Steel shot could damage a shotgun barrel if the right precautions aren’t taken. Some shotgun barrels aren’t compatible with steel shot. Choke tubes that are too tight can also cause issues with large steel pellets.
The most common problems that arise from using steel shot are the choke is too tight, vintage shotguns aren’t designed for it, large steel pellets can’t be compressed, steel shot leaves the wad before it exits the barrel, and barrels that are not rated for steel shot.
In this guide, we’ll discuss these issues in more detail and how to identify them. And, if you want to see the leading choke tubes for steel shot, be sure to check out the Carlson’s Cremator Choke, Patternmaster Code Black Choke, and JEBS Waterfowl Choke.
5 Reasons Why Steel Shot is Bad for Your Shotgun
Below are the top 5 reasons why steel shot could damage a shotgun. These symptoms can show up immediately or develop over time. Close examination of the barrel and choke are the best ways to identify if steel shot is causing damage.
1) Tight Fixed Choke Tube
One of the leading causes of steel shot damage to shotguns is from shooting steel shot through tight fixed chokes on older guns. Steel shot is not a malleable metal and compresses very little when being constricted.
Fixed full chokes in 12 gauge have a diameter of 0.685” which can compress steel shot to the point where it causes damage to the barrel. This is usually characterized by a bulging choke, barrel/choke deformation, and uneven surfaces on the inner walls of the barrel.
2) Vintage Shotguns
Older shotguns manufactured before 1980 tend to be susceptible to damage from steel shot use more than others. This is because many were designed for use with slow, lead shot loads and do not have the barrel makeup metallurgically to withstand fast steel loads, high pressures, and hard steel pellets.
Vintage shotguns with thin-walled barrels are prime examples of models that can be damaged with steel shot use. Early made double barrels are the most common types of shotguns where steel shot should be avoided. Use Bismuth or NiceShot instead.
3) Large Steel Pellets
Steel pellets larger than BBB can damage a shotgun barrel if the choke is too tight. Large pellet sizes such as T, TT, and F aren’t widely used, but are common for some goose hunting situations.
Large steel shot can’t compress to the degree of smaller shot when it leaves the barrel. This results in the barrel giving way and gouges, bulges, and deformities developing over time.
Shotguns that have been used with large steel pellet sizes, especially fixed full chokes, should be inspected before use to identify if they are safe to function. If bulges or damage is observed, consult a competent gunsmith.
4) Shot Leaving the Wad
While it’s less of a problem than the issues previously mentioned, steel shot leaving the wad is another way that a shotgun barrel can be damaged over time. Wads that aren’t of sufficient length or thickness and overloaded hulls are usually the culprits.
This condition results in steel pellets contacting the barrel itself, and with time, can leave scratches along the inner walls. Heavier than lead ammo (TSS, Hevishot, Heavyweight, etc.) compounds this problem more due to the shot being of a greater density than the construct of the barrel.
Inspecting spent wads occasionally can help identify insufficient wad protection with the ammo you are using. Deformed wad petals, holes, and damage to the wad structural integrity are clear signs the barrel may be receiving damage from steel shot.
Switching to a thicker wad, using mylar wraps, and installing overshot protection are popular ways of preventing pellets from leaving the shot column prematurely and protecting a shotgun barrel.
5) Barrel is Not Rated for Steel Shot
Most modern shotguns are rated for steel shot and will have a label etched on the barrel denoting what types of shot are safe to use with it (i.e. steel proof). Always read the barrel and choke markings prior to use. If unsure, contact the manufacturer.
Modern shotgun barrels rated for fast steel loads are thicker walled and capable of withstanding higher pressures more so than vintage shotguns. If a barrel is not rated for steel shot, several alternative shot types exist that are more forgiving, such as Niceshot, Bismuth, and tungsten polymer.
Additionally, aftermarket barrels that are compatible with steel shot may be available which can simply be switched out with older incompatible shotgun barrels.
Barrel Inspection Tools
Tips for Reducing Barrel Damage from Steel Shot
- Use a modern shotgun with a barrel rated for steel
- Avoid using large steel shot (T, TT, F) through full chokes
- Examine the inside of your barrel with a flashlight to identify any irregularities
- Use only approved ammo in vintage shotguns (bismuth, niceshot, lead etc.)
- Modified chokes work well with large steel shot and are more forgiving
- Examine spent wads to see if steel shot may be contacting the barrel
Bottom Line: Avoid steel through fixed full chokes
Steel shot can be tough on shotgun barrels that weren’t designed for it. Vintage shotguns manufactured pre-1980 have the most issues with today’s fast steel loads.
To avoid conditions where steel shot can be bad for your shotgun, use open fixed choke tubes and smaller pellets. Also check to see if your barrel is rated for steel shot and be mindful of pellets leaving the wad prematurely. Switch to a premium choke like Carlson’s Cremator or the Patternmaster Code Black for better performance with the latest modern ammo.
Steel shot is the most popular pellet type used each year in the U.S. to hunt waterfowl. Being mindful of its applications as well as limitations can help identify any issues before they arise.
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Last update on 2025-09-27 / Affiliate links / Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API