Steel shot w/ shot cup?

[dalejrfan308]

I have a 20 gauge/.62 caliber fowler and in the interest of "fowling" with it for ducks, I have to shoot steel shot. I've read that you can't shoot steel shot out of a fowler using standard loading methods though. How 'bout if I got some plastic shot cups like in a shotgun shell to put down the barrel with the steel shot in? Would that work?

Thanks!
Andrew

 

[TANSTAAFL]

I have a 20 gauge/.62 caliber fowler and in the interest of "fowling" with it for ducks, I have to shoot steel shot. I've read that you can't shoot steel shot out of a fowler using standard loading methods though. How 'bout if I got some plastic shot cups like in a shotgun shell to put down the barrel with the steel shot in? Would that work?

Thanks!
Andrew

That is how I do it for my fusil de chasse. The 20 ga. steel shot cups have a greater shot capacity with thicker walls and are more rugged than the standard lead shot cups.

 

[roundball]

Actually, there are special heavy duty shot cups made for use with steel...check with Ballistics Products.

The bad news with steel is that you have to use a couple sizes larger steel to get the same weight/carry, and penetration you normally get with lead...ie: #4 steel in place of #6 lead, and that cuts the pellet count way down, because the biggest size special steel shot cup for a .20ga doesn't hold all that much.

IMO, you'd be much better off finding some #6 or #5 Bismuth or Hevi-Shot which are closer to lead's weight so you can keep your pellet count up higher than the 4's will give you.

 

[Leonredbeard]

Andrew,
Just make sure you ram the shotcup all the way down and then pour the shot. Ask me how I know this is necessary!
volatpluvia

 

[mazo kid]

Leon, can't you just start the shot cup flush or a little below the nuzzle, pour in shot and then ram the combination on down? Or does that make for hard loading? Inquiring minds....

 

[bingo1952]

Also use an over powder wad to keep the flame off that plastic base. You will have much less of a problem with plastic build-up if you do.

 

[dalejrfan308]

Thanks for all the advice guys!