It comes with two inserts for firing light/heavy shells, you could set it up for light and just leave it. I've shot 1oz 12ga with the heavy insert and it cycles just fine. It's not going to break the bank, either, and I really like mine overall.

If you can find an older Remington 11-87 Premier Light contour in 20 gauge, those shotguns have very nice recoil and mine has shot light dove loads without a hickup, and functioned flawlessly duck and goose hunting in ice, snow and rain. Important not to over lubricate an 11-87.

Has anyone had problems shooting the A300 with light loads?