A5 Shooting Lead

[Bull Elk]

Can steel ammo be shot out of a 1969 Browning A5 12 gauge? My initial thought is "no."

Thanks

Larry

[cgates]

what choke?

[Bull Elk]

Full choke. How does the choke affect steel shot?

[cgates]

steel shot will not compress and deform as much as lead as it exits a full choke. Compared to lead, steel is rather unyielding.

I would proceed with caution when shooting steel from a full choke older barrel. Most likely ok with a light steel target load but if that was my gun, I would probably avoid a full house steel load. If you need a big fast steel load for large birds, you would prob be better off with 3" shells for the added shot volume.

If you had an open cylinder choke, prob no potential problem.

[Thefeeder]

><

No steel ! If you get a barrel from a later made in Japan ...then GTG

[-hanko]

If it were my A5...

...I think I just might call Browning and ask.

-hanko

[Thefeeder]

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/qna/index.asp?bg=x

Number 14

[tpuig]

You should be fine with a "non lead" shot like Bismuth if you want to hunt waterfowl. The downside is that they cost a bit more.
Otherwise, stick with the lead stuff.

[BomarFab]

I just got one of these, I was told no steel ever, end of story.

[trob]

Definitely don't shoot steel out of a full choke.

If i remember correctly, I don't think I can even shoot steel in my SBE2 factory full choke.

[Sicarius]

I have shot steel through both of mine. Granted these are target loads for shooting clays but the barrel looks just fine.
Kevin

[Bull Elk]

Sounds like to play it safe it's best to avoid steel shot in my A5's.

Thanks to all who weighed in on my question.

Larry