Steel Shot Damage

[rgs1975]

So the local range requires us to use steel shot for trap/skeet. It's in Marin county and Marin mandates no lead shot because it's so bad for the furry creatures.

Anyway, I've noticed recently that there are small gouges inside my barrel that weren't there before I started using all the steel shot.

Is this a known consequence of using steel shot? I've never heard of it before but can't see it coming from anything else.

 

[okiewita40]

Make darn good and sure your barrel is made to handle the steel shot. I know some of the older barrels won't handle steel shot. I think most of the newer barrels can handle it. Read your owners manual and find out. If all else fails call the Manufatuer and find out.

 

[foghornl]

If your shotgun was made before (ahh when was it...about 1982 or so???) we had to use steel or other "Unleaded" shot for waterfowling, and it has the original barrel, it is NOT acceptable to use the steel stuff.

Have a chat with the manufacturer of your gun to be certain, and have the serial number on hand when you call.

 

[rgs1975]

It's an Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight made in 1958.

Are there guns or barrels specifically made for steel shot?

 

[foghornl]

Here is the contact info for Ithaca:

1-877-648-4222 (Service Dept)
or write:

Ithaca Service
420 N. Warpole St
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

They can best advise you, and they may well have new steel-rated barrels on hand to fit your earlier vintage shotgun.

 

[rcmodel]

It's an Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight made in 1958.

Not rated for steel shot!

You are slowly ruining your gun.
Not only will the bore be scored, but if it is tighter then a modifed choke, you are also probably beating the choke out.

If you have to use steel shot, you need a modern gun with modern thick, hard barrel steel & replaceable choke tubes. Then use only the "steel rated" choke tubes. (Imp Cyl & Mod)

rcmodel

 

[Gary A]

I once e-mailed Remington about an 870 and they replied that all Remington barrels since 1950 are steel rated. Choke tube considerations obviously still apply.

 

[rcmodel]

I believe the Ithaca 37 Featherweight has a very thin barrel at the muzzle compared to an 870.

rcmodel

 

[MCgunner]

You could also ring bulge that barrel. Older side by sides can separate their barrels because of this and in the early 80s I traded for an older Mossberg to use for waterfowl and bought a steel rated barrel for it, 100 bucks at the time, and retired my old Spanish side by side which still runs good, but gets little use. Also be aware that steel patterns tighter through your typical lead choke and full choke tubes will often ruin the pattern with too much constriction. Best to pattern that barrel when you get one, if you get one.