Steel shot vs lead shot...

[Super-Dave]

Does steel shot significantly damage the barrel much more than lead shot?

If so suppose I had a brand new smooth bore shotgun and all I fired was steel shot, what would the life expectancy of the barrel be?

[banditt007]

I'm not one to accurately answer that question for you but i'd venture to guess only the choke would have a tiny bit more wear. being that all the shotgun pellets are within the wad on their trip out the barrel... no lead to barrel contact. someone correct me if i'm wrong.

[Dave McC]

Have I mentioned how much I loathe "vs" theads?

Nope. Even given a heavy diet of steel shot, the barrel will last longer than we will given decent PM.

[nutty ned]

Super-Dave it makes no difference with the proper choke.
Older fixed full choke only guns could be damaged.
Guns with choke tubes made for steel will not be damaged.
Modern barrels with a fixed mod or bigger choke won't be damaged either.