Older guns, steel shot
I have inherited several shotguns, including a model 12 Win., a model 97, and some older single shots. Some are labeled fullchoke. Is there a danger of ruining the older guns with steel shot?
walnut
walnut
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pkehn,
Got this info from here.
"The first thing that you should know is that most modern shotguns will shoot steel shot, although it is recommended that you consult you local gunsmith first to be certain. Some shotguns have a very sharp shoulder on the choke that could actually cause the barrel to blow up....Lead shot is very forgiving and will compress going through a full choke. Steel shot on the other hand does not compress and can cause some very erratic patterns. This is especially true with the larger shot sizes. It seems that steel shot sizes number four and smaller perform pretty well the same as lead when pushed through a full choke. But when you get into the larger sizes, number one and bigger, the shot cannot compress down to go through the choke and the pattern becomes very erratic."
Close to God, far away from everyone else.0 -
I am not here to dispute the above information as I am sure it is well founded.However,I must ask a question that has me convinced that the " DON'T SHOOT STEEL IN OLD GUNS" was another way to sell new guns more than a bonifide fact.Have you ever seen a plastic shot column wad with holes worn through from the steel shot???My point is that if the steel does not contact the barrel,how does it wear it out??Merely an observation that many hunters have noticed.I must admit that I shoot little steel,but when I do I use my elsies and never look back.
Good luck with finding out what is right for you.
BILL
KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY.BUT NOT HOT.....single action S&Ws are keepers0 -
modoc,
You raise an interesting observation so let me offer some information from the Browning website:
"Q: Can I shoot steel shot in my Browning shotgun?
A: All current Browning shotguns with the Invector or Invector-Plus choke tube system are fully steel shot compatible with current factory loads. However, there are limitations to the compatibility of many older Browning shotguns with conventionally choked barrels. In certain models, shooting steel shot may cause a slight 'ring bulge' just inches behind the muzzle."..."the 'bulge' can be a factor in resale, especially with collector-grade shotguns."..."In not all, but a number of instances a very slight ring will develop about 1 1/2" to 3" rearward of the muzzle. This ring is about .005 of an inch above the plane of the barrel, completely encircling the barrel."
They go on to list what Browning models are not steel shot compatible, of course. Most manufacturers warn about not using steel shot in older "fixed choke" guns...Close to God, far away from everyone else.0 -
I have a Franci from the 1960's and I had Briley bore it for screw in chokes and lengthen the forcing cone. They also said do not use steel shot. 0 -
I have actually seen a Browning Auto 5 with a bulged barrel from shooting steel shot.I think ANY older shotgun of any value is not worth the risk.Especially if it has a FULL choke. 0
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