Steel shot

[longbowhunter2]

Well how is that working for the duck, pheasant , and dove. Since it has probably half the density of lead, so less knock down, kinetic energy.
I used steel shot a few years ago on pheasant.
And it knocked one down dead. The other hit the ground running. Sucked.
Usually with lead it would drop dead. I was using duck loads. 3in.

 

[longbowhunter2]

Here is some fun facts.
Density of steel - .283 lb/in ^ 3
Density of lead - .409 lb/in ^ 3
Lead is 1.495 times more dense than steel.
The diameter of the shot will have
To be larger to achieve the same
Kinetic energy..
It will be interesting to figure out.
I will crunch some numbers.

 

[longbowhunter2]

Of course this will mean less steel pellets.

 

[ilovesprig]

Speed of the load/shell and distance of the shot have much to do with knockdown power....I have found that steel 3's seem to be the perfect waterfowl load (1550 fps) out to 40 yds or so....Since pheasant are similar in size and actually have less dense feathers, I've used the same size for them (I've used 4's as well)….Seems to kill them pretty dead...In a 3 1/2" shell going 1550 fps. and having a 1 3/8 oz load of 2's is pretty darn deadly for most waterfowl....I personally like BBB for big honkers and a little farther shots (2nd or 3rd shot).

I haven't had to use steel yet on quail or doves (#7's)….In Montana, I've hunted the refuges and steel is required for all birds, including upland...Again for pheasants, sharptails and huns I've used the 1 1/8 oz, #3 or 4's's in my SBE. or 20 gauge M-2 (7/8 oz)...2 cents

.

 

[longbowhunter2]

Here is link that claims hevi x
Exaggerates their stats.
http://www.randywakeman.com/TheSpectacularLiarsofHeviShotareatItAgain.htm

 

[longbowhunter2]

Speed of the load/shell and distance of the shot have much to do with knockdown power....I have found that steel 3's seem to be the perfect waterfowl load (1550 fps) out to 40 yds or so....Since pheasant are similar in size and actually have less dense feathers, I've used the same size for them (I've used 4's as well)….Seems to kill them pretty dead...In a 3 1/2" shell going 1550 fps. and having a 1 3/8 oz load of 2's is pretty darn deadly for most waterfowl....I personally like BBB for big honkers and a little farther shots (2nd or 3rd shot).

I haven't had to use steel yet on quail or doves (#7's)….In Montana, I've hunted the refuges and steel is required for all birds, including upland...Again for pheasants, sharptails and huns I've used the 1 1/8 oz, #3 or 4's's in my SBE. or 20 gauge M-2 (7/8 oz)...2 cents

.View attachment 38237

Nice info Steve.
I recall now I was using #4 steel shot. It was pheasant and duck load.

 

[longbowhunter2]

I am thinking lol, #5 or #6 for dove or quail. Educated guess.
The article I posted above the guy states bismuth is denser than steel
Less than lead,
Interesting..

 

[longbowhunter2]

Here is blog from game and stream about the different options for non lead. Recommends Same as Ilovesprig(Steve).
http://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/hunting_guns-shooting_gf_aa116802a/244778#

 

[longbowhunter2]

Good news for old shotguns.
Bismuth and tungsten Matrix
According to the author, good to go for older shotguns.

 

[ilovesprig]

Good news for old shotguns.
Bismuth and tungsten Matrix
According to the author, good to go for older shotguns.

But really hard on your pocket book...…..

 

[TRICER]

One nice thing about steel is you get more pass through shots and not as much meat damage. Bad thing about steel pass through shots lol.

 

[ilovesprig]

Death by a 1000 cuts...…

 

[longbowhunter2]

The author states that steel will beat the crap out of the barrel.
I am curious how fast our barrels
Will wear out.

 

[longbowhunter2]

The author also states no go for older shotguns with hevi shot.
Bummer. It has to be designed for steel to use hevi shot.

 

[longbowhunter2]

Also steel shot is really iron.

 

[ilovesprig]

The author states that steel will beat the crap out of the barrel.
I am curious how fast our barrels
Will wear out.

I do not believe this....The steel never touches the barrel (thick wads)....It will bulge a barrel, if large pellets are used in a choke tighter than modified (lead).

 

[longbowhunter2]

I guess is because it doesn't compress like lead.
Yes I will read up on your point Steve, thanks

 

[Minnowerks]

Here is what I’m going to be using this season: https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2014/4/14/federal-premium-mag-shok-heavyweight-turkey-loads/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[longduck]

Used steel on doves the last few years. #7 shot worked fine.

 

[longbowhunter2]

I picked up a box of bismuth for my old shot gun 12 gauge at gun shop.
So getting started.lol