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Steel shot in non proofed gun.


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Hi all,

 

I've been searching about for a definitive answer to this.

 

I've got a shotgun which is not steel shot proof, i know you can use some loads up to a certain point ( and no high performance loads ). What load size/shot size does this go up to?

 

2 3/4" chamber as well.

 

 

thanks

mat

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Guest cookoff013

the choke part is a funny one. the CIP say no more than 1/2 choke, thats a maximum of 1/2 choke. but the british guntrade association say no more than 1/4.

 

so take that as you will.

 

i have shot steel with 1/2 and cant say either way what was best, i do have a cylinder set for skeet and steel.

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I understood it that less choke is needed for steel, half choke will act like full for steel and so forcing steel through a tighter constriction would be detremental to patterns. Older guns with thin tubes may also suffer near the muzzles of course!

 

This is only how I understand it, for what it's worth!

 

U.

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Let's settle this...

 

A steel load of above 32g, in above shot size 4 exceeds the nitro proof pressure test limit. Cartridges exceeding that shot size and load are called High Performance Steel - it is not safe to use them in barrels which are not steel proofed.

 

There is no evidence that steel shot damages barrels in older guns. The pellets in steel cartridges are held in a full cup wad which prevents contact with the barrel. Damage would only occur as a result of:

 

The gun having too tight a choke.

Steel shot is not as soft as lead - therefore the projectile is unable to deform when constricted in tighter than half choke, risking damage to the muzzle.

 

Loading cartridges with a longer length than the chambers.

It is common for older guns to have 2 1/2" chambers, whereas non-high performance steel cartridges are loaded into 2 3/4" (when expanded) cases. This risks damage to the forcing cone.

 

The gun not having been suitably pressure tested.

Some older guns will only be tested to 850 BAR, whereas many modern cartridges (steel and lead) exceed this. Using these cartridges risks weakening the action and barrel wall.

 

Definitive answer: It is safe to use 'standard' steel loads up to and including 32g, up to and including shot size 4, through no more than half choke in 2 3/4" chambered, nitro proofed guns having been tested to a pressure corresponding to the cartridge!

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personally i just would not risk it in a non steel proofed gun. they are not that much cheaper and imop dont perform as well at distances including and exeeding 40yds. there use is clay shooting and wildfowling so if you fall into any of the 2catagorys then either buy yourself an escort or such or upgrade your shotty to one thats steel proofed. wether people say use it or not if it was suitable it would have the fleur de lys stamped on it if it hasnt, then stick to lead or lead substitute.

just my thoughts on it mate!

regards carl

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