Which type of shotgun shell?

[JonathanLancaster]

Hello all and happy Thanksgiving!

Someone told me that using the normal type of shotgun shells with steel shot could damage the inside of the barrel. The older shotguns (like Parkers) originally used softer lead shot he said. Is there any truth to this? Is there a preferred type of shell to use in Parkers or will any correct size shell work? Just curious what's best for the gun.

Thank you for your advice,
Jonathan

[George "Scott" Davis]

Do not use steel shot in your Parker Shotguns!! I would recommend RST Bismuth shot for waterfowl hunting.

[Kensal Rise]

As stated, please do NOT use steel shot in any Parker or classic double gun. In addition, do NOT use commonly available high-velocity cartridges of any kind. These rounds put an undue strain on the gun's metal bits and its old and often brittle/dry stock wood. Recoil impact can lead to cracks and splits in the wood.

RST makes the best "double gun friendly" ammo out there. It's well worth the effort to find some.

[Drew Hause]

Jonathan: lots of discussion regarding the shells for which your Parker was designed here
http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28515

[JonathanLancaster]

Thanks for the input and pointing me in the right direction with the forum!