MAB1954 Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Thinking of having a go at reloading steel shotshells for ducks, been loading lead for awhile and getting on ok. So planning to have steel home loads next season. The gun I use is a modern 12 gauge multi choke with proof marks of 1320 bar from memory. For steel I use open chokes as per guidance. I notice a pinned topic on here with a posting suggesting shot size 2 US if velocity is under 1300 fps and size 3 if velocity is over 1300fps. Is this still good info or has thinking changed? I plan to use Alliant Steel powder [if I can get it] in 2 3/4" and 3" cases. I have Lyman and Ballistic Products data and online I have access to Alliant data. Now all these sources have loads in access of 1300fps some go over 1700fps. Any views on these high velocities? when do the patterns start to get blown out or does that not happen with steel? With a modern gun I have no problem loading to SAAMI spec's. I believe many of these high velocity steel loads will be out of CIP spec's. I will do the sums when I have selected the recipe I'm going to use. What do other's think? Thanks for all replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 You won't exceed your guns proof pressure with any published recipe you'll find. I have used loads up to 1600 fps and got on fine with them. I don't see the need to go faster than that, really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Its me who say 2s at 1300-1400. Get some alliant steel or so. Get wads for 36g steel loads. Bp was is good. 3" cases.. You can go 1300 to 1450fps or thereabouts. While totally innessa for close ducks. These shells will give you versatility. And let's face it 36g is a usable load Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB1954 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Thanks motty & cookoff013. I have Federal 3" case, 36g steel in BP multi metal wad 1360fps in Lyman 5th. I also have Fiocchi 2 3/4" case,28g steel in MG42 wad 1430fps in Ballistic Products data. Think I will get some steel shot in US sizes 2 [0.150"] & 3 [0.140"]. Pattern test over the summer and be ready for start of the season. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 There is no reason you cannot load bigger shot for geese if you need it , if all you are going to be shooting is duck then 3s will be fine as will 4s if you are shooting them over flight ponds etc. Dont get hung up on choke if your gun is steel proof , I use a light full and plenty I know use tighter with no issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigeon jim Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 My go to load is 3" 36gram #1 steel ( 4mm ) home load for duck and geese through a terror .700 choke, second choice is same load with # 2 (3.8mm) . I get better kills with the bigger shot on ducks, good luck with the reloading! Jim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB1954 Posted January 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks fenboy and wigeon jim. I have been looking at Ballistic Products loading data and found a steel shot load using Blue Dot, a 1oz load going at 1450fps. Now I have Blue Dot thus with Alliant Steel being hard to get I'm thinking of trying Blue Dot. Problem is the load data uses a Ranger- Plus wad and I cannot find anyone stocking them in UK. Does anyone know of a UK supplier or have some they want to sell. Thanks for all replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks fenboy and wigeon jim. I have been looking at Ballistic Products loading data and found a steel shot load using Blue Dot, a 1oz load going at 1450fps. Now I have Blue Dot thus with Alliant Steel being hard to get I'm thinking of trying Blue Dot. Problem is the load data uses a Ranger- Plus wad and I cannot find anyone stocking them in UK. Does anyone know of a UK supplier or have some they want to sell. Thanks for all replies. I have some blue dot recipes for 3" and 3.5" using components you can source in the uk if you want them . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB1954 Posted January 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks fenboy pm sent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK fowler Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Thanks fenboy and wigeon jim. I have been looking at Ballistic Products loading data and found a steel shot load using Blue Dot, a 1oz load going at 1450fps. Now I have Blue Dot thus with Alliant Steel being hard to get I'm thinking of trying Blue Dot. Problem is the load data uses a Ranger- Plus wad and I cannot find anyone stocking them in UK. Does anyone know of a UK supplier or have some they want to sell. Thanks for all replies. clay and game had them in but there not on there web site you I would ring and see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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