TSS Shot
 

Question, is shooting TSS Shot safe out of my Steel Shot Special? Thanks for your opinion, Steve

Here's what AI has to say regarding shooting TSS shot out of a Parker Reproduction Steel Shot Special:

It is generally not recommended to shoot TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) in a Parker Reproduction Steel Shot Special without careful consideration and potentially consulting a gunsmith. Here's a breakdown of why:
Understanding Your Shotgun:
* Parker Reproduction Steel Shot Special: This shotgun was specifically designed and built to safely handle steel shot. This means it likely has features like:
* Chrome-lined barrels: To resist the abrasion of steel shot.
* Stronger steel in the barrel construction: To handle the potentially higher pressures associated with some steel loads (though modern steel loads are generally lower pressure than older lead loads).
* Appropriate choke constrictions: Typically Improved Cylinder (IC) and Modified (M) as tighter chokes can cause problems with steel shot.
Understanding TSS Shot:
* High Density: TSS is significantly denser than lead or steel. This allows for the use of smaller shot sizes with equivalent or even superior energy and penetration.
* Hardness: TSS is also very hard and does not deform like lead.
Why TSS in a Steel Shot Special Might Be Problematic:
* Choke Concerns: While your shotgun is designed for steel, TSS behaves differently due to its density and hardness. It patterns very tightly, and it's been noted that TSS may not respond to chokes in the same way lead or even steel does. Using chokes tighter than recommended for steel (which your gun likely has - IC/M) could potentially lead to:
* Overly tight patterns: This might not be ideal for your intended use.
* Potential for barrel damage: Although less likely than with steel in a non-steel-rated gun, the non-deforming nature of TSS and the pressures generated could, in extreme cases or with very tight chokes, cause issues over time.
* Pressure: While TSS itself isn't inherently high-pressure, it's crucial to use commercially manufactured TSS loads from reputable manufacturers. Reloading TSS without precise data and understanding could lead to dangerous pressure levels. Your Parker Reproduction, while built for steel, is still a classic design, and exceeding safe pressure limits should always be avoided.
* Barrel Wear (Less Likely): The chrome-lined barrels should resist wear from the shot itself. However, the long-term effects of the harder TSS on the barrel material compared to steel are not as well-documented for these older reproductions.
Recommendations:
* Consult a Reputable Gunsmith: This is the most important step. A gunsmith experienced with classic doubles and modern ammunition will be able to assess your specific Parker Reproduction and provide the safest advice. They can check the chokes and the overall condition of the barrels.
* Check Manufacturer Recommendations: If you know the specific manufacturer and date of your Parker Reproduction Steel Shot Special, try to find any documentation or recommendations regarding alternative shot types.
* Start with Light Loads and Open Chokes (If You Proceed): If a gunsmith deems it potentially safe, start with commercially manufactured TSS loads with lower velocities and stick to the most open choke your shotgun has (likely Improved Cylinder). Pattern the gun carefully to see how the TSS performs.
* Avoid Tight Chokes: Never use Full or Extra Full chokes with TSS in your Parker Reproduction.
In conclusion, while your Parker Reproduction Steel Shot Special is designed for steel, the unique properties of TSS warrant caution. It is highly recommended that you consult a knowledgeable gunsmith before using TSS shot in your shotgun to ensure safety and optimal performance.

Thanks Greg, answers my question. I would not risk it.

In a steel shot rated repro, I’d shoot it. 1) Open chokes. 2) Hunting turkey. TSS patterns very tightly so it’s not good for clays or wing shooting. Maybe on ducks or geese coming in to decoys, but pass shooting would be very difficult. No margin for error.

Unless you have reloading data from a TSS vendor, don’t reload it, buy factory shells. Factory TSS are very expensive. Just sayin’.

I buy my TSS from Hal Abbott. If you buy shot from him he will give you any recipe you need but you’ll be treating those recipes as a NDA.

Interesting that AI is basically parroting what we've talked about here and on other gun forms over the years.

The one thing it didn't mention is that it's commonly thought that all Parker repro barrels are chrome lined and the only thing that sets a steel shot special apart from other 12ga repro's is they were a special-order run made for a particular dealer with more open chokes and stampings indicting that they are steel shot specials.

As far a shooting TSS shot through a SSS or any repro for that matter--I personally wouldn't do it and take the risk. I have other guns more suited for using TSS if I felt the need to use it.

Paul, I agree with almost everything you wrote in the above post. It is true that all Repros have chrome-lined barrels. However, and what has been reported here in this sub-forum by an authoritative source, using empirical data, is that the SSSs have chrome-lining through the choke area, whereas the regular run of Repros do not.

I am open to correction, please correct me if I'm wrong.

So my old 870 , is cool with TSS, but a SSS is not . Has metallurgy declined?The SSS is chrome steel, and has more open chokes, if large steel shot that doesnt compress is ok thru it why would the small shot size 9s be a problem. I could understand if you were shooting 4s or larger.
Are the Mossberg .410s a higher quality barrel that tungsten is ok thru them?
Puzzling to me, not saying anybody is wrong, but will have to look more into this.
Anyway, will be out tomorrow turkey opener shooting TSS9s thru my 870 full choke

I shoot TSS through my Remington turkey pump gun with turkey full choke. Same with the Savage .410 single shot, full choke. Modern chokes, modern barrel steel. No issues. I wouldn’t shoot it out of my tight choked Parkers. 1 1/2 oz of TSS through an old choke at .035-.046 might be an issue. Same for steel out of those tight chokes. Something possibly might give and it won’t be TSS or steel.

Many have mentioned using TSS in single barrel guns with no problems. Our vintage doubles have barrels attached to a top and bottom rib using solder which stands up to the loads of the day for many years with no damage.How will this stand up to a type of shot unknown in the time they were made?
I would be concerned about the ribs coming loose. Do the currently made O/U that are made for steel use soft solder to connect the ribs? I would just use a modern single barrel gun or stay with lead and get them close as we have always done.

I would like to thank everyone who chimed in on my question. I was thinking of using the TSS shot this turkey season. I thought it would be cool to shoot a turkey with my Parker Reproduction with it but I think with all the reasons given I will not use TSS in my gun. Thanks again, Steve