What choke tube do I use for steel shot?
When using steel shot, you should only use stainless steel choke tubes with modified or more open chokes. You should not use steel shot with Extra Full, Full, or Improved Modified Chokes of any kind. If it is a fixed choke barrel, we do not recommend using steel shot, as it may damage your barrel(s).
Can you shoot steel shot through a factory full choke?
Roberts said for the most part, you can shoot 3 and 4 steel through a Full choke with no problem. Big shot, however, can be a different story with Full choke, at least in extreme cases. “We get six to eight guns a year where we see some swelling behind the choke,” says Roberts.
Can you shoot tungsten through a steel choke?
Tungsten is definitely harder than steel, and as such, there have been a flood of warnings about not shooting it in ultra-high-end guns or through standard chokes. It will leave marks in a choke tube, but as of yet, I’ve not seen any adverse effects in a barrel.
What does LM stand for on a choke?
Factory Choke Identification Codes
| Choke Type | Identification (Notches, Stars, Alpha Code, or Color Band) |
|---|---|
| Modified: | III notches, or *** stars, or M, or green color band |
| Light Modified: | No notches, no stars, LM, or orange color band |
| Improved Cylinder: | IIII notches, or **** stars, or IC, or yellow color band |
Can you shoot steel shot through a improved modified choke?
Why can’t I shoot steel through improved modified and full chokes? The constriction on these chokes is very tight. Because steel does not compress, it can damage the barrel and choke as the shot charge passes through.
Is tungsten safe for old shotguns?
Another great nontoxic that also came and went was Tungsten-Polymer from Federal. Its density was even closer to that of lead and it too was vintage gun friendly but it was never offered in anything but 12 gauge.
Are aftermarket choke tubes worth it?
While aftermarket extended tubes offer convenience and durability (most come with a lifetime warranty), their primary benefit is consistently dense patterns. There’s only one way to know how your shotgun patterns with a particular load and choke, however, and that is to shoot it at a patterning target.
Which choke is tighter modified or improved modified?
Modified Choke Diameter & Effective Range Because modified is tighter than IC, the effective range is longer.
Can you shoot steel shot through a shotgun choke?
In certain models, shooting steel shot may cause a slight “ring bulge” just inches behind the muzzle or irreversible damage or harm to the shooter depending on the firearm, Browning says. Winchester recommends avoiding use of steel shot through any firearms with a full choke.
Is it safe to shoot steel shot in older shotguns?
In my line of work, you get a lot of questions about steel shot and old guns. The standard answer on our side of the Atlantic has always been that steel and old guns don’t mix.
Can you shoot steel shot through any shotgun?
High-performance steel shot cartridges should only be used in shotguns that have passed the special steel shot proof and bear the words “steel shot” and a fleur de lys proof mark. A: Check the barrel of your gun. The gun will be stamped ‘steel shot’ and have a fleur de lys proof mark.