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Steel-shot in older gun

Stevens311
The Stevens 311 I have is between 21 and 41 years old. I'm going goose hunting on Thursday and I know steel-shot is not good for older guns. I was told using it on a modified would be fine. I also don't plan on doing it ever again. Will the barrel be okay?
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • badsbsnf81
    You run a 50/50 chance of bulging the barrel.
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  • golferboy426
    That's crap. Thousand of tests have been done by a noted reloading and shotgun expert Tom Roster. You will not have any damage. Even in a full choke as long as you use BB or smaller you will have no problem.This is a controvertial subject and many will chime in says it's risky and will damage the barrel but the testing does not support that conclusion
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  • babun
    why must you use steel??? There are newer NON-Toxic loads that are %100 safe in older guns.
    Here is just one example... http://www.{elsewhere}/53126-5.html

    Bob
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  • Stevens311
    quote:Originally posted by badsbsnf81
    You run a 50/50 chance of bulging the barrel.

    even with a modified?
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  • Stevens311
    quote:Originally posted by babun
    why must you use steel??? There are newer NON-Toxic loads that are %100 safe in older guns.
    Here is just one example... http://www.{elsewhere}/53126-5.html

    Bob

    Well other alternatives are really expensive and hard to find in 3 days. I have a feeling Dicks or my local gun shop will not have them. I know you can buy them online but 3 days is not enough time.
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  • jaegermister
    I fired hundreds of rounds of air rifle shot (copper plated steel) long before steel was considered for waterfowl, never noticed a problem.
    Always used plastic power piston wads, screw in chokes were not invented then.
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  • Stevens311
    quote:Originally posted by Barzillia
    Not going to be shooting that many rounds are you ?

    No idea im going goose hunting for the first time.
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  • oakridge
    Great question. I still shoot an old Win. Model 12 (really old, made in 1917). I'm still shooting up a supply of old shells, so I've never bought any steel shot. I'm now wondering what's safe in my old gun.
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  • tjh1948
    A lot depends on what type of Goose Hunting you are going to be doing.
    If it is for decoying birds, you can use shot sizes smaller than BB, say a #1 or #2 & still kill them. I use BB's for pass shooting & have never had a problem with them in my 1100/3"/30"/FC which was manufactured well before non-toxic shot was mandated.
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  • GuvamintCheese
    quote:Originally posted by babun
    why must you use steel??? There are newer NON-Toxic loads that are %100 safe in older guns.
    Here is just one example... http://www.{elsewhere}/53126-5.html

    Bob
    +1 use bismuth or something other than steel. It costs less than a new barrel.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by golferboy426
    That's crap. Thousand of tests have been done by a noted reloading and shotgun expert Tom Roster. You will not have any damage. Even in a full choke as long as you use BB or smaller you will have no problem.This is a controvertial subject and many will chime in says it's risky and will damage the barrel but the testing does not support that conclusion


    It is not crap! I have personally seen a beautiful old Belgian Browning Light Twelve Full choke (1962 vintage) with the last 3-inches of the muzzle split open from shooting less than one box of steel shot loaded shells (heavy duck loads) through it. One top of that, why is it that none of the major shotgun manufacturers recommend shooting steel shot in there older models[?]

    You are free to shoot whatever you like in your shotguns, but you are not going to get a free pass on giving out unqualified advice.
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