Choice of steel

[Albert 888]

And how many of our steel loads go back and forth to the salty environment. There was a picture of a burst action on here some time back and one of the possible explanations, put forward by an established poster, was that the steel shot may have rusted together. How much to DryLock cartridges cost?

If you buy gambore super steel they are clear and you can see if rusty,also give the cartidge a shake and listen for a rattle. You could drop some candle wax on the crimp to seal.

[Terry P]

And how many of our steel loads go back and forth to the salty environment. There was a picture of a burst action on here some time back and one of the possible explanations, put forward by an established poster, was that the steel shot may have rusted together. How much to DryLock cartridges cost?

Simply answer to that is look after you cartridges, you just pop on here now and again ask a random question then disappear again, if you don't want to use steel don't, but why all the pointless moaning and negativity, almost every reply you have had has been positive towards steel so clearly we are happy to use it, we have adapted simple as.

[Big Mat]

And how many of our steel loads go back and forth to the salty environment. There was a picture of a burst action on here some time back and one of the possible explanations, put forward by an established poster, was that the steel shot may have rusted together. How much to DryLock cartridges cost?

I have seen first hand cartridges that had rusted together, they were not my own but were shown to me by a fellow wildfowler. They had only got that way as they had been completley submerged.

 

I'm sure we are all capable of keeping the cartridges as dry as possible. As for burst action due to steel shot being rusted together, i'd have to see it done under proper test condition to believe it.

[rjimmer]

If lead is inferior to Hevi-shot becuse of it's density, how can steel not be inferior to lead? If you have to use 2 sizes bigger for steel how can the pattern contain as many shot. My Winchester is proofed for 1and7/8 oz of lead. I would have to use over 2 oz of steel to get the same number of pellets, c60 grams. Anybody using that much in a 12 bore?

[Big Mat]

Have you not heard of adapting? Why keep bleeting on and on, you have a different question each post

[rjimmer]

I have seen first hand cartridges that had rusted together, they were not my own but were shown to me by a fellow wildfowler. They had only got that way as they had been completley submerged.

 

I'm sure we are all capable of keeping the cartridges as dry as possible. As for burst action due to steel shot being rusted together, i'd have to see it done under proper test condition to believe it.

When the first Eley plastic cases were introduced, there was a demonstration at the Game Fair(I think it was on the WAGBI stand) with an Eley Maximum being sprayed with water and you were invited to try it in a gun chamber. I doubt anyone would try that nowadays with steel, even with fresh water. My original post on this thread was in reaction to someone who didn't want to use steel shot in his gun. If lead is inferior to Hevi-Shot, then steel must be inferior to lead.

[Terry P]

[anser2]

Rjimmer

Look after your shells and rust is not a problem. I just wipe an oily rag over the brass heads when I get home . Dryloc are sealed cases so water cant get into the pellets. But they are one of the top of the range shells and will cost at least twice as much as , say Gamebore mammoths.

I do not think its right to say hevi-shot is inferior to lead or steel is inferior to lead. They are just different and need to be used accordingly. To get the same pattern you would not need to cram 2oz of steel into your gun ( you cant anyway ). Steel patterns much tighter than lead so , using the correct choke you will have more pellets in a 30 inch circle at say 45 yards.

 

Lead less pellets in a given load , but wider spread and more flyers.

Steel more pellets in a given load , but less spread and almost no flyers if any

[Doriboy]

Rjimmer

Look after your shells and rust is not a problem. I just wipe an oily rag over the brass heads when I get home . Dryloc are sealed cases so water cant get into the pellets. But they are one of the top of the range shells and will cost at least twice as much as , say Gamebore mammoths.

I do not think its right to say hevi-shot is inferior to lead or steel is inferior to lead. They are just different and need to be used accordingly. To get the same pattern you would not need to cram 2oz of steel into your gun ( you cant anyway ). Steel patterns much tighter than lead so , using the correct choke you will have more pellets in a 30 inch circle at say 45 yards.

 

Lead less pellets in a given load , but wider spread and more flyers.

