Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Remington 32 & steel shot?

Everywhere I hunt requires steel shot. Well, unleaded shot at any rate. I've found that steel shot works just fine on pheasant, grouse, chukar & quail.

Recently inherited a beautiful old Remigton 32 over & under.

Dare I use steel shot in it? If not, what are the non-lead alternatives?



Thanks!

I wouldn't. I'd use bismuth if you can find any shells.

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Third

I have a 3200 and wouldn't shoot steel shot.

Tungsten/polymer shot would also work well.

Myself, I would use steel with certain conditions:

The choke would have to be no tighter than Modified
Shot size no larger than #4 with Mod; #2 for IC
Velocity would have to be "normal" in the 1400 fps range or less

I glean this from personal experiences, the experiences of others, and the various writings and cautions of many different experimenters over the last 40 one years. I've seen only one barrel bulge of the many "unsuitable" barrels I and others have put steal down and that one was a Miroku O/U with Full choke. The barrel had a bulge one could feel much like the bulge in the early Browning Invector choke (and many other brands of that era) shotguns. The barrel solder was still firm and the gun is still going strong though the Full barrel has been opened to a loose Mod for further non-toxic use.

I've seen similar bulges from barrel obstructions after which the guns have performed as intended. The adage of "no steel" in older guns seems to be directed at the lowest common denominator shooter who seems to have problems determining just what gauge shotgun they have let alone understand anything regarding shot material, size, velocity, choke, et al. These types stop listening between, "yes you can" and "under these conditions..."

do not shoot steel in a model 32. period.

I just wouldn't gamble with a gun that fine. Find a used Savage 333 or a Finnish branded Valmet O/U, the descendents of the Remington, for steel, and keep the 32 for lead and clays. It deserves a safe retirement.

Woodmaster has it right, and has the expertise of the British proof houses for verification. What he wrote is out there if any are curious enough to look for themselves.

Addition: I think Tom Rooster also did some tests and came to the same conclusion.

Exception would be any with some of the original styles of screw chokes.

Other than hunting that involves a lot of sitting, I can’t think of anything I would like to lug around a 32.

Thanks all, much appreciated.

Ya, I intend light-duty, good weather pheasant hunting time to time with this fine old gun. Surely don't want to risk damaging it! Belonged to my grandfather, then my father, now me. They had other shotguns they used heavily, but this one hasn't been hunted hard. I'd like to make sure it stays in great condition for my son.

Regards, Guy