Rusty,
Like you I bought a new 11-87, but in 20ga, and it would not cycle light loads at all. After a trip back to the Remington factory and 6 weeks later, all works well now. But, with the 12ga, or so I was told, you will need a different barrel to operate light loads. I don't know where the cut off points is but I'll bet the folks at Remington can tell you. I do know that on my 20ga they did polish the chamber so the hulls would eject better. Once the 11-87 decides to work it is a beauty to shoot. Shame Remington is letting so many guns leave the factory with so much work to do to them to get them to operate properly. Hopes this helps.