Upland steel loads for grouse

[JWM]

For years, I've used my Rem 870 Wingmaster (12 gauge), with 1-oz. of #8 lead shot, through Improved cylnder choke for my New England "patridge". This has been a successful combination for me. For several reasons, I need to switch to steel shot. I picked up some Winchester Xpert #7 steel shot, that is advertised for the "uplands". Question: Most of my shots are on the wing and less than 25 yards. Should I drop down to a skeet choke with the steel shot to keep my patterns the same as when I used improved cylinder with the lead shot ?? Or should I just leave the improved cylinder choke in the gun ??

 

[TrapperReady]

Don't try to take the shortcut. You need to pattern it to know how it will shoot in your gun with your chokes. In general, steel needs less choke, since the pellets don't deform like lead. However, you won't know how much less unless you test it.