Picked up a Beretta S56 in 12ga for a song and dance. My first "real" shotgun as I only ever owned a 410 for small game.

Good score mate. Remember the rules regarding steel shot and choke size mate.

I read something about that. I only picked up #4 Turkey loads in lead so far just to be safe.

welcome back stranger.....was wondering how you getting on the other day.
the increase in preformance between the two is quite a lot,I have soft spot for the wee .410 but understand its 20-25 yards where it shines.
the versitility of .12ga is unreal..from scattering loads for up close to really tight patterning loads that will snot small game at 60 yards... then there is buckshot n solids
if I could only have one load and one load only it would be made by winchester and be in size #2 either steel or lead superX or xpert that load absolutely excells

I'm using a Beretta 686 cal 12 in 3" several years now and though I'm in my bones a lover of my FN B26, I also started to love this Beretta. But that love only started AFTER I got my stock lowered a few cm so that it fits better. I seems Beretta is having rather straight stocks. My 686 is not steel proved, but as suitable for 3", it should be able to handle higher pressure AND I use most of the time 28 grs steelshot or lower and never exceed #4 steelshot (mostly #5 and #7 - lead shot is not allowed in the North of Belgium). That 686 already handled many rounds of steel and still is as healthy as could be.
And for your info: I took that 686 because I wanted to spare my FN B26 when the use of steelshot was forced. Till now I'm very happy I made that choice as my 686 has proved itself to be a very good tool.

My advice: never use heavy steelshot with internal chokes. Use shot smaller than #4 or buy some external chokes. (and use lead shot as long as you're allowed to)

Elvis,

The Turkey loads I picked up are Winchester SuperX. Only 2.75" turkey loads commonly available here.

Aloysius,

This shotgun predates the 686 and comes with fixed chokes. A bit of an issue for longevity.

But legal to use lead here still for small game like rabbits and turkeys.

You can have chokes retro fitted mate. Briley make some of the best (they ALL claim to be the best) chokes in the world. Many shooters out here have them fitted.

Briley 12g Chokes

Canada
Lawry Shooting Sports
(Briley Thinwall installation and chokes and accessories)
27 Industrial Dr., PO Box 2153, Caledonia, Ontario, Canada, N3W2G6
Phone: 905-765-3343
www.lawryshootingnsports.com
rick @ lawryshootingsports.com

Interesting Vince. I've bookmarked it for future reference.

Thank you,

said it before..if you keep the shot size small and the payload light..you CAN get away with ssteel through older gun with tighter choke..... Aloys is spot on with above but I will happily use 32grm load... the 30grm is hard to find but awesome too...winchester,kent and gamebore all make it. the winchester xpert lighter load in particular is awesome.