Steel shot and full chokes

[Border]

Is this verbotten on all shotguns? Why-what does it do/could do? I shot about 30 rounds out of my Weatherby O/U. So far, I don't think that there has been any damage but then someone saiad that's a no-no but couldn't remember why.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Dave R]

I'm not the expert here, but I know there are choked labeled "Full Steel" and "Full-lead only" for my 870, so there is either a physical difference, or its a marketing ploy.

I can also see where steel through a fool choke might be bad for the bore, since those steel pellets won't compress like lead would.

I also know that my personal 870 patterns steel with a Mod (steel) choke just about exactly the same as a Full (Steel) choke, so I don't use the full choke.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Older fixed choke shotguns have sustained damage from using steel through tight chokes.

Even the venerable Model 12 has probs, though damage seems to be mostly cosmetic.

I suggest checking with Weatherby...

 

[Border]

Thanks guys. Weatherby says modified choke only with steel shot. The guy I talked to didn't know much and had to ask someone else and come back to the phone. So far, I can still get the choke out but noticed it was loose. How can I tell if I did any damage? The barrell looks pristine.

 

[HSMITH]

You will pound the choke and damage it with the large steel shot. The steel will not deform in the choke so it in turn puts far more pressure on the choke tubes. The steel shot is as hard as the choke tube material so there will be damage done if they come in contact. Shot sizes #4 and smaller don't seem to effect the full chokes.

That said, I can tell you that most high quality stainless steel chokes will last 250-400 rounds with #2 and larger high velocity steel shot before the damage is significant enough to throw the choke away and start over. The choke MUST stay tight, and you need to keep a good choke tube lube or anti-seize on the threads.

There is always the chance that the choke will be damaged in turn damaging the barrel when you shoot large steel through a full choke. You take your chances when you play with fire.

 

[45crittergitter]

The tighter the choke, or the bigger the shot, the more bulge you will eventually get from shooting steel, because it a) is hard and doesn't "give" when passing through the choke, causing extra stress on the choke, and b) steel (especially unplated) is not real slick, so it cannot shift around to squeeze through. Larger shot sizes are worse.... same as pouring sand vs rocks through a funnel.

Since steel and other hard non-toxics pattern very tightly, full choke patterns should be attainable with modified tubes, and tighter tubes should not be needed anyway.