Question on steel shot
 

I have a few questions concerning steel shot. I would not shoot it in my Parkers, but I have a 20 gauge RbL that I can use.
I have an opportunity to join a quail hunt but the requirement is to use Non lead shot.
I would like opinions on using steel shot. What size shot? Would I be better off going with bismuth or something else?
Anyone have some for sale or know where I can buy a few boxes?
Thanks Phil

Quite pricey but I’d consider a couple boxes of these . https://www.rstshells.com/out-of-sto...-load-box.aspx

I thought I’d found you some RST’s loaded with Nice Shot at $85 a box but they’re oughtta stock . Believe I’d look around for some Bismuth 7 , 7 1/2 or 8 .

Thank you Craig.

Bismuth 7 , 7 1/2 or 8 .

It's a modern gun, with modern barrels, and not 'old' wood Phil.
Assuming it has choke tubes you'll be fine with this, which can actually be found :(
https://www.ableammo.com/catalog/win...-p-104865.html

Options
 

Here’s an option for bismuth, these are in stock https://bossshotshells.com/products/...mag-shotshells. These work very well but are expensive.

I would choose 7 or 6 (probably 6 for Gambels). I’ve had mixed success with steel shot in 20ga for quail. In my experience, an ounce steel works well but that’s a 12 ga load. Now days I use an RBL “Fox” in 12ga for this purpose.

PS, I mean no disrespect to anyone or to the great 20ga or to steel shot!

Best,
Brett

I have shot some Kent 16ga bismuth out of my Foxes; when I bought it I thought it was expensive, but now I'm glad I bought it when I did :eek:! It's a little stiffer than I like to shoot in 'em but for the few shots I actually get in the non-tox areas I figure I'm OK. From what I've read about bismuth 6's would be more like a 7 in lead.

https://i.imgur.com/YNCx7fel.jpg

If you're shooting steel you'll need to go up 1-2 shot sizes over what you'd usually shoot. Preferably 2 sizes. If you normally use 7 1/2 lead, bump to 5 steel for the same downrange energy. I hate steel but it is what it is.

Phil, a few years ago, before I lost my Labrador, I was using Kent Upland Bismuth for wood ducks , blacks and mallards in the creeks and swamps of the Poconos here in Pennsylvania. It worked fine on them , and a couple pheasants I tried them out on . They’re sold in 25 round boxes so they were more cost effective than “waterfowl loads””. I used # 5 and #6 shot, 12 gauge 2 3/4 shells. I bought them at my local Cabelas. I checked a few minutes ago and they list the same shells in 20 gauge 2 3/4 , for 46.99 for a 25 round box , online.
Take care
Tim