Mine has never been finicky. I have shot everything from #8 to 00 and slugs with no issues other than a sore shoulder with the slugs. My only gripe, is I got one of the early ones that had the wrong height front sight and as a result, it shoots high, but, I have adapted to that. Other than that, not a single malfunction. I even installed the side saddle shell carrier on mine which some say will cause problems with no issues. On a side note, my buddy has a Benneli semi auto that was about 200 more than the SPX and it shoots like a dream. If you can wait and save a little more, I would do that.