Steel more pellets in a given load , but less spread and almost no flyers if any

Yep agree exactly what I was guna say.

Personally I find the Gamebore super steels kill perfect to 40yds and as stated it patterns more densely...

Think anser2 has hit the nail on the head.

 

If you don't like the shop bought steel loads you can always load your own.

 

Oh and if you're really worried about water getting into the pellets you can use a small amount of silicone on the crimp.

Happy days.

[motty]

If lead is inferior to Hevi-shot becuse of it's density, how can steel not be inferior to lead? If you have to use 2 sizes bigger for steel how can the pattern contain as many shot. My Winchester is proofed for 1and7/8 oz of lead. I would have to use over 2 oz of steel to get the same number of pellets, c60 grams. Anybody using that much in a 12 bore?

A 1 1/2 oz steel load is the equivalent (in pellet count) of a 2 1/8 lead load.

[ayano3]

I think the answer is if you attempt to drown your cartridges be prepared to dispose of them before they blow you up. I would imagine most of us on here can remember the days of lead shot on the foreshore but we have had to change and live with it. We at least have an option now, we didn't before the lead ban.

[rjimmer]

A 1 1/2 oz steel load is the equivalent (in pellet count) of a 2 1/8 lead load.

RTFQ

[motty]

RTFQ

Eh?

[Albert 888]

Reglator facility transfer query. Think he is trying to say I no understand ;-). I googled it.

[Big Mat]

Eh?

I believe it is " read the (insert word usually shouted at geese that arnt in range ) question "

[motty]

I believe it is " read the (insert word usually shouted at geese that arnt in range ) question "

Got it now. Still don't know why he'd say that, surely one of his questions was answered.

[Terry P]

All his questions have been answered, he just refuses to accept we are happy with what we have in the main. He is now having to use code to confuse us poor simple swamp lovers . This my last reply on this thread as I hope by ignoring the random questions they will stop appearing.

Fortunatly its nearly Sept and I will be spending far less time sat in front of this computer

[kent]

Why has anyone not stated the obvious. Lead has gone, its illegal and its illicit use puts all shooting at risk including lead bullets and our foreshore shooting . Steel works, light loads driven real fast - forget weight that equates to pellet count (steel has more pellets per OZ).

 

Steel has only two downsides and that is tooth damage and spent wads. Contrary to popular thoughts on a steel load rusting up into a solid block I opened up some steel shells that took a swim during the last season just yesterday. As far as the shot was concerned only one or two pellets had rusted at the middle of the star crimp, I separated these easy and salvaged the good shot for some small pellet loads for the big bore shoot on clays that the club runs (only about 4 shells required). I intentionally saved these shells to see how bad steel could rust flight to flight, I doubt the shells would have fired though the caps were corroded and the primers will most likely have failed anyway

[channa]

Just out of interest what's the bismuth shot? Is it like lead but non-toxic and a lot more expensive? Forgive me iv'e no idea with bismuth only it's expensive. Thanks Tim

[kent]

Just out of interest what's the bismuth shot? Is it like lead but non-toxic and a lot more expensive? Forgive me iv'e no idea with bismuth only it's expensive. Thanks Tim

 

its basically a soft non toxic substance. Suitable for old Damascus barrels or valuable game guns. To all intent and purpose its a heavy shot like shooting lead but tends to fracture if pushed very fast

[channa]

Thanks Kent

[Wildfowler325]

With geese i feel steel 3s havent enough killing power i would rather stick to BB

[subsonicnat]

I happily use steel, it works simple as really. rjimmer what is your problem with it, very very few fowlers I speak to have issues with it, I think most of the moaners have very little experience with it and just want to believe the poor rumours banded about.

You have a 10b unless its barrels are Damascus I can see no need to be as cautious as you are, you may aswell sell it and by a modern 3.5" semi auto, you can the use the same shells as you are now but with far less weight to carry on the marsh.

Time to move on, go to the next WFC and see how attitudes have changed.

Well said Terry P, best answer on here mate: