Open chokes to use steel shot

SHOTGUN BARREL ALTERATIONS FOR STEEL SHOT


Steel shot does not require the constriction that lead shot needs, to produce good patterns. In fact too much constriction, causes poor, erratic patterns, and in some cases, permanently damages the barrel. I have seen barrels bulged at the choke, I have seen barrels where the choke split right open, from using steel shot.

For steel shot, with thin barrels, chokes should be altered to at least Skeet II. Often, over & under, and side-by-side shotguns, are best altered to Skeet I and Skeet II chokes. Heavier barrels can be left at Modified choke but may see an improvement in the pattern if opened slightly.

Choke Alteration:
Choke designation from the tightest to the most open are:
Extra Full, Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Skeet II, Improved Cylinder, Skeet I, and Cylinder Bore.

Forcing Cone Alteration:

Factory shotgun barrels usually have a fairly short and abrupt forcing cone. The forcing cone is the tapered area just ahead of the chamber where the shell is contained. Altering the forcing cone, so it is one and one half or two inches in length, reduces recoil and improves the pattern density. Trap shooters and skeet shooters have been doing this for many years. It is a good benefit to the steel shot user as well.
 
Thanks Dennis, for your input and option possibilities. In recent years, my waterfowl hunting has dropped off but I would still like to do a little from time to time. With that little 'amount' in mind, I was basically hoping to find a source of non toxic and non steel factory ammo:( but that's an option that appears to be as scarce as hens teeth. That was my option #1. #2, I was considering acquiring bismuth or ITX shot and components from a source of supply in Alberta, and 'rolling my own'. #3, there's a gentleman in Saskatchewan that has expressed an interest in adopting my AYA. Years ago, I had another AYA I purchased from a dealer in the Naniamo fish & Game Club that I used to shoot handgun with. I foolishly sold that one and replaced it with what I now have :d and now glad I did as this one has decent wood. I had earlier contemplated having the chokes modified to allow the use of steel shot. But as tight as it patterns with the 2oz Federal Premium loads, I resisted that temptation. Time for a little soul searching I guess. Either got the Bismuth route of let the gentleman in Saskatchewan 'adopt' it. :)Thanks again for your input.

Oh, a side issue. I've recently purchased a custom rifle in 375 Chatfield Taylor from Super Cub that I believe you had some involvement in building :d. Do you recall that?
 
The last time I purchased bismuth shot for reloading my black powder shotguns and Winchester Model 21 was about 6 years ago at at that time it was $135 for a 7 lb can. 7 lb will not load many 10 ga shells! At least you don't need to use the heavy plastic wads used with steel loads and you need not alter the chokes for Bi loads. Some additional factors for consideration ....
 
If you do have them opened use a good quality gunsmith. I searched all over within a 2.5 hour drive range and only found one shop to do it and they messed it up. Now it's going to be sent to a custom gun builder to get sorted out for a lot more money
I shot mine for years in f/f with bb steel shot with no problems. I wanted to move to larger shot as I couldn't find #2 steel. Once I got my gun back I discovered 2 full flats of #2 steel in my gun room I don't even remember buying
It is a beautiful gun you got there
 
I had the choke of my Ithaca Mag 10 opened up to only .020" constriction and it shot BB and BBB steel really well - basically a really good Full Choke pattern. I would have them done the same or maybe have the right barrel a bit more open - say .015" choke for a pattern equivalent to about Modified.
 
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