When to use steel shot
I read Charles Smith-jones’ article on the AYA No 4 in your December issue. I use a AYA Best boxlock but am thinking of buying a No 4 for ducks and geese. When he says to check the proof of older models before putting steel shot through it, what exactly should I be looking for? Should the barrels be of a minimum thickness? I would be grateful if he could give a little more detail and advice on this.
Charles Arnott, via email Charles Smith-jones
– Many thanks for your inquiry. To be safe for use with steel shot, your gun barrel needs to have the words ‘steel’ or ‘steel shot’ stamped among the proof marks, indicating that it is appropriately hardened. Better yet, a fleur-de-lys proof stamp shows that it is suitable for high-performance steel. Because steel is much harder than lead, which will deform more readily, it can gouge the linings of soft steel barrels or set up excessive pressures when constricted by tighter chokes. Large shot sizes can also be a source of problems. If you are in any doubt, I would advise you to check with a gunsmith or use another non-lead alternative, such as bismuth (tungsten, being a slightly harder metal, is best avoided in older guns). Bismuth shot is more expensive, I’m afraid, but I use it through my old English guns with no problem.
There is an excellent article on the subject, by Mike George, on the Shooting UK website, which goes into much more detail: https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/ guns/buy-gun-guide/gunsmiths-report-increase-inshotguns-ruined-by-steel-shot-2-21604