Steel shot availability:

Lima Oscar 7 · August 6, 2021, 10:56 AM

Is anyone else noticing that 3” 12 Gauge Steel Shot is in short supply? I see plenty of 3-1/2” on hand. ‘Glad I kept one 3.5” as a just in case. One of the things that knocked a dent in the supply chain for us was Wal-Mart’s decision to get out of the firearms business in most markets. You could go into any Wal-Mart at 2:00 AM and get a decent box of Steel Shot. Now it seems like they will keep a little on hand but it’s snapped up quickly. Here is what I am seeing currently. Let me add, the intent of this is not to start a political discussion. That will accomplish nothing. My aim is to see how others are dealing with this or if I am the exception; not the rule. Thanks.

(12 Gauge Only)

Mack’s Prairie Wings - Some 3.5”, precious little 3”

Fort Thompson - Nothing

Rogers Sporting Goods - Spotty 3.5” and 3” imventory

Bass Pro - 3” and 3.5” in house but they have about 15% of what they had in stock this year

Mom and Pop Stores - Fairly well stocked

Pahoo · August 6, 2021, 11:06 AM

I suspect we live in the same part of the country. I live in a waterfowl hunting area and around here, availability of Steel-shot is hard to find and when you do find some, it's expensive. You can find it but yo have to work for it !!!

Be Safe !!!

Lima Oscar 7 · August 6, 2021, 11:13 AM

i live in Arkansas. Macks is normally flush with steel shot by now.

Lhigginsqrb · August 18, 2021, 08:04 AM

I’m only seeing 3.5 in northern Illinois area.

What’s of more concern to me is the lack of #6 for squirrel and rabbit. I’m adapting this season. Considering number 8 for very close shots. Using my reloader to swap the # 8 for #4, 5, or 6 on some loads. Then stealing the primers from some rounds to make long range rounds.

FITASC · August 18, 2021, 12:54 PM

I suspect you will see more as hunting season gets closer

jmr40 · August 18, 2021, 01:04 PM

Quote:

I suspect you will see more as hunting season gets closer

Squirrel season started here on 8/15.

FITASC · August 18, 2021, 06:54 PM

You need steel to hunt squirrel?

Lima Oscar 7 · August 18, 2021, 09:33 PM

I sure hope not. It’s a terrible alternative for Ducks.

Blindstitch · August 21, 2021, 02:36 AM

Last year before duck season I looked at what I had and decided to hit up Rogers and it was easier to buy cases so I have a few stashed. But in the Milwaukee area there's low stock on 3.5 goose loads but when people were trying to talk me out of a Mossberg 935 in 3.5 i'm sure they're eating their words but I'll borrow them some 3 inch shells.

FITASC · August 21, 2021, 09:50 AM

Local Walmarts as of yesterday had dozens of federal 4 packs of steel, no lead shot at all in one store but plenty of steel

Blindstitch · August 21, 2021, 08:38 PM

As FITASC says. I was at walmart today and lots of Federal 4 packs, a good shelve of Winchester 3 inch and 2 shelves of Winchester 3.5. The only lead was left over turkey ammo.

Lhigginsqrb · August 22, 2021, 09:39 PM

I’m using lead not steel. I found a little so I’m good. It’s still scarce.

I was going to mention I have plenty of 3.5 like I said above for my o/u. But now I can’t find steel two and three-quarter for my dad. He’s got this old Pump and he won’t take anything else. I’m gonna have to do some maneuvering if I can’t find any soon.

Lima Oscar 7 · August 23, 2021, 11:14 PM

Wal Mart steel shot is spotty in Arkansas, believe it or not. Larger towns have none. Whereas smaller towns have some ammo in general.

