Steel shot

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Steel shot

Post by Shootermick » 12 Jun 2022, 7:46 am

Just a quick question today.
Can you put steel shot through an older shotgun? A Winchester 37A in particular.
.22, .22wmr, 223, 243, 303, 20ga, 12ga
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Re: Steel shot

Post by rc42 » 12 Jun 2022, 8:40 am

Check the barrel proof marks, there are lots of guides to help you, here's the first one a search returned, there might be better ones
https://www.gwct.org.uk/proof-marks-for ... ree-guide/

Also, be mindful of chokes, a half choke for lead shot is effectively a full choke for steel, if you use a 3/4 or full (lead shot) chokes with steel shot it could destroy your barrel
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Re: Steel shot

Post by No1Mk3 » 12 Jun 2022, 12:53 pm

Use Bismuth, much safer
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Re: Steel shot

Post by flashman » 15 Jun 2022, 9:27 am

I’ll bite …what’s Bismuth …. Educate me…. :D
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Re: Steel shot

Post by Fionn » 15 Jun 2022, 3:50 pm

flashman wrote:I’ll bite …what’s Bismuth …. Educate me…. :D


Introduced in the early 1990s, bismuth-tin alloy was the first nontoxic steel substitute to arrive after the lead shot ban. With superior density to steel (9.6 grams per cubic centimetre compared to steel's 7.86), bismuth alloy pellets hit harder than steel and were safe in old guns that steel shot could damage.

Only issue is its about $4 or $5 a shot.
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Re: Steel shot

Post by Diamond Jim » 15 Jun 2022, 9:19 pm

Fionn wrote:
flashman wrote:I’ll bite …what’s Bismuth …. Educate me…. :D


Introduced in the early 1990s, bismuth-tin alloy was the first nontoxic steel substitute to arrive after the lead shot ban. With superior density to steel (9.6 grams per cubic centimetre compared to steel's 7.86), bismuth alloy pellets hit harder than steel and were safe in old guns that steel shot could damage.

Only issue is its about $4 or $5 a shot.


"$4 or $5 a shot" is a deal breaker. $100 - $125 for a round of clays (if you don't miss). $1,000 - $1,250 for a slab. Not going to happen - surely?
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Re: Steel shot

Post by mchughcb » 15 Jun 2022, 9:37 pm

Had bismuth for the 12G for a while. All I can remember was it was expensive. Never used all of it and ended up selling it for what I paid for it.

These days I just buy a new shotgun that can handle steel. No use mucking about with clunkers for duck shooting.
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