Steel Shot

[JFM66]

Was talking to someone today who advised me to use steel shot, does anyone else use this and is it detrimental to the barrel?

 

[Les53]

It's OK to use it if your barrels were made for it, otherwise do not use it. It does not have the hitting power of lead, it is harder but lighter than lead. I doubt if many on here would use it for clays, some may use it if they shoot over wetlands, I think lead was banned in some places, but I'm not up to speed on that subject.

 

[Skeet UK]

Was talking to someone today who advised me to use steel shot, does anyone else use this and is it detrimental to the barrel?

Pretty much as Les has said. If it was a fibre wad, steel cartridge then the shot would come into contact with your barrel and if your barrels are not up to it, could wear them out.

Chromed lined barrels will not be touched by steel shot.

Plastic wad cartridges, contain all the steel so none of it touches the barrel, so would do no damage even to non chromed barrels.

The shot isn't stainless steel, it is actually soft Iron, but because this is harder than lead you have to be careful about what chokes you shoot it through.

Most companies will say nothing larger than 7.5 shot through full choke, ideally 3/4 choke.

They are thinking mainly about game loads, Turkey shooters etc in the States.

It is very good for Skeet which is all I use it for, because you get 30% more pellets..which is lots in a number 9 shot. I almost exclusively shoot steel for skeet as a preference.

I use lead for all other disciplines.

 

[jake.keeling]

Seems a lot of confusion about steel at moment. If it is contained in a plastic cup, why would the barrels matter

 

[Darkside]

Jake......what about the plastic streaking

 

[Darkside]

Think of the damage that could do.......

 

[jake.keeling]

Jake......what about the plastic streaking

OMG! please let's not go there.

 

[40UP]

The only fibre is Gamebore's shot cup so no contact.

Gamebore are using FE9s so bigger than led 8s, steel 7.5s are FE as well so led 6.5s = pellet count not as great as expected. Anyone for counting?

It must be 12 months since we last discussed this

 

[JFM66]

Thanks for the advice Skeet Uk, it is for skeet that I would use them, I have been told to get 24g no.9s, and now for the stupid question about chokes i use a choke with no markings in the bottom barrel and one with **** markings in the top barrel would these be ok for these particular cartridges.

p.s. why are they good for skeet but not sporting?

 

[ips]

what would be the best cleaning rod to use to remove the plastic fouling caused by the steel shot held in place by a fibre wad ?

Only asking

 

[Skeet UK]

The only fibre is Gamebore's shot cup so no contact.

Gamebore are using FE9s so bigger than led 8s, steel 7.5s are FE as well so led 6.5s = pellet count not as great as expected. Anyone for counting?

It must be 12 months since we last discussed this

GB White Gold Pro Steel. 24g 520 / 28g 635. Counted by my daughter, then me

This is apparently less than when steel first came about, So yes obviously different shot size to then.

@JFM66

You might find that this thread descends into Fluffy Rabbits and Pish!

People have very strong feelings about those that would BAN lead shot for ecological reasons which would obviously be bad fro Clay shooters as well as game shooters, wildfowlers etc.

I am not against lead at all and would not wish a ban.

But, for skeet, there is no better cartridge than steel 9's...period. which is why I use them.

Steel is not so good for sporting, because it is lighter and so loses energy over distance. You would need to use a steel 7.5 shot at sporting (other than rabbits) and at longer distances, the steel shot will not help you. Hence why you should generally use lead for sporting. Mind you, I usually have a couple of 9's on me anyway, for close rabbits etc.]...but they only happen to be steel, I don't choose steel for sporting.

Ideally, for skeet you want Skeet chokes (if you have a Beretta I have a pair for sale), but the chokes you are suggesting are Cylinder (no marks) and Improved Cylinder (4 marks) which are your most open chokes and therefore ideally suited to skeet.

 

[wylye]

The only fibre is Gamebore's shot cup so no contact.

Gamebore are using FE9s so bigger than led 8s, steel 7.5s are FE as well so led 6.5s = pellet count not as great as expected. Anyone for counting?

It must be 12 months since we last discussed this

Is that all it is? :frown:

 

[40UP]

what would be the best cleaning rod to use to remove the plastic fouling caused by the steel shot held in place by a fibre wad ?

Only asking

That's a trick question Ian - there's no plastic fouling in a fibre wad ^_^

Wylye - it seems like only yesterday.

 

[ips]

damned it your good

 

[JFM66]

Sorry Skeet UK use a Lanber

 

[wylye]

That's a trick question Ian - there's no plastic fouling in a fibre wad ^_^

Wylye - it seems like only yesterday.

You're not kidding!

 

[Angelfire]

Oh no not again. Soft Iron, no no no no no.

Phil*

 

[LDW1970]

Sorry to sound dumb but i really am new to this, are all cartridges Lead unless otherwise stated as i have been given some Kent velocity Competition but it does not say if they are steel or lead? my gun is an old Miroku and not suitsble for steel shot.

Cheers

 

[Will Hewland]

It's lead. Steel is the oddball at the moment, and it will say if it is!