Steel Shot and the alternatives to Lead
Following the widespread discussion about the phasing out of lead shot in shooting and its likely replacement by steel shot; we have prepared a briefing paper that highlights the various aspects and considerations that all shooters need to take note of for an informed and safe transition away from lead shot. In this paper you will find information about Steel, Bismuth and Tungsten Shot, barrel proof markings, High Performance steel shot cartridges, options for smaller gauges, chamber lengths and forcing cones as well as our advise as to what to do at this current time. This is an ever-changing situation and we believe that the information contained in the paper is up to date at this current time of writing. As and when we become aware of any further developments, we will release our further findings.
Following the widespread discussion about the phasing out of lead shot in shooting and its likely replacement by steel shot; we have prepared a briefing paper that highlights the various aspects and considerations that all shooters need to take note of for an informed and safe transition away from lead shot.
In this paper you will find information about Steel, Bismuth and Tungsten Shot, barrel proof markings, High Performance steel shot cartridges, options for smaller gauges, chamber lengths and forcing cones as well as our advise as to what to do at this current time.
This is an ever-changing situation and we believe that the information contained in the paper is up to date at this current time of writing. As and when we become aware of any further developments, we will release our further findings.
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Forcing Cones and Chamber Length Alterations
Forcing cones are the part of the barrel from the end of the chamber (where the cartridges sit) to the start of the barrel
of the gun. In some older guns, this was very steep and was designed to house the old paper cased rolled turnover
cartridges. Modern cartridges have crimp closure and these also need chamber space for the crimp to open into.
Some people think that increasing the length of the cone or even the chambers themselves is a good idea. However, this
means removing metal from the chamber to the bore and any removal of metal in this part of a gun, is likely to reduce
its strength in a critical area. We would strongly advise taking expert advice from either a qualified and experienced
Gunsmith or the Proof House before carrying this out.
Your safety and the safety of those around you is paramount and please be aware, that if you undertake this work to
your gun, it will mean the gun will need to be resubmitted to Proof – and it might fail!
SHORT FORCING CONE
SHORT SHORT FORCING CONE CONE
LONG FORCING CONE
LONG LONG FORCING CONE CONE
RIM CUT RECESS
RIM RIM CUT CUT RECESS RECESS
CHAMBER BODY
SHOTGUN CHAMBER
FORCING
CONE
CHAMBER BODY BODY
SHOTGUN CHAMBER
BORE
FORCING
CONE CONEBORE
BORE
Q.
A.
Can you get your existing gun High
Performance Steel Shot Proofed?
The answer is possibly yes. However, it really will depend on the design,
construction, probably the age and definitely the condition of each gun,
as to whether a gun which is currently nitro proofed, will stand being
re proofed for High Performance steel shot. We have heard worrying
estimates of how many “old” English side by sides are likely to fail when
they are High Performance steel shot proofed. We believe that most English
side by side guns with 2½” chambers, will fail such reproofing even after
remedial work is done. We are only recommending that relatively new and
very sound guns, with plenty of barrel wall thickness and an excellent fit
between the action face and the barrels, are sent to be High Performance
steel shot proofed and ideally that they should have been built on “heavy”
actions, such as the old live Pigeon and Wildfowling guns.
Please remember that in most instances, when a gun fails being reproofed,
it is then un-useable and is almost certainly of little or no value.
CHAMBER LENGTH
CHAMBER LENGTH LENGTH
illustrates, in proportion, the difference between the two types of forcing cones.
le there This are This illustrates, This variations, illustrates, in of proportion, in course, in proportion, the the dimensions the difference the difference shown between between are the average.
two the two types types of forcing of forcing cones.
cones.
While While While there there there are are variations, are variations, of course, of of course, the the dimensions the dimensions shown shown are are average. average.
Standard shotgun chamber with short forcing cone.
Standard Standard shotgun shotgun chamber chamber with short with with short forcing short forcing cone. forcing cone. cone.
Q.
A.
Can you alter your
gun’s chamber lengths?
The short answer is yes, this can be done, BUT you must get it done by a very
competent Gunsmith, and the gun will again need resubmitting to proof. The
Birmingham Proof House is recommending that 65mm chambered guns proofed
before 1954 should have their chambers extended to 70mm and work will also
need doing to the cones (and possibly to the chokes) and then the gun rejointed,
before being reproofed for standard steel shot.
10.
11.
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