Can You Shoot Steel Shot Through a Full Choke?
The short answer is: it's complicated, and generally not recommended. While you can technically fire steel shot through a full choke, doing so carries significant risks and can damage your firearm. Let's delve into the specifics.
What is a Full Choke?
A full choke is the tightest constriction in a shotgun barrel. It's designed to dramatically constrict the shot pattern, resulting in a very tight grouping of pellets at longer ranges. This is ideal for hunting birds at distance, where precision is paramount. The tighter constriction means the pellets are forced together more tightly before exiting the barrel.
Why Steel Shot is Different
Steel shot is significantly harder than lead shot. This hardness is its advantage – it's less toxic to the environment and wildlife. However, this hardness also means it's more abrasive. When fired through a tightly constricted barrel like a full choke, the steel shot can cause:
- Increased Barrel Wear: The abrasive nature of steel shot can quickly wear down the choke tube and even the barrel itself. This wear can lead to accuracy issues, increased recoil, and even potential barrel failure in extreme cases.
- Increased Pressure: The tighter constriction of a full choke can create higher pressures inside the barrel when firing steel shot. This increased pressure can stress the gun and increase the risk of damage.
- Choke Tube Damage: Full chokes are particularly vulnerable to damage from steel shot, potentially leading to a warped or even broken choke tube. Replacing a damaged choke tube can be expensive.
- Inconsistent Patterns: While some manufacturers produce steel shot specifically designed for use with full chokes, even then, inconsistent patterns are more likely compared to using lead shot.
Can I Use Steel Shot in My Full Choke?
Many modern shotguns are designed and explicitly approved for steel shot use. However, older shotguns might not be. Always check your firearm's owner's manual. The manual will clearly state whether your specific shotgun is compatible with steel shot and, importantly, which choke constrictions are safe to use with steel.
Many manufacturers recommend using modified or improved cylinder chokes with steel shot to minimize the risk of damage.
What Choke Should I Use With Steel Shot?
Generally, modified or improved cylinder chokes are safer and better suited for steel shot. These offer a wider pattern, which is often preferable with steel shot anyway, compensating for the tighter grouping typically associated with full chokes. Using a less constricted choke will reduce the pressure on the barrel and minimize wear from the abrasive steel shot.
What Happens if I Use Steel Shot in a Full Choke Anyway?
While you might get away with it a few times, repeatedly firing steel shot through a full choke will eventually lead to barrel and choke damage. This can be expensive to repair and may even void any warranties on your firearm.
In conclusion, while it might seem tempting to use a full choke with steel shot to maximize range, the potential risks of damage and inconsistent patterns generally outweigh the benefits. Consult your firearm's manual and consider using a more open choke constriction to safely and effectively shoot steel shot.
