hey, maybe someone can answer this once and for all. I have several 12 gauge shotguns of different make. They have full choke barrels. One in particular is a Remington. Several years ago I phoned Remington and asked them if I could fire steel out of the full choke. They answered, yes as long as it was not smaller than number 6 and was not shot frequently. Others, say absolutely taboo. Never did it yet, looking for opinions.
steel shot
- Thread starter Ruger1962
- Start date
Steel shot does not compress/deform like lead therefore as it tries to pass through the restriction (choke) something has to give.
Most folks I know with full choke guns had the choke reamed/honed out to modified or had choke tubes installed. I use Improved Cylinder in my 870 and get about the same patterns I got with lead through a modified choke. Full choke is supposed to really mess up your patterns with steel shot.
I've seen a lot of factory choke tubes labeled steel/lead and they tend to be almost double the price. Something must be different.
I'm sure you can "get away" with using steel in your full choke shotguns for awhile but I wouldn't do it. If you need to use steel shot get another gun (that is steel capable), modify your gun(s) to make them steel capable or use another non-toxic shot that is compatible with your chokes.
I suspect you will get a lot of "I've been doing it for years" replies and all the luck to those fellows that have been getting away with it. I have heard the same stories regarding slugs through full chokes. I however have seen the split barrels from shooting one too many slugs through a full choke.
I recently bought a Remington 870 barrel and the leaflet in the box said that steel shot of less than #1 size could be safely used in any full choked 870 or 1100. That said, Modified choke will likely give you the best patterns with steel shot.
Thanks for responding tjhaile. Is the shotgun you bought a full choke? I suspect that if I shoot a box of steel out of my shotgun, every two or three years that I should be ok. If I find I am shooting anything to often, then I will opt for a choke reaming or installation. Thanks
I have a browning over and under that I purchased about 20 years ago. I called browning when steel came out and asked the same question. They told me to buy steel and enjoy shooting my shotgun. I was still not sure about this with all of the talk about steel causing problems. I took my gun to a gunsmith and had Briley thin wall tubes fitted for it.
You might want to pattern the gun with 1 box at a few said distances at a 15 and 30" circle you might find that your full choke blows the steel pattern all to hell.
This is why modified or IC is best.
Short distance shooting I use an IC and get better pattern's than with modifed. Longer distance the Mod holds patterns tighter.
Just saying, if you have a blown pattern good luck killing waterfowl.
