I am asking what are the dangers of using steel shot in choke tubes which are marked for lead shot only - I have a Mossberg 835 in 3 1/2" but my extra full tube is marked for lead and I was intending to use it for geese with #2 steel shot. Other than scoring of the tube is there and danger??
Question re Steel shot in choke tubes
- Thread starter sniper_26
- Start date
Tubes
Ray too much constriction when using steel shotshells can lead to barrel bulging, besides your gun will pattern better with a more open choke. I shoot almost all my non tox out of my IC choke and my gun is a Beretta 20 gauge. For late season ducks I'll switch to my Extrema and use my Mod choke for 12 gauge.
If you have an IC choke for your Mossberg, thats the one I would use. Most of the wads used in steel shot loads do not open up as wide as a wad used in lead ammo and help keep your pattern fairly tight. Try and get your hands on a box of the new Federal Black cloud, this ammo is nothing short of amazing, a little pricey but WOW does it kill well. FS
Ray too much constriction when using steel shotshells can lead to barrel bulging, besides your gun will pattern better with a more open choke. I shoot almost all my non tox out of my IC choke and my gun is a Beretta 20 gauge. For late season ducks I'll switch to my Extrema and use my Mod choke for 12 gauge.
If you have an IC choke for your Mossberg, thats the one I would use. Most of the wads used in steel shot loads do not open up as wide as a wad used in lead ammo and help keep your pattern fairly tight. Try and get your hands on a box of the new Federal Black cloud, this ammo is nothing short of amazing, a little pricey but WOW does it kill well. FS
My thoughts...
SHOTGUN BARREL ALTERATIONS FOR STEEL SHOT
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.
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.
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.
SHOTGUN BARREL ALTERATIONS FOR STEEL SHOT
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.
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.
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.
guntech x2. i've been finding that for waterfowl over decoys, ducks in particular, that my clients are finding mod. still a bit too much choke. i've been opening up barrels to light mod. ,skeet II and they've been getting excellent patterns with sizes 2,3,4 steel.
