Decent steel shot?

[TurnerHill]

Anyone have any recommendations for a decent brand of steel-shot shell?

I last tried steel shot about 8 years ago, and wasn't impressed with any I found.

But I am starting to resent paying more for each bismuth or tungsten shell than it would cost to buy a goose.

[hunter63]

I think my Federals are "every other one is a blank".
So I just count--- one, throw number two away, repeat.
Hope to start with the right one.

Steel shot sucks....I use "Heavy shot" (expensive) and don't take as many shots..hopefully.
When I do use steel, Rem mag steel, I go up a shot size or two, example where I use #4's I use BB's , #2's , I use "T"'s etc.

[coonripper]

yep no good steel out there. I use remington and like hunter63 I use 2 shot instead of 4 or 6.

[mdharris68]

I am curious as to what kind of problems you found with steel shot before you decided to spend the big bucks on bismuth and tungsten?

I learned a long time ago that geese can be brought down easily with twenty gauge steel if you head shoot them.

[TurnerHill]

Sure, if they're 20 yards away.

My problem with steel shot is that it just doesn't carry, and doesn't seem tot have the knockdown even when it does get there.

The tungsten is fantastic, it is just pretty expensive considering the amount of shooting I now have time for.

[hunter63]

Originally Posted by mdharris68

I am curious as to what kind of problems you found with steel shot before you decided to spend the big bucks on bismuth and tungsten?

I learned a long time ago that geese can be brought down easily with twenty gauge steel if you head shoot them.

IMO
Sorry, not buying it, that ain't the real world, unless they are in a pen.

I'm telling ya, every other one is a blank, I didn't use'ta shoot this bad

[mdharris68]

I never said I was trying to shoot them at any distance. If you decoy them right, you should be able to tell their sex. If I am pass shooting I use my 12 with 2-3/4" #2's. I stopped taking those long low percentage shots a long time ago. Steel shot is too expensive. I agree that a heavier shot like tungsten probably has more knockdown power. The steel tends to go right through them though. I think that is because when it compresses in the choke, it doesn't deform like lead giving irregular pellets which tend to do more damage. Hence the warning of shooting steel out of an older full choke gun.

I have even heard some guys claim the steel bounces off the goose feathers.

Did you guys realize a large goose flys 15 ft per wing beat? When I learned that, I changed my lead and it greatly improved my bird per shell ratio.

[hunter63]

OK if you say so.
You can row across the ocean if you want to...I don't want to.

I need a relatively good expection of making a good, clean, killing shot.
Why stack the odds against your self....Now if thats all you got, and need to take a shot like that, go for it.
Not for me.
Happy New year and good hunting