I’m looking at buying a Beretta 409 12 gauge that’s in great shape. Has 30” barrels choked mod and full with double triggers. My thoughts are to use it as my pheasant gun. I have a very nice 30” LC Smith in the same configuration and have RST shells on hand in #5 and #7.5 but my understanding is that the robust design of the beretta can handle modern pheasant loads without incurring wood damage/issues. Just curious if others have had success with more modern (I.e. higher pressure) loads in the 409 platform. Thanks for any input.

I wouldn't shoot steel or tungsten shot through it but other than that I wouldn't have any concerns

I own a 410E and shoot B&P loads since it's no big deal to order them on line and they are loaded to CIP standards. Their MB Classic and MB Extra have peak pressures of 550 and 690 bar, respectively, for 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 ounces of lead. To get pressure in psi multiply by 14.5. These loads are called something different on the B&P U.S. web site, I think Upland Game or Upland Game Classic. You can get pressure on the italien site.

The flats should be marked with 2 stars over PSF, meaning High Performance Proof for a Service Pressure of 1050 BAR = 15,229 PSI, and Mean Proof Pressure of 1320 BAR = 19,145 PSI.
SAAMI max. for 2 3/4" 12g is 11,500 psi.

As Bruce said, the B&P MB Classic 1 1/8 oz. at 1330 was a great pheasant load, but B&P has changed their offerings
https://baschieri-pellagriusa.com/hunting/upland-game.html

I do think 1 1/4 oz at 1400 fps is pushing it regarding recoil and the wood.

chief...if you are lookin to shoot heavy steel loads...

then browning bss might be a better choice...