Does firing lead shot from a C&B peen the rifling?

[Saint]

I have been wanting to try loading some lead shot in my c&b but am worried about damaging the rifling. Can anybody give any supporting evidence as to whether or not this is a valid concern?

 

[Blizzard of '93]

I fired shot a couple times in my .50 CVA Hawkin to experiment. the pattern opens up fast. don't think any damamge was done.

 

[Robert Egler]

I've started firing lead shot from a rifled long barrel, experimenting with different loads to improve (maybe!) the pattern. I'm not an expert, but I'm not worried about damaging the rifling with lead shot, since lead is a LOT softer than steel. Maybe when I've shot 1000 rounds I'd see some slight damage, I don't know, but I don't think there would be any more wear than shooting round balls.

But then again, as I said, I'm no expert :surrender: , so someone may have better information.

 

[mykeal]

The problem with using shot in a rifled barrel is that the rifling spins the pattern, opening it up. It's pretty ineffective after about 25 yards or so.

Damage to the rifling is very minor, if any.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

be doing good to get 75 ft. (25 yards) pattern out of it based on my experience. It's a close up load.

 

[mykeal]

be doing good to get 75 ft. (25 yards) pattern out of it based on my experience. It's a close up load.

Yeah, I agree. I didn't mean to imply that up to 25 yards the pattern was good, and bad after that. It's not bad up to about 10 yards, gets looser and looser out to about 25 yards and is essentially worthless after that.

 

[BEP]

Since this is posted in the "Pistol" forum, I'll assume that's what you are asking about. No, the shot will not damage your rifling; it's much softer than the steel in that barrel. It may very well lead it up pretty well, requiring more work when you clean it. Shot through a muzzleloading pistol is usually a short-range proposition; you shouldn't expect much beyond spitting range anyway. :grin:

sneezy

 

[Blizzard of '93]

seems I read about someone firing shot out of a revolver for snakes and such, but I can take their head off w/my '58 or ROA anyway with a slug. I did try it with my CVA .50, at 20 ft maybe a bird or small critter would get whacked. might be worth some further experiments in a front-stuffer.

 

[oldwolf]

I have my Granddad's old Remington #6 that I inherited. He used to use a lot of the .22 LR #12 shot loads with it. Even thought he did this, rifling is still very strong and I haven't noticed any loss of accuracy. So I don't think using lead shot in your gun would be a problem. Steel shot might be problematic though. :nono:

I had his old Remington at the range a few months ago in fact. :wink:

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

No problem shooting lead shot out of a pistol! CCI makes .22, .38, and .44 cal manufactured ammo for centerfire guns. I have used it on occaision for more than 2 decades. Biggest size is #9 shot in a .44 case. Usually it's #12 shot...works nice for balloons or other trick shots. The #9 is good on snakes up-close. If the commercial ammo damaged expensive center-fire guns, the company would have been sued out of business!

Hope this helps!

Dave