August 6, 2021, 10:56 AM	#1
Lima Oscar 7 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2021 Posts: 125	Steel shot availability: Is anyone else noticing that 3” 12 Gauge Steel Shot is in short supply? I see plenty of 3-1/2” on hand. ‘Glad I kept one 3.5” as a just in case. One of the things that knocked a dent in the supply chain for us was Wal-Mart’s decision to get out of the firearms business in most markets. You could go into any Wal-Mart at 2:00 AM and get a decent box of Steel Shot. Now it seems like they will keep a little on hand but it’s snapped up quickly. Here is what I am seeing currently. Let me add, the intent of this is not to start a political discussion. That will accomplish nothing. My aim is to see how others are dealing with this or if I am the exception; not the rule. Thanks. (12 Gauge Only) Mack’s Prairie Wings - Some 3.5”, precious little 3” Fort Thompson - Nothing Rogers Sporting Goods - Spotty 3.5” and 3” imventory Bass Pro - 3” and 3.5” in house but they have about 15% of what they had in stock this year Mom and Pop Stores - Fairly well stocked __________________ Disclaimer: All comments or opinions regarding firearms will be carefully worded based upon personal ownership with extensive use and are not intended to offend the reader.

August 6, 2021, 11:06 AM	#2
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Not good and the season will soon be here !! I suspect we live in the same part of the country. I live in a waterfowl hunting area and around here, availability of Steel-shot is hard to find and when you do find some, it's expensive. You can find it but yo have to work for it !!! Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

August 6, 2021, 11:13 AM	#3
Lima Oscar 7 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2021 Posts: 125	i live in Arkansas. Macks is normally flush with steel shot by now. __________________ Disclaimer: All comments or opinions regarding firearms will be carefully worded based upon personal ownership with extensive use and are not intended to offend the reader.

August 18, 2021, 12:54 PM	#5
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	I suspect you will see more as hunting season gets closer __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 18, 2021, 06:54 PM	#7
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	You need steel to hunt squirrel? __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 18, 2021, 08:04 AM	#4
Lhigginsqrb Member Join Date: August 10, 2021 Posts: 81	I’m only seeing 3.5 in northern Illinois area. What’s of more concern to me is the lack of #6 for squirrel and rabbit. I’m adapting this season. Considering number 8 for very close shots. Using my reloader to swap the # 8 for #4, 5, or 6 on some loads. Then stealing the primers from some rounds to make long range rounds.

August 18, 2021, 09:33 PM	#8
Lima Oscar 7 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2021 Posts: 125	I sure hope not. It’s a terrible alternative for Ducks. __________________ Disclaimer: All comments or opinions regarding firearms will be carefully worded based upon personal ownership with extensive use and are not intended to offend the reader.

August 21, 2021, 02:36 AM	#9
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,693	Last year before duck season I looked at what I had and decided to hit up Rogers and it was easier to buy cases so I have a few stashed. But in the Milwaukee area there's low stock on 3.5 goose loads but when people were trying to talk me out of a Mossberg 935 in 3.5 i'm sure they're eating their words but I'll borrow them some 3 inch shells. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

August 21, 2021, 09:50 AM	#10
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	Local Walmarts as of yesterday had dozens of federal 4 packs of steel, no lead shot at all in one store but plenty of steel __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 21, 2021, 08:38 PM	#11
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,693	As FITASC says. I was at walmart today and lots of Federal 4 packs, a good shelve of Winchester 3 inch and 2 shelves of Winchester 3.5. The only lead was left over turkey ammo. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

August 22, 2021, 09:39 PM	#12
Lhigginsqrb Member Join Date: August 10, 2021 Posts: 81	I’m using lead not steel. I found a little so I’m good. It’s still scarce. I was going to mention I have plenty of 3.5 like I said above for my o/u. But now I can’t find steel two and three-quarter for my dad. He’s got this old Pump and he won’t take anything else. I’m gonna have to do some maneuvering if I can’t find any soon. Last edited by Lhigginsqrb; August 23, 2021 at 06:22 AM.

August 23, 2021, 11:14 PM	#13
Lima Oscar 7 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2021 Posts: 125	Wal Mart steel shot is spotty in Arkansas, believe it or not. Larger towns have none. Whereas smaller towns have some ammo in general. __________________ Disclaimer: All comments or opinions regarding firearms will be carefully worded based upon personal ownership with extensive use and are not intended to offend the reader.