Steel shot in older shotguns

Stiofan · February 3, 2006, 04:05 PM

I have a 870 Wingmaster 12 ga. and Browning auto-5 12 ga. circa 1975, both with fixed full choke barrels. I haven't gone waterfowl hunting since they switched the load requirement to steel. I have shot them plenty for upland game over the years using lead and both guns are in great shape. Would these barrels be OK for steel or hevi shot loads? Over the last few years I've been using a side by side and over/under for my upland game, and these two guns with their longer barrels (30" and 28") are not getting as much use anymore. I'm thinking maybe I should give them a work out later this year after some ducks but was worried about the barrels.

Dfariswheel · February 3, 2006, 08:15 PM

I'm not sure if your guns are OK for steel, but you can simply contact the manufactures and give them the serial numbers and they will be able to say Yes, or No.

If in doubt, simply shoot the new hevi-shot which does work in older barrels.

mtnboomer · February 4, 2006, 04:50 AM

Rule of Thumb: If the barrel doesn't say it's proofed for steel shot - IT'S NOT!

Do not shoot Hevi-Shot through a Full choke it will pattern poorly. The denser Hevi-Shot patterns tighter than lead with the same choke constriction. Most people use an Imp. Modified choke to get Full choke patterns.

My advise would be to get a steel-proofed, choke-tubed barrel for the Remington and use it for waterfowl.

SmokinTom · February 4, 2006, 06:31 AM

Don`t do it,you will ruin those barrels.Look into replacement barrels with screw in chokes for steel shot or a different gun all together.Don`t do it.

Stiofan · February 5, 2006, 02:02 PM

Thanks guys!

February 3, 2006, 04:05 PM	#1
Stiofan Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2006 Location: Panhandle, Idaho Posts: 714	Steel shot in older shotguns I have a 870 Wingmaster 12 ga. and Browning auto-5 12 ga. circa 1975, both with fixed full choke barrels. I haven't gone waterfowl hunting since they switched the load requirement to steel. I have shot them plenty for upland game over the years using lead and both guns are in great shape. Would these barrels be OK for steel or hevi shot loads? Over the last few years I've been using a side by side and over/under for my upland game, and these two guns with their longer barrels (30" and 28") are not getting as much use anymore. I'm thinking maybe I should give them a work out later this year after some ducks but was worried about the barrels.

February 4, 2006, 04:50 AM	#3
mtnboomer Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Location: Oklahoma by birth. America by the grace of God. Posts: 635	Rule of Thumb: If the barrel doesn't say it's proofed for steel shot - IT'S NOT! Do not shoot Hevi-Shot through a Full choke it will pattern poorly. The denser Hevi-Shot patterns tighter than lead with the same choke constriction. Most people use an Imp. Modified choke to get Full choke patterns. My advise would be to get a steel-proofed, choke-tubed barrel for the Remington and use it for waterfowl. __________________ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati (If all else fails - play dead!) Support the Second Amendment. Join the NRA > http://www.nra.org < Oklahoma State & Big 12 - #1 GO POKES!!!!!

February 3, 2006, 08:15 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	I'm not sure if your guns are OK for steel, but you can simply contact the manufactures and give them the serial numbers and they will be able to say Yes, or No. If in doubt, simply shoot the new hevi-shot which does work in older barrels.

February 4, 2006, 06:31 AM	#4
SmokinTom Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 479	Don`t do it,you will ruin those barrels.Look into replacement barrels with screw in chokes for steel shot or a different gun all together.Don`t do it.

February 5, 2006, 02:02 PM	#5
Stiofan Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2006 Location: Panhandle, Idaho Posts: 714	Thanks guys!