Shell Shock

Just got back from trying to buy some non-toxic/non-steel shot shells and I am in shock about the price!
$20.00 for 10 and they only had 3" 12 gage
It looks like I'm not going to hunt pheasants on the refuge.
Do they make these in 20 gage?

[Bait Bucket]

That's too much. You were taken.....

[id. painter]

No help here. I only use steel for waterfoul and use lead #6 for Roosters. Non-toxic, non-steel, the price is frightening. id. p.

BB,
Not me, I left the store empty handed.

[skein]

Sounds like you're using a shotgun that doesn't handle steel. I've got the same problem since I'm shooting a Model 12 with a full choke. I have to use Bismuth, and although it ain't cheap, it does seem to do a good job of knocking the birds down.

But like you, I can't find any upland loads locally. I'm probably going to order some from Cabela's in 2 3/4" #6. I can get the 3" waterfowl loads locally, so that's where my money goes, but it's still $20 a box. A morning's shoot is not much different than a couple of microbrews and a hamburger at a pub though.

By the way, mail order isn't any cheaper when you add in freight.

Skein

Ithica 200E Dbl 20ga 3"
Charles Dailey Dbl 12ga 2-3/4" chamber
M97 Winchester 12ga 2-3/4" chamber
None will ever see steel shot

[id. painter]

Remington 1100,,,,,ill get a new barrel, if need be. Hi ho. id. painter

[Swamp Puppy]

joe's sometimes has 2 3/4 hevi-shot at around 14.99 - 16.99 a box (10 rounds)..still not cheap, but less than 20 bucks.

[skein]

That's a good price, Moss, but still can't use it in our "vintage" shotguns. If the barrel isn't rated for steel, it's won't handle Hevi-shot either.

Keta, you've got a '97 eh? If you ever want to get mobbed, just show up at a cowboy action shoot with a "for sale" flag flying out of the barrel. WhooooBoooy! :grin:

Skein

Worse thing I ever did was sell my '52 vintage M97, 35 years ago and still kicking myself. The one I have now was built in the 30's.

[Bait Bucket]

Welp,....I have an early BSS .20 that I had modified by Briley that sure has smacked a mallard or two with hevi-shot. The 1 1/8 oz load that Remington sells works real good in it too. Installation of the super hard screw-ins by Briley costs just over 500 smackers with a selection of five chokes. For me, it was well worth the money.

[ 11-26-2003, 12:11 PM: Message edited by: Bait Bucket ]

[Swamp Puppy]

ahhh..very true Skein. i forgot that was the reason for the search for non-toxic. same problem with my model 24 winchester side-by-side 16ga. nothing be lead for that gun.