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< 16ga. General Discussion ~ Steel Shot in 16 ga. |
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Posted:
Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:10 am
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Joined: 15 Dec 2005
Posts: 59
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I was looking to buy a 16ga in the near future but I ran across a recent arcticle that said the Minn. DNR is looking at requiring steel shot for small game. I haven't looked into the availibilty of steel shot for the 16 ga. but given the limited options for lead I would think steel would be even harder to find and harder to reload. Do any other states require steel shot for small game. This just my throw a wrench into my plans
Thanks
Scott |
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Posted:
Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:30 am
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Member
Joined: 09 Jun 2005
Posts: 885
Location: Wisconsin
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In Wis. we are required to use it for waterfowl and any bird or small game on federal lands, such as WPAs. I use bismuth when hunting these areas. Steel shot is available, but limited in shot sizes. I think 2s are the largest available and 6s the smallest. One exception to the non toxic rule on federal lands is turkey hunting, and when I say federal lands I should clarify that. It only applies on national forest lands if hunting waterfowl, otherwise lead shot is acceptable. |
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Posted:
Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:59 am
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Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 311
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I would use Bismuth or Kent Impact. It can be mail ordered if local dealers won't carry it.
I am afraid this hysteria against lead will continue. The day will come when the National Socialist Party (AKA Democrats) will controll the White House and both houses of congress. I suspect that when that happens lead for all ammo will be banned. |
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Posted:
Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:06 am
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Member
Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Posts: 609
Location: Sothern Illinois
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The availability of steel shot in 16 gauge is a problem. There are several places around here that require the use of non toxic shot. To my knowledge, there are only two companies that make steel for the 16, Federal and Remington. Catalogs only list sizes #2 an #4. They are expensive and hard to find. I usually order mine from Graffs. The Federal brand is advertised at 1350 fps and Remington at 1300 fps. There is no suitable size for Dove hunting so I still use my 20 ga for Doves where steel is required. It would be great to see some # 6's or #7's in 16 gauge. I have used Kent non toxic but it only comes in 5's and 6's. It is too expensive to shoot a lot of it. You might want to keep your 12 gauge for steel. |
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Posted:
Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:41 am
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Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2006
Posts: 102
Location: Boulder City, NV
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Ballistic Products has 16 gauge recipes for steel and Hevi-shot, and Precision Reloading has a great Bismuth manual with lots of recipes in 16 gauge, including 2 1/2" and some buffered loads. If you want to shoot non-toxic through a 16, you need to reload. |
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Posted:
Wed Mar 08, 2006 1:33 pm
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Member
Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Posts: 609
Location: Sothern Illinois
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Haiwee, I'd say you are probably right. There isn't much factory stuff available at this time. |
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Posted:
Thu Mar 09, 2006 5:09 am
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Joined: 15 Dec 2005
Posts: 287
Location: missouri
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You guys just be a bit patient, if you reload you can all shoot 1550 fps steel soon out of your 16 ga guns..I have been shooting it for two years now with excellent results...... |
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Posted:
Sat Mar 11, 2006 7:58 am
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Member
Joined: 28 Dec 2005
Posts: 2016
Location: Glendale, AZ
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Just ordered 2 boxes @ $15.25/box of Kent 'Impact' Tungsten Matrix (also made in 21/2") 1 and 1/16oz #5s at >1300/fps. from www.firearmservice.com Wanted to spend time patterning the loads through my Lt Mod/ IM 16g. Sterlingworth and hopefully make this my KS/S. Dakota pheasant load. Maybe Remington will offer the Hevi-Shot in 16g. soon-my buddies who have used the 12s on pheasant said they've never seen birds hit and drop like this load-better than 1 and 1/4 oz lead! |
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Posted:
Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:21 am
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Member
Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 179
Location: Hoosier state
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Revdocdrew, think you'll like the Kent TM. Used in with my 1929vintage Sterlingworth on South Dakota phesants last year and was impressed with the results. A little pricey but for three birds a day it's not a problem.
Jeff |
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Posted:
Sat Mar 11, 2006 1:15 pm
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Member
Joined: 28 Dec 2005
Posts: 2016
Location: Glendale, AZ
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Thanks Jeff-that's reassuring and I think Fin has used these also? So you're part of the 16g (Sterlingworth) Society too Still think we should challenge those Sissy-tori fellas to a KS bird shoot (that ought to warm things up on the forum alittle ) |
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Posted:
Sat Mar 11, 2006 1:44 pm
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Member
Joined: 20 Mar 2005
Posts: 1522
Location: NH
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revdocdrew wrote: |
Thanks Jeff-that's reassuring and I think Fin has used these also? So you're part of the 16g (Sterlingworth) Society too Still think we should challenge those Sissy-tori fellas to a KS bird shoot (that ought to warm things up on the forum alittle )
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Let's get that challenge going for next season before it's too late.
I think the SW Society will reign. |
_________________ A bad day of hunting is better than a good day of work. |
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Posted:
Thu Mar 23, 2006 6:03 pm
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Member
Joined: 28 Dec 2005
Posts: 2016
Location: Glendale, AZ
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Question: Are the '5s' in the Kent Tungsten Matrix Impact American 5s or British 5s (more like American 6s)? If more like 6s, I'm thinking about the Impact for the R brl and the Golden Pheasant 4s for the left if my wussy flinch allows me to in my 6 and 1/2# Sterlingworth.
And TJC-check your post above. Are you going to abandon the Sterlingworth Society for the Merkels ? Next he'll want to bring a Citori! |
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Posted:
Thu Mar 23, 2006 9:33 pm
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Member
Joined: 20 Mar 2005
Posts: 1522
Location: NH
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revdocdrew wrote: |
Next he'll want to bring a Citori!
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I got one of those too if need be. |
_________________ A bad day of hunting is better than a good day of work. |
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Posted:
Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:14 am
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Member
Joined: 14 Jan 2006
Posts: 1007
Location: Lancaster county, Pa
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If you are shooting vintage guns, shoot the kent tungsten the hevi shot is very hard like steel shot. |
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Posted:
Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:41 am
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Member
Joined: 26 Apr 2005
Posts: 743
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HS is actually harder than steel. Generally speaking, if your gun is choked no tighter than mod, steel won't hurt it. However, Kent TM is a WHOLE lot better ballistically. I'm lucky enough not to have to use it very often, but when I have, the stuff's a killer. Rev, the Kent TM shot sizes are American. |
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