Using newer steel shot in older shotguns - safety issue?

[ericrose]

I did a quick search and couldn't find any threads on this subject so if my searching-foo is lacking I apologize.

I have been told by several well respected competitive shotgunners that using steel shot in older shotguns is not advised. Seems the older guns that have chokes smaller than cylinder can experience barrel bulge, splits and dangerous pressure issues. It also seems that these older shotguns for the most part don't have enough steel in the barrels to allow for the old choke section to be replaced with a variable choke. Not enough metal to get the threads into it seems.

So my question is this, if you were looking for an upland game semi-auto what year of manufacturer would be the cutoff to insure the newer steel shot shells are not a problem?

 

[mason.djar]

There's a very comprehensive thread up on steel in older guns on the Sporting Shotguns section, should have what you need

 

[Zedbra]

Go to the shotgun forum, read the second Sticky thread about this topic. http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/71-Hunting-and-Sporting-Shotguns

 

[ericrose]

Thanks guys.

 

[Scamaniac]

BTW Eric, lead shot is legal for upland game. Steel and non-toxic shot is only required for ducks, geese, migratory birds. Happy Hunting!