steel shot in a 56 cal

[jlangenh]

One of my favorite areas to squirrel hunt is going to non-toxic shot only. I like to use my TC 56 cal smoothbore for squirrel hunting. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience shooting steel shot from a 56 cal. I assume I would need some kind of heavy shot cup to protect the bore. I guess another option would be to use bismouth.

 

[Rebel]

You would need .28 ga shotcups for steel shot or just use Rocks. They're non toxic. :grin:

 

[chuck-ia]

all the places I hunt require non toxic shot. a few years ago I bit the bullet and ordered 7 lbs. of no.5 bismuth, cost 90.00, so when I go to unload, I pull the load and save the shot. still have probably 5 lbs. flinch

 

[torn moc]

I had no idea that it was THAT expensive!
I get 25 pound of #6 shot for 17 dollars....
We are not restricted here where i LIVE
WILD & WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

 

[J.D.]

Where in Missouri might this be?

I'm from Missouri and this is the first I have heard of any areas requiring non toxic shot for samll game hunting.

I assume that the restriction is only on bird shot and not a single projectile? If so, use light powder charges and a single round ball.

I have used a .54 cal rifle for squirrel hunting for years, with good success, BTW.
Thanks,
J.D.

 

[roundball]

"...so when I go to unload, I pull the load and save the shot..."

Heck, I pull my loads and save my shot and it's just #6 hard shot

 

[jlangenh]

J.D. check the article in this months issue of the Missouri Conservationist. It's mainly the areas managed for dove hunting and areas that get a lot of hunting pressure. The place I hunt has been shotgun only for several years, so a single projectile is not an option.

 

[ffffg]

steel shotcups are designed to open at 1300 feet persecond, some may be higher as they are going 1460 by my chronograph with good shells.. if you can get about 1300 fps then it should be ok with the right cups.. dont know a thing about 56 ga.. rifles go that fast so it may??? you wont get high enough velocity with most other bigger guages.. .. dave..

 

[Russianblood]

You may have to bite the bullet and go with Bismuth. That way you can load the same way you do with lead. One more reason to make every shot count. :shocked2:

 

[George Holton]

Where in Okemos? Russian. used to be my prowling ground when at MSC yes MSC Bob :blah:

 

[XXX]

I still use lead in my .56, but I use a shotcup. The groups are tight and the cup itself frequently makes the lethal hit