Fixed Chokes and Steel Shot

[ebruder]

Hi everyone...

Maybe this question has an obvious answer... but I'll ask anyways...

I have a 12Ga SxS... it has fixed chokes (sk/IC) and chrome lined bores...

I know you can't shoot steel shot through a full choke... but what chokes can you safely use steel with?

Thanks

EB

 

[ryanloco]

Per my understanding - Mod and anything less constrictive will work.

My BSS 20ga. has IC/Mod and the smith gave me the thumbs up for steel when I had him verify the barrel data stamps re: chokes....

My Norinco 12ga. has a screw in choke somewhere between IC and Mod and I put steel BB and #2's through it last year for Geese.

Let me know when you want to come down to London for some geese with that nice Baikal !!

 

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

What I found funny about the steel/lead issue was that even a late model backbore & chrome lined barrel may develop a slight ring near the end barrel if enough steel goes through it. According to Browning anyway, this is not a problem & still safe to shoot. I guess this must the part of the barrel were the shot starts to depart the wad & with enough time the steel peens the chrome to the point of deforming. The point I'm trying to make is: If its a pump/semi strictly for ducks & geese & not a thing to be esthetically appreciated, then go for it. But if its a $2500 plus clays gun that says its steel friendly be fore warned.

 

[12magnum]

Ring bulging is not very eye appealing but Brownings , at least in they're older guns, used softer steels and ring bulging did occur.Its still safe to shoot the gun .I've actually seen some decent patterns out of some full chokes, a few Rem 1100's and Mossbrg 500's come to mind. If you are choked skeet and IC there should be no problem. Frankly those two chokes when combined with size 3 or 4 steel shot throw geat patterns for waterfowl over decoys.I find a lot of my customers are finding modified still a little to tight with steel and are rquesting the choke be opened to skeet II.