The first year I had my SBEII, it stove piped on me with a 3 1/2" Federal shell and it was an overhead shot...I was told on other threads that this can happen when the gun is not seated properly on the shoulder. Now, this is the only instance i had with the gun and i've had it for 6 years now...You also stated that the problem is with Hevi Shot 3inch #3. Try Hevi Metal 3inch #3...This is all I shot and never had a problem.....Don't give up on the gun....