Waterfowl Hunting - Historic Changes to Steel Shotshells

[Bigfootwolff]

I haven't waterfowl hunted since the mid 1990s, and from the time steel shot was mandated until I last hunted, steel shot resulted in crippling many more birds when compared to lead shot (using standard 12 gauge 2.75" and 3" shells). I know that was a common complaint from waterfowl hunters, but when watching some recent YouTube videos about different waterfowl shotshells, I have seen several people talk about how poorly early steel shotshells performed, and that ammo manufacturers have made significant improvements in steel shotshell loads. Noting that the steel shotshells available today perform significantly better than those early steel shotshell loadings. Those videos did not indicate what those improvements are, so I am just curious if anyone can enlighten me on what those changes are, and if you agree that the newer steel shot loads perform significantly better than those early loads, and practical examples (i.e. extend lethality ranges, better patterns, increased pellet penetration, etc). Just for clarification, I am not talking about the addition of 3.5 inch 12 gauge shotshells, just the standard 2.75" and 3" length shells that were commonly available back in the late 1980s to mid 1990s.

[.243 WSSM]

Steel is always going to be steel and its lesser density is its downfall. It still has its penetration limit and nothing will change that. To counter that, most shoot 2 sizes larger in steel vs lead. Some advancements such as shot plating and wad design as well as duplexing various shot sizes have improved patterns but that wont change the penetration/density issue. I would suggest trying bismuth. A good compromise between steel and tungsten without breaking the bank and if you shop around in the off season you can find some nice deals. Steel has improved since it first came out but it still isnt great compared to other non toxic shot offerings which are far superior

[ATI]

As already said, Steel is still Steel, they haven't improved it. They have introduced Tungsten and other heavy non-Lead shots to replace steel.

[El General]

Just bought a couple of boxes of Boss Bismuth to try tomorrow.

[DUKFVR]

Just bought a couple of boxes of Boss Bismuth to try tomorrow.

Good Stuff & don't be scared to choke it down.

[Bigfootwolff]

Thanks guys, I know steel is lighter than lead shot, but also significantly harder and therefore less subject to shot deformation as it is compressed and forced out of the barrel, which in theory should cause it to pattern better than lead. When I used standard steel shot back in the day, I always used shot sizes 2 times smaller (#2 steel for most large to medium size ducks and Special steel for teal). Knowing all of the above, I could not imagine how much shotshell makers could really improve steel shot performance from early loadings. I was thinking maybe they had begun using some proprietary gunpowder that achieved higher velocities without increasing pressure and recoil (something like Hornady's Superformance rifle rounds). Other than that I couldn't imagine how steel shot loads could be significantly better than older loads.

Follow up issue, based upon an above statement about improved steel shot plating is this: I've got several boxes of 25-30 year old steel shot, and am now wondering if humidity over time would cause the steel pellets to rust together, as they may not have been plated. If so, my fear is shooting them could result in a solid rusted mass of steel that might damage the barrel or choke tube. Any additional thoughts would be appreciated!

[DUKFVR]

Thanks guys, I know steel is lighter than lead shot, but also significantly harder and therefore less subject to shot deformation as it is compressed and forced out of the barrel, which in theory should cause it to pattern better than lead. When I used standard steel shot back in the day, I always used shot sizes 2 times smaller (#2 steel for most large to medium size ducks and Special steel for teal). Knowing all of the above, I could not imagine how much shotshell makers could really improve steel shot performance from early loadings. I was thinking maybe they had begun using some proprietary gunpowder that achieved higher velocities without increasing pressure and recoil (something like Hornady's Superformance rifle rounds). Other than that I couldn't imagine how steel shot loads could be significantly better than older loads.

Follow up issue, based upon an above statement about improved steel shot plating is this: I've got several boxes of 25-30 year old steel shot, and am now wondering if humidity over time would cause the steel pellets to rust together, as they may not have been plated. If so, my fear is shooting them could result in a solid rusted mass of steel that might damage the barrel or choke tube. Any additional thoughts would be appreciated!

If the shells have been stored inside or climate controlled they will be fine.

[100%TtId]

Thanks guys, I know steel is lighter than lead shot, but also significantly harder and therefore less subject to shot deformation as it is compressed and forced out of the barrel, which in theory should cause it to pattern better than lead. When I used standard steel shot back in the day, I always used shot sizes 2 times smaller (#2 steel for most large to medium size ducks and Special steel for teal). Knowing all of the above, I could not imagine how much shotshell makers could really improve steel shot performance from early loadings. I was thinking maybe they had begun using some proprietary gunpowder that achieved higher velocities without increasing pressure and recoil (something like Hornady's Superformance rifle rounds). Other than that I couldn't imagine how steel shot loads could be significantly better than older loads.

Follow up issue, based upon an above statement about improved steel shot plating is this: I've got several boxes of 25-30 year old steel shot, and am now wondering if humidity over time would cause the steel pellets to rust together, as they may not have been plated. If so, my fear is shooting them could result in a solid rusted mass of steel that might damage the barrel or choke tube. Any additional thoughts would be appreciated!

Pick one or two out of the batch and cut into the shell casing with a sharp knife and find out for sure.

[jdg13]

Steel will never kill like lead. But the steel shot of today is definitely better than the early loads. The main thing is it's faster. Old 2 3/4 loads were around 1300 fps like lead, and if you sized up in shot to make up for less density, you had less pellets. The newer wads pattern better. Most are sealed better for corrosion resistance. A quality 3 inch 1 1/4 oz 2 running 1450 fps will kill a duck stone dead at ranges most guys have no business even shooting at. Cheapo xperts with 4 different sizes of shot, not so much. Bismuth does better than steel but is alot more expensive. Tungsten will do amazing things at long ranges IF you can put it in the right spot, most can't. Point is, good steel works just fine for most duck hunting but some situations call for a $5 shell. As for the other issue, unless your shells were stored in poor conditions they should be ok.

[El General]

Good Stuff & don't be scared to choke it down.

Does it require more choke? Hunting a little woody hole tomorrow and shots should be very close.

[DUKFVR]

Does it require more choke? Hunting a little woody hole tomorrow and shots should be very close.

You should be good,but in pattern work a lot of the time it takes more choke. I shoot IM a lot. You just need to see how your gun patterns with said load.

[DUKFVR]

Here is another little tidbit about steel. Most people used to and some still do want heavy loads. Steel is lighter ,so more shot in a given load based on steel. In the thousands of shells I have patterned my best patterns will usually be in the 1450 -1500 fps range. After that it was harder to keep patterns tighter at distance. One more thing small steel shot like 2's or smaller will choke more like lead . Meaning if you want tighter patterns don't be scared to try IM or if choke is rated for it full choke. This is for longer range. For normal 35-40 or less yards it is tough to beat a light mod choke.

[El General]

You should be good,but in pattern work a lot of the time it takes more choke. I shoot IM a lot. You just need to see how your gun patterns with said load.

It just came in last night, so not going to make it to the pattern board. I am looking for to patterning it on a cripple.

[El General]

You should be good,but in pattern work a lot of the time it takes more choke. I shoot IM a lot. You just need to see how your gun patterns with said load.

I went from IC to IM after two shots on cripples. It patterned much wider than the steel I have been shooting.

[stevieray54]

It’s not far off, you will not be shooting dove with lead. It will be non-toxic. You can currently buy Bismuth in Dove Loads along with Pheasant loads.