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The barrels on many older guns was almost paper thin near the muzzles to reduce weight. When screw in chokes became popular the steel was left thicker to leave room for threading the barrels. The softer lead shot would conform to the barrels better as it went through the choked part of the end of the barrel. Harder steel shot will eventually lead to the end of the barrel splitting.
Manufacturers have also upgraded the toughness of the steel used in newer barrels with steel shot in mind.
Some older guns are OK with steel shot, many, especially doubles are not.
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