Question on steel shot

[David Foote]

I shoot an RBL 20 for ducks. I use 3” bismouth. I think the RBL can handle anything you feed it.

[Drew Hause]

It is important to recognize that 20g Bismuth and Tungsten waterfowl and turkey loads are boomers; those listed here are 3" 1 oz. or more and at > 1300 fps
https://rogerssportinggoods.com/bis....lyRMvSB39r6tsi

Epic Ammo has a 2 3/4" load with 3/4 oz. Bismuth at 1350 fps
https://epicshotshell.com/20-ga-2-3-...agnum-bismuth/

Apex Ammo Tungsten Upland is 3" at 1500 fps
https://apexmunition.com/shop/upland...s/upland-bird/

As David said, probably not an issue with a RBL and No. 7s in a target load should be fine for quail with the right choke over dogs.

[Phil C]

Thank you guys for all of the feedback.
Thanks to one of our generous members I am good to go. Quail season is open until February.
I am hoping to squeeze in as much quail
Hunting as possible between now and then.

[John Allen]

Phil, Just in case you run out of bismuth, you can shoot steel through open choked barrels with no damage. If you have less than .020" constriction there is enough compression in the steel loads to pass through the choke without stressing the barrels. That said,the bismuth or tungsten matrix loads are much more efficient and hard hitting. I have shot steel through and older VH choked .005" and .015" with no problem.That is also very close to the chokes on the repro steel shot specials.

[Phil C]

Thank you John for this information.

[J. Scott Hanes]

Modern steel shot loads are WAY superior to the steel offerings of 30 years ago. That said, stay away from the "cheap" steel loads (Promotional 'field' loads at $12-14 a box) and spring for the premium steel loads. For example, Remington Nitro-Steel, Kent Fasteel,etc. Should be $30-50 a box. For small ducks, shot size 4-5; for large ducks 2-4.