Steel Choke Tubes

[Fisher Dave]

Split Shot ...

I shoot with a modified myself. The choke you want to use depends on the distance of your shots. Remember that steel shot shoots tighter than lead. A modified choke will give close to the same results as a full choke with lead. If you want a large pattern at close range try an improved cyl or a skeet choke.

The best thing to do is buy a few patterning targets to see the difference.

I shot with modified when lead was still legal .. and then into steel with the same gun .. I never knew the pattern was that much tighter until I read about it in a steel reloading manual and I had to try it to believe it .. it proved true on a target with my gun... I still use the modified ... a couple more pellets hitting the bird tends to drop them more efficiently.

Just my 2 cents ...

[Guest]

Anybody have any advice on a good choke tube for steel shot? I normally shoot 3" nitro mags or federal shells in 1 to 3 shot in a 12 Guage auto - 28" barrel. (Ducks/Geese) I usually use the gun manufactures' tightest tube for steel and have been fairly happy with it. I'm just wondering if another specially designed - tighter tube - for steel might be better? I'm considering the "Pattern Master" Tube. I've shot with it and it seems to be a good choice. Any other ideas???? Pro's/con's ??? Discussion???

[WALLEYENUTZ]

I have used the three most common choke tubes at various times in my life and have found that the modified is by far the best all around choke tube for steel. Full choke tubes are much to tight of a pattern. Of course every gun shoots a little different. Try patterning the different tubes with different shot sizes and find the best that works in YOUR GUN!
p.s. I shot a BPS.

[walleyewacker]

What I have generally done is use an improved cylinder for early season when most of the ducks that I shoot are teal and wood ