I was already hijacking the "non lead projectile" thread a bit, so I thought I'd better start one specifically about shot alternatives since I have a few questions.
I haven't done any bird hunting, but I want to get into it by way of building a PA-style flintlock fowler – any excuse to build a gun right?
![Grin ;D](https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
So, since I'm really a greenhorn on this I thought I better ask before buying a barrel.
From what I understand, lead or bismuth, I could use in any ML barrel I buy, right? Steel and tungsten-molybdenum (or any of those heavy-shot varieties) I would have to find a barrel from someone other than Getz, Rice, Colerain, etc., made specifically for steel shot? Track has their oct-round, 42", 20 ga listed as being made from "modern barrel steel" not sure what that means, and I haven't called them yet to see if it means I could use steel or tungsten shot too.
Anyway, I have a summary of what I think I know listed below (could be wrong!) Does anyone have experience in Getz, Rice, etc. barrels with alternative shot? I know there have been some threads on various shot cups used and patterns, so I am really wondering about wear/damage to one of those nice smoothie barrels that cost some $$.
Pb (lead) shot
- useable in any ML barrel
- not able to shoot waterfowl due to laws
- may be legal for turkey, upland birds in some places
- easy to buy in many sizes
Bi (bismuth) shot
- useable in any ML barrel
- legal for waterfowl
- hard to find in bulk for reloading/ML
- expensive?
W/Mo shot (tungsten/molybdenum ECO or heavyshot)
- need a steel shot barrel
- legal for waterfowl
- hard to find in bulk for reloading/ML
- expensive
- are any ML oct-round barrels available?
steel shot
- need a steel shot barrel
- legal for waterfowl
- hard to find in bulk for reloading/ML
- expensive
- are any ML oct-round barrels available?