Can You Shoot Steel Shot Through a Turkey Choke?

Turkey hunting with a shotgun requires a turkey choke, which is a constriction at the muzzle end of the barrel that tightens the spread of the shot pattern. This allows more pellets to impact the target at longer ranges But can you shoot steel shot through a turkey choke? The answer is not so straightforward

Turkey Chokes Are Designed for Lead Shot

The majority of turkey chokes on the market are designed for lead shot only. Lead shot is soft and deforms easily as it passes through the constricted section of the choke tube. This allows more uniform shot strings and denser patterns.

Steel shot is much harder than lead and does not deform as easily Pushing steel shot through a turkey choke can potentially cause dangerous pressures in the barrel. The steel pellets are more likely to become lodged in the constriction Turkey choke tubes specify “lead shot only” because lead is softer and compresses smoothly.

Dangers of Using Steel Shot in a Turkey Choke

Using steel shot in a lead-only turkey choke poses some risks:

• Increased pressure: The hardness of steel shot may cause pressures to spike in the barrel, potentially damaging the gun or injuring the shooter.

• Deformed patterns: Steel shot tends to string out and fly erratically out of an improperly matched choke, leading to poor shot patterns.

• Damage to choke: Steel pellets wedging in the constriction can peen the inside of the choke tube, requiring replacement.

• Bulged barrels: In extreme cases, a barrel can bulge or catastrophically fail after repeatedly shooting steel through a tight turkey choke.

• Stuck chokes: Steel shot wedged in the choke can make the tube impossible to remove without damage.

So while you may get away with shooting a few rounds of steel through a turkey choke, prolonged use greatly increases the chances of expensive damage to your firearm.

Some Turkey Chokes Can Handle Steel

However, not all turkey chokes are off limits to steel shot. Some models are specifically designed and tested to handle non-toxic shot like steel, tungsten, and bismuth in addition to lead. These will be clearly marked safe for use with non-toxic ammunition.

Carlson’s turkey tubes are rated for lead, steel, and tungsten loads. Trulock, Indian Creek, and Patternmaster also make turkey chokes rated for steel shot under certain conditions. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using steel.

The standard rule of thumb is to back off one constriction level when shooting steel through a turkey choke. For example, a modified steel choke will perform similarly to a full lead choke. An extra full lead tube could be dangerously over-choked with steel shot.

Best Practices for Using Steel Shot in Turkey Chokes

If you must use steel shot in a turkey choke, either because it’s required by regulations or you simply have no other ammo, here are some guidelines for safest practices:

• Pattern test extensively with steel loads before hunting to ensure proper performance from your particular gun.

• Only use turkey chokes specifically rated as steel shot compatible by the manufacturer. Avoid lead-only tubes.

• Use lighter steel shot sizes 6, 5, or 4 to reduce potential sticking. The larger pellets crammed in 10 or 12 gauge loads pose more risks.

• Back off one constriction level from the lead shot recommendation, or at least avoid extra-full turkey chokes.

• Inspect your firearm regularly for any signs of bulging, peening, or pressure issues around the choke tube.

• Be prepared to replace your turkey choke frequently as steel will erode the constricted section over repeated use.

While shooting steel through a turkey choke is not recommended, careful adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines and intelligent choke selection will allow you to hunt safely and effectively even with non-toxic ammo. But for best patterns and protection of your firearm, lead shot is still the top choice for turkey loads whenever possible.

Most turkey chokes are designed for lead shot only. Shooting steel shot through a lead-only choke can be dangerous for both gun and shooter. However, some turkey chokes are rated for steel and other non-toxic shot types. When required to use steel, choose an appropriately rated choke, back off the constriction, and routinely inspect for signs of excess pressure or wear. With prudent safety measures, steel shot can be used in turkey chokes – but lead is still the preferred ammo for optimum patterns.