Non-Toxic Steel Shot

[[AJ]]

I've never used steel shot, but I've been considering giving them a go for game. With steel being lighter than lead, should I simply match the weight with a higher fill count and keep the shot size the same so that I don't lose too much range? Any specific recommendations for rabbit and pigeon and perhaps even pheasant (5/6 2.45" or 3") that are good value?

Edited by [AJ] on Wednesday 13th May 18:13

[AndrewW-G]

I think the pheasant may have a slightly different opinion on whether it's toxic or not

[randlemarcus]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but is the shot generally available, or restricted purchase? I need a small amount for washing out decanters...

[whitechief]

OP I don't know anything about steel shot, having only ever shot with lead. This article has some info and links.

http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/goshooting/126617/Whic...


Randalmarcus you need to get some magic balls

http://www.presentsformen.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=...

[[AJ]]

whitechief said:

OP I don't know anything about steel shot, having only ever shot with lead. This article has some info and links.

http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/goshooting/126617/Whic...

Thanks whitechief.

[anonymous-user]

randlemarcus said:

Sorry to hijack the thread, but is the shot generally available, or restricted purchase? I need a small amount for washing out decanters...

The shot is inside cartridges! if you go to a fishing tackle shop you can by non lead split shot in tubs.

[matmoxon]

I know steel shot is banned at the clay club I go to (I shoot air rifles on the air gun range myself) but there are signs all over saying "DUE TO RECENT INCIDENTS IN THE INDUSTRY STEEL SHOT IS BANNED AT PARK LODGE SHOOTING SCHOOL" (Or words to that effect) it doesn't explain what these "incidents" were before anyone asks, though I think it is probably more to do with clays though than game shooting.

Matt

Edited by matmoxon on Wednesday 13th May 21:35

[Jovial Joe]

[AJ] said:

I've never used steel shot, but I've been considering giving them a go for game. With steel being lighter than lead, should I simply match the weight with a higher fill count and keep the shot size the same so that I don't lose too much range? Any specific recommendations for rabbit and pigeon and perhaps even pheasant (5/6 2.45" or 3") that are good value?

Edited by [AJ] on Wednesday 13th May 18:13

Sorry AJ but why would you want to? As you say it's lighter,so is less effective at range.To acheive same penetration it's advised to go up a pellet size or even two,this of course negates any benefit of increased pellet count.Anything larger than a size 7 you can't use more than half choke.It ricohets like a b@stard,hence why it's banned on most clay grounds.So forget about it for rabbits,unless you're wearing glasses.
Forget about eating anything you manage to kill with it.Lead's soft so if you inadvertently chew a pellet it doesn't matter.Do that with steel and you're off to the dentist.
Despite the fact that the shot column is captive in the wad cup until it exits the barrel,I'm still not putting it in my Perazzi.No matter how remote the chance of steel on steel.
I'm not a fan
Rgds

[Mojocvh]

matmoxon said:

I know steel shot is banned at the clay club I go to (I shoot air rifles on the air gun range myself) but there are signs all over saying "DUE TO RECENT INCIDENTS IN THE INDUSTRY STEEL SHOT IS BANNED AT PARK LODGE SHOOTING SCHOOL" (Or words to that effect) it doesn't explain what these "incidents" were before anyone asks, though I think it is probably more to do with clays though than game shooting.

Matt

Edited by matmoxon on Wednesday 13th May 21:35

ricochets at a guess or barrel scoring or choke swelling or even a burst?

[[AJ]]

Jovial Joe said:

[AJ] said:

I've never used steel shot, but I've been considering giving them a go for game. With steel being lighter than lead, should I simply match the weight with a higher fill count and keep the shot size the same so that I don't lose too much range? Any specific recommendations for rabbit and pigeon and perhaps even pheasant (5/6 2.45" or 3") that are good value?

Edited by [AJ] on Wednesday 13th May 18:13

Sorry AJ but why would you want to? As you say it's lighter,so is less effective at range.To acheive same penetration it's advised to go up a pellet size or even two,this of course negates any benefit of increased pellet count.Anything larger than a size 7 you can't use more than half choke.It ricohets like a b@stard,hence why it's banned on most clay grounds.So forget about it for rabbits,unless you're wearing glasses.
Forget about eating anything you manage to kill with it.Lead's soft so if you inadvertently chew a pellet it doesn't matter.Do that with steel and you're off to the dentist.
Despite the fact that the shot column is captive in the wad cup until it exits the barrel,I'm still not putting it in my Perazzi.No matter how remote the chance of steel on steel.
I'm not a fan
Rgds

You're quite right, and that's why I have never shot with it before, however I was thinking about giving it a go see what it was like before moving up to a bit of wildfowl. Perhaps I won't bother!

[IforB]

Try bismuth or tungsten matrix shot. Non toxic and doesn't screw up your barrel like Steel supposedly can.

Unless you have a very thin walled old gun, then you shouldn't have any problems even with steel.