Steel Shot with Full Choke?

Published on February 23, 2025
Duration: 1:25

This video explains why using overly tight choke tubes with steel shot can negatively impact shotgun patterns and potentially damage the firearm. Steel shot's inability to deform like lead causes it to fight the choke, leading to over-pressure situations and erratic flyers. The explanation details how the steel compresses and then expands upon exiting the barrel, inducing forces that disrupt the flight path.

Quick Summary

Using a full choke with steel shot is generally not recommended because steel does not deform like lead. This rigidity causes the shot to fight the choke, potentially leading to over-pressure situations and erratic patterns. Upon exiting the barrel, the compressed steel expands, inducing forces that disrupt its flight path.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Choke Tube Issues with Steel Shot
  2. 00:06Purpose of Choke Tubes
  3. 00:17Steel vs. Lead Shot Deformation
  4. 00:30Steel Shot Fighting the Choke
  5. 00:36Over-Pressure Situations
  6. 00:43Steel Compression and Barrel Expansion
  7. 00:51Steel Shot Reverting Shape
  8. 01:01Induced Forces on Flight Path
  9. 01:06Erratic Flyers Explained
  10. 01:17Consequences of Over-Constriction

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is using a full choke with steel shot problematic for shotgun patterns?

Steel shot doesn't deform easily like lead. When forced through a tight choke, it fights the barrel, causing over-pressure and erratic patterns. The steel compresses and then expands upon exiting, creating disruptive forces on its flight path.

What happens to steel shot when it encounters an overly tight choke tube?

The steel shot compresses to fit through the choke. However, because it doesn't deform permanently, it springs back to its original shape after leaving the barrel. This rapid expansion induces forces that can cause the shot to fly erratically.

Can using a full choke with steel shot damage a shotgun?

Yes, using a choke that is too tight for steel shot can create an over-pressure situation. This occurs because the rigid steel shot fights against the choke and barrel, potentially leading to damage to the firearm over time.

How does steel shot's lack of deformation affect shotgun patterning?

Unlike lead, steel shot maintains its shape. This rigidity means it doesn't conform to the choke's constriction. Instead, it can cause the shot to bounce or be pushed unevenly, resulting in a more spread-out and unpredictable pattern.

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