Shotgun/steel-shot question

[Alpo]

Are all new-made shotguns safe with steel shot?

I just got through watching a u-tube video about a guy using an H&R single-shot 12 gauge as a muzzle loader. Kinda interesting. I figgered how he was gonna do it, and I was right. But when he loaded his shot, he did not use lead shot. Used steel "sling-shot ammo". That's, basically, 1/4-inch ball bearings.

Just curious if that would damage the gun.

 

[H Richard]

I hope he used some kind of shot wad. Without it that steel shot rattling up the barrel might score it. Most all new guns are safe with steel shot, and choke tubes are generally marked (example) Mod-lead, Full -Steel. Since steel shot does not compress a Mod choke turns into a Full choke with steel.

 

[Alpo]

Nope, loaded it like a muzzle-loader shotgun. Powder, wad of cloth over the powder, shot, wad of cloth over the shot to keep it from rolling out of the barrel.

Cleaned the gun nice, too. Rinse it in the creek, pour some sand and water in it and shake it back and forth a little, rinse and repeat until it quit running black, then pushed steel wool down the bore, before drying it off with a rag and greasing it with tallow.

I guess that beats "not cleaning it", but it made me cringe.

 

[chief38]

All of the descent name brand guns that I have come across lately have been OK for steel shot. As far as ball bearings are concerned, (they are pretty hard)........... I don't really know but I would not shoot them in a gun of mine.

Chief38

 

[jlrhiner]

If it failed, what does he loose? (I mean besides his eyes, face, both hands etc.)

Sounds like the kind of idea someone has when they're trying to prove a point.

 

[metrotps]

I used steel shot for many years through my 870 Remington 3" mag with a modified choke. This shotgun was made in the early 80's and showed no damage to the barrel after about 3000 rounds of steel shot.

 

[Duke426]

Using any firearm other than in its intended manner of operation is a bad idea. JMHO