Steel shot in an old gun

[RancidSumo]

I don't know anything about shotguns so I just want to check before I try it. Steel shot will not have a negative effect on an old gun will it? The guns are a 1950s Ithaca M37 (12ga) and a Spanish made side-by-side (20ga and almost as old)

 

[steveno]

I wouldn't use steel shot in any shotgun that is over 25 years old.

 

[RancidSumo]

Why?

 

[RancidSumo]

Anyone else have any input?

 

[JohnBT]

The short, overgeneralized version:

The older fixed-choke guns were made to use lead pellets. Lead pellets are soft and can be squeezed (deformed) as it passes through the choke. Have you ever used split shot for fishing? It's soft, you can pinch it on the line by biting down on it.

Steel is hard and will not compress. An older barrel could split at the choke if you try to force steel shot through it. Ever tried to squeeze a ball bearing with pliers? Nothing happens.

John

 

[RancidSumo]

So steel shot out of my 1950's Ithaca M37 is a bad idea. I will have to remember that when I buy ammo. Just one more question, why is an old barrel more likely to split then a new one if it is good shape?

 

[RNB65]

why is an old barrel more likely to split then a new one if it is good shape?

Because older shotguns were made using a softer grade of steel. When steel shot was introduced, gun makers had to change the steel they used in their barrels to a harder grade to prevent metal fatigue at the muzzle.

 

[RancidSumo]

Ok, thanks for the responses everyone.

 

[win71]

JohnBT has the reason

And I would check with a reputable gunsmith. Personally, I bought a used Win. 101 from a friend. It was choked mod-full and he used it with lead shot for years. When steel came in he had the full choked barrel reamed out to improved cylinder and shot steel for several more years. I am still shooting steel out of it. My duck hunting partner had a full choked 870 he had opened to a little wider than a normal modified choke and it works fine. According to the gunsmith that did the work you run a risk shooting steel out of an older full choked barrel. He recommended either modified or improved cylinder.
I'm not necessarily recommending you or anybody else follow this solution. But there were several hunters here in the central valley that did after steel came in.

 

[RancidSumo]

I am pretty sure the gun is full choke and there is no gun smith around here so I will just live with lead shot.

 

[10X]

Newer shotguns have screw in chokes made of mild steel. The choke as the word implies is where the constriction happens at the end of the barrel. The steel chokes can withstand the pressure of the steel shot. Older barrels can bulge and eventually split from steel shot use.

A good rule of thumb-no choke tubes, no steel shot.

Steel shot shells are more expensive than lead. There is no reason to use steel except for waterfowl where non lead (non-toxic) shot is a federal mandate.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

don't do it, it will most likely damage the barrel

 

[ace1001]

Above #850,000 Ithaca 37 barrels are cheap plentiful and easy to change. Get a modified choke barrel and you will be fine. If it splits, it won't explode. You can then shorten it for a home defense/slug barrel. Ace