I recently aquired a Norinco JW 2000 coachgun in 12 gauge, as a present. I plan to use this for cowboy action shooting only. On the shotgun is a warning not to use steel pellets. What are the consequences of using steel pellets as shells loaded with lead shot are not as easy to buy.
Steel Pellets vs. Lead
- Thread starter Gitz
- Start date
I'm guessing the problem will be seen at the muzzle. It is possible that a ring bulge can develop just ahead of the chokes. If that happens with a single barrel gun, no big deal. But if it happens to a double, it could separate the barrels at the rib.
SIR sells lots of Challenger lead ammo. And cheap.
SIR sells lots of Challenger lead ammo. And cheap.
I just got an answer from marstar. They say there are no chokes in this shotgun and therefore no restrictions at all. They say that perhaps when they copied the shotgun they also simply copied what was written on the original. They advise to go ahead and use steel pellets and if there is any damage, they will replace the barrels. They didn't say anything about replacing my parts. ie; eyes hands etc. What do you think??
Based on Marstar's offer, you shouldn't have any issues. But, why would you want to use steel?
Steel shot costs more than lead.
Lead shot shells are easier to find.
Lead shot is easier on your barrels.
Lead shot retains more energy (better hits when only a few pellets hit the target).
In short, lead is better in every way. The only reason to use steel IMO is for environmental reasons when shooting waterfowl or targets over water (even for those applications, Tungsten Polimer, sometimes called Tungsten Matrix, is a better choice).
SS
Steel shot costs more than lead.
Lead shot shells are easier to find.
Lead shot is easier on your barrels.
Lead shot retains more energy (better hits when only a few pellets hit the target).
In short, lead is better in every way. The only reason to use steel IMO is for environmental reasons when shooting waterfowl or targets over water (even for those applications, Tungsten Polimer, sometimes called Tungsten Matrix, is a better choice).
SS
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Gitz said:
Not sure what universe "south of Edmonton" is in, but if you have trouble finding LEAD shotgun shells, you should switch suppliers.
Gitz,
If you are planning on shooting cowboy action you CANNOT use steel shot, period. The steel shot hitting a steel reactive target will not deform and drop to the ground like lead, it is more likely to bounce back and strike the shooter and bystanders. As previously stated you shouldn't have any problem finding trap or light field loads with lead shot. I have bought federal and winchester 100 packs at Canadian Tire and Wally world in the past for $20-$25, this ammo was 1 1/8 oz of #7.5 lead shot. You may even be able to do better at a gunshop if you shop around and buy by the flat (250 rounds). Our club does a group buy through the Kent Cartridge Co. in Ontario and the last time we bought there we paid $45.00 per 250 rounds.
If you are planning on shooting cowboy action you CANNOT use steel shot, period. The steel shot hitting a steel reactive target will not deform and drop to the ground like lead, it is more likely to bounce back and strike the shooter and bystanders. As previously stated you shouldn't have any problem finding trap or light field loads with lead shot. I have bought federal and winchester 100 packs at Canadian Tire and Wally world in the past for $20-$25, this ammo was 1 1/8 oz of #7.5 lead shot. You may even be able to do better at a gunshop if you shop around and buy by the flat (250 rounds). Our club does a group buy through the Kent Cartridge Co. in Ontario and the last time we bought there we paid $45.00 per 250 rounds.
