Is steel shot safe for an older SxS shotgun?

Some of you know that I recently got a SxS 10 gauge shotgun. It's Spanish made "Zabala". From my research, made in 1966. I'm fairly certain it has improved chokes 18.4/19.8
All I can find at the stores is large BBB or T shot in steel.
I've heard steel isn't safe. Is that true?


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Steel can be pretty hard on some of the old full choked shotguns, but with improved choked barrels you should be fine.

As a rough rule, steel shoots a tighter pattern than lead shot.
So a modified choke gun will shoot steel like a full choke would lead.
If you have an improved choke gun you will be getting modified type patterns with steel.
You should take your 10ga out and shoot it on paper to establish point of aim, patterning, and range.
Go over to Wal-Mart and buy a roll of white butcher paper.
Cut the paper in 4ft long lengths, tape them lengthwise together and make up some 4ft square paper targets. Draw a circle 3ft in diameter with a center aiming dot.
Post these at 20,30,40,50,etc yards and fire at them.
Note the center of the pattern as well as how it spreads.
You may be surprised to learn the point of aim does not always equal the point of impact.

Steel shot should not be used in really old thin barrel guns.
A general rule I follow is if the gun is pre-1960 it doesn't get steel shot.
Many wonderful old SxS's have been ruined in this manner.
Had a nice L.C.Smith come to me with the barrels bulged at the chokes.
This made the Moonpie a sad panda. Had to cut the barrels off about 4inches.
Your Zabala will shoot steel just fine. Look how thick the barrels are.

Moonpie said:

Your Zabala will shoot steel just fine. Look how thick the barrels are.

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Thanks for the info. I was worried I had bought a giant wall hanger! But yeah those barrels are looking 1/8" thick, rough estimate. Unlike my 12 gauge pump
Nearly all the ammo readily available is steel BBB or T So I'm glad to hear this


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I took her shooting today at an indoor range. Didn't kick as hard as I thought! Kept a 2.5ft diameter group at 20 yards of #5 shot.



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Moonpie said:

View attachment 44418

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Took her hunting today. Got 3 turkeys with 1 shot!! I also tested the steel shot and it seemed to work just fine. Patterns great at 30 yards


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SBR that sucker!

Cut the barrels to 8" and cut the stock to a pistol grip!

Post vids when you test fire please.

Younggun said:

SBR that sucker!

Cut the barrels to 8" and cut the stock to a pistol grip!

Post vids when you test fire please.

Click to expand...

Sick bastard

Younggun said:

SBR that sucker!

Cut the barrels to 8" and cut the stock to a pistol grip!

Post vids when you test fire please.

Click to expand...

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