Will steel shot ruin your barrels?

Published on February 28, 2020
Duration: 19:36

This video details an experimental test to determine the potential damage of firing unprotected steel shot through a non-steel-proofed shotgun barrel. The experiment involved using home-loaded steel cartridges without protective wadding and firing them through a volunteer firearm. The results indicated minimal to no visible damage to the barrel, challenging common assumptions about the destructive potential of steel shot in such firearms.

Quick Summary

A test by TGS Outdoors revealed that firing 14-15 unprotected steel shot cartridges through a non-steel-proofed 12-gauge shotgun resulted in no significant visible damage to the barrel. Minor scoring was observed near the chamber, but the barrel and choke system remained intact, challenging common fears about steel shot's destructive potential.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to the Steel Shot Test
  2. 00:25Explaining the Experiment Setup
  3. 01:01Background on Steel Shot Testing Series
  4. 01:30Firing Unprotected Steel Shot
  5. 02:02Details on Home-Loaded Cartridges
  6. 03:01The Art of Home Loading Ammunition
  7. 04:01Superior Proof Steel Cartridge Discussion
  8. 05:13Safety Warning: Do Not Attempt at Home
  9. 05:48Unpicking Jitter Cartridges
  10. 06:42Base Point of Potential Damage
  11. 07:20American Firearm Construction vs. Proof Laws
  12. 08:34Time to Shoot the Test Cartridges
  13. 09:32First Pattern Test Results
  14. 10:09Continuing to Shoot Through the Barrel
  15. 10:57Initial Observations Post-Firing
  16. 11:12Examining the Fired Cartridges
  17. 12:14Analyzing Pattern Performance
  18. 12:59Inspection of the Shotgun Bore
  19. 14:12Expert Barrel Inspection and Findings
  20. 15:10Debunking Misinformation on Barrel Damage
  21. 15:41Implications and Future Research
  22. 16:07Zero Damage to the Choke System
  23. 16:46Opening Doors to New Questions
  24. 17:21Amazement at the Lack of Damage
  25. 17:53Future Considerations for Manufacturers
  26. 18:14Steel Shot vs. Plastic Pollution
  27. 18:44Conclusion: Steel Shot Did Not Destroy the Gun
  28. 19:01Viewer Questions and Wrap-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Can steel shot damage a non-steel-proofed shotgun barrel?

In a test conducted by TGS Outdoors, firing 14-15 unprotected steel shot cartridges through a non-steel-proofed 12-gauge shotgun resulted in no significant visible damage to the barrel. While very light scoring was observed near the chamber, the overall integrity of the barrel and choke system remained intact.

What were the results of firing steel shot through a non-steel-proofed shotgun?

The experiment showed that a non-steel-proofed shotgun barrel could withstand firing unprotected steel shot without catastrophic damage. The fired cartridge cases appeared normal, and the barrel exhibited only minor cosmetic marks, suggesting that the common fear of steel shot ruining such barrels might be exaggerated.

How did the steel shot pattern perform in the test?

The home-loaded steel shot cartridges produced an 'exceptionally tight' and 'even' pattern at 35 yards when fired through a half-choked barrel. This indicates that the steel shot retained sufficient energy and consistency for effective use, even without protective wadding.

Are there any safety concerns with using steel shot in older shotguns?

While this specific test showed minimal damage, it's crucial to understand that older or non-steel-proofed firearms may not be designed for the pressures and hardness of steel shot. Always consult firearm manufacturer guidelines and local regulations. This test was conducted by professionals and should not be replicated without expert supervision.

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