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No Lead Shot for hunting!
7.62x39Lover
Member Posts: 3,939 ✭✭✭
Hi Guys!
In FL I cannot use lead shot for hunting on public land. Therefore, I want to know. Is steel shot bad for your shotgun or your chokes? Is there an alternative to lead and steel that will satisfy the law?
In FL I cannot use lead shot for hunting on public land. Therefore, I want to know. Is steel shot bad for your shotgun or your chokes? Is there an alternative to lead and steel that will satisfy the law?
Comments
https://www.cabelas.com/product/KENT-BISMUTH-SHOTSHELLS-PER-BOX/2263462.uts
You need to check with Fl, I'm sure they have a list of approved ammo for their inspectors to consult while checking people in the field.
Personally if you shoot much a steel ready 870 isn't much on the used market.
Bismuth shot is a good workaround. Heavy, soft, non-toxic- but somewhat expensive compared to steel.
Bought a nice old, 50's vintage Model 12 years years ago. Dummy me didn't check the choke, before shelling out the money. Although with a 30" barrel, and marked "Full". The choke had been honed out to "Improved Cylinder". Killed the resale value, to a collector.
Per the above. Nothing wrong with using steel shot, in a older high dollar shotgun. As long as the choke, has been opened up. Don't get me wrong! Not saying, to alter the choke on any old gun. But you might be on the lookout, for one that has already been opened up. Kitchen table gunsmithing, boute kills value of of the older guns.
I bought my shotguns all after 2010. How can I tell if my shotguns are good for steel?
If they were actually made after 2010, I wouldn't worry about. The requirement for using steel, was years earlier.
The manufacturers have made changes, to the choke and shotgun barrels. Years prior to 2010, so that steel shot wouldn't destroy the choke. On guns manufactured, prior to the requirement. Like my old Model 12.
A non screw in fixed choke barrel, Full choke, and made before steel shot, is where a serious problem can occur. Best case is the steel shot opening the choke up. Worse case is the barrel bulging or blowing open just behind the choke restriction.