lead vs steel shot

Melix · Post by **Melix** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:17 am

OK, I was hesitant to ask, but can't find a straight answer anywhere.

Do I need to be concerned about firing steel shot in my old Sterlingworth, where lead was intended when the barrels were made? Would one of the other alternatives be an option such as bismuth, etc.

I don't intend to shot a lot of rounds through it and will likely look for a good weekend shooter (recommendations accepted), but don't want to damage Dad's old shotgun either.

As always, Thanks

Fin2Feather · Post by **Fin2Feather** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 11:23 am

I wouldn't, but there are others here much more qualified than I to tell you why not.

Twice Barrel · Post by **Twice Barrel** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 12:27 pm

Unless the ammunition manufacturers have solved the problem of bulging tight chokes I would avoid steel like the plague.

Melix · Post by **Melix** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 2:04 pm

Thanks for your replies, everyone. Looking forward, I see myself using the Fox at the range more than hunting, so I'm not sure I'd be adding lead to wetlands. Some fellow surveyors posted this link, which is a pretty comprehensive article, although I found one typo.

http://www.unep-aewa.org/publications/s ... intema.htm

I could always grab a setup to load my own for the amount I expect to fire out of it, I guess.

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:07 am

might want to ask someone like HEAVY SHOT they are no wmaking ammo for vintage doubles

Melix · Post by **Melix** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:53 am

I was actually speaking to a clerk at Dick's Sporting Goods yesterday (they were open whereas the local shop was closed) when I picked up a trigger lock, and he tells me that he has quite a bit of lead shot available, although steel is used more in the field, he tells me the lead is frequently used for the range.