Non-tox/non-steel loads for a 16?
 

Looking for recommendations for non-tox/non-steel 16-ga duck loads.

Thanks,

JDG

I would look at RST.

Thanks Rich. Hoping to find an option less than $75/box. Yikes.

JDG,

Unless you handload, $2.50-$4.00 a shell is what 16ga non-steel no-tox is going to cost you. Kent TM can occasionally be found for $25/box of 10. Hevishot Classic Doubles averages $35-$40/box of 10. Aside from RST's Nice Shot loads that Rich mentioned, I'm not aware of any other currently available vintage barrel safe 16ga loads.

Do you reload or do you know anyone who does? Bismuth is on sale ($154 per 6.6lb bottle) at Precision Reloading. That works out to $1.45 per ounce. Not cheap but better than $3.00.

Cheers,
Marcus

i know you said no steel loads...but what is youre choke size in the 16 ga..is this gun just a shooter in good shape....i shoot steel shot in some of my parkers with no problems...buts thats me ..i too can not afford the high cost duck shells so i buy steel shot i ve reloaded countless 8 ga 10 ga 12 ga with steel shot and no streaking of the barrels and one gun the 12 ga is full choke..i ve never shot ducks with steel shot but ive shot a lot of squirls with steel shot and it does a good job even at long range...just use a coupla shots bigger in steel than you do with lead... charlie

Marcus,

You make a compelling justification of the cost. In terms of firearms that I will use it in, thinking Parker VH choked IC/Mod, a circa 1943 M12 choked Mod, and a Belgim made Sweet Sixteen, choked IC.

Thanks,

JDG

IMHO, so long as you shoot shot no bigger than #6, I think those guns would do fine with modern steel shells.

OK. Let the flaming begin!

The 10 gauge RST Nice Shot is the best performing waterfowl load I have used. Not sure how their 16 gauge shells work, but I bet they work better than steel.

That reminds me: I have several boxes (10/box) of RST 10-ga ammo that I would be happy to trade (or sell) for some 16-ga non-tox.

the non tox loads will perform better but cost wise there not near as cheap as steel shot..but steel will kill at long range out to 60 yards if useing no 2 or bigger shot size..i would shoot the non tox loads like bismuth and nice shot if they were of equal cost with steel but they are not...and if your no better shot than i amyour gonna shoot up several shells at them ducks... thus i got to go with steel.. charlie