Steel Shot

[Larry in SD]

I used the search function in the FAQ's and search Steel Shot but did not find anything.

I am going to be sending in my SB2 Receiver to H&R for a Muzzleloader Barrel and have been thinking of adding a 26" 20Ga Modified Choke Barrel to the order. Just curious if it is OK to shoot Steel Shot in these Barrels.

The reason I ask is in South Dakota we are required to use Steel (or Non Toxic) Shot when Hunting Pheasants on any Public Lands (ie Game Production Areas, Corps of Engineers Lands etc.) and can only use Lead Shot on Private Lands.

Thanks

Larry

[tacklebury]

Probably be smarter to use a screw in choke barrel with a steel rated choke.  Damage to a fixed choke would likely slowly open b the barrel construction.

[ocxgeno]

A modified choke is ok for steel from what ive read... many fixed full choke duck/goose guns were opened to a mod. When the steel shot law came into effect. A mod. Choke will give u a full choke pattern with steel for the most part

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[ocxgeno]

But I agree with tacklebury... a steel rated choke tube is best

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[Larry in SD]

In the accessory barrel program listing on H&R's web site I did not see a 20ga. barrel listed with screw in choke tubes, only 12ga. Does H&R offer one in 20ga. with screw in choke tubes?

Larry

[ocxgeno]

I thought they offered the topper deluxe classic barrel... I see they do the 12. Call them maybe?

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[Doublebass73]

There was a thread about this way back when, I believe someone called H&R and they said it was OK to use steel through their fixed chokes. I'll have to see if I can find the thread.
I use steel through my '80 vintage 16 gauge with mod choke.
 
Here's one thread on the subject with a reply from H&R customer service a few years back:
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/hr-shotguns/steel-shot-85232/msg517077/#msg517077

[quickdtoo]

I thought they offered the topper deluxe classic barrel... I see they do the 12. Call them maybe?

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The entire Topper line including the TDC was discontinued 2yrs ago, they are no longer available as accessory barrels.   

Tim

[tacklebury]

As C.S. stated, it will open your choke up in time.  You also will be pretty much range limited to 30 yard for duck hunting.  If you r original opens to much though, the range will become shorter and shorter.  One in a while some pop up here for sale, but don't last long.  I personally use 12 ga, cause you cannot even find 20 ga specialty ammo here usually.  Good recoil pad does wonders for the kick. 

[Larry in SD]

Thanks guys. Yes I remember seeing the Deluxe Barrels listed a few years ago but did not see them listed now.

I have my right lung glued to my chest wall and really do not like the effects of too much recoil thus the reasoning behind a 20ga.

Thanks

Larry

[Yak Angler]

I use all my H&R's with steel shot, the two ducks in my avatar where shot with a 26" 20 gauge modified barrel. It will not hurt the barrel to use steel shot. I called H&R years ago when i bought a full choke 12 gauge. Their response was.


It is safe to use all steel shot but they recommended not using shot any larger than # 2 steel to prevent possibly doing damage to the choke over a long period of time. They also told me they had not had any damaged guns sent in for repair from steel shot and this was just a recommendation.


I personally used that gun for years with steel shot up to BBB and it showed no wear from it at all, It had atleast a case of BB put through it, not even the slightest blemish.


The modified barrel will never have any problems as its not tight enough to have any issues . go ahead and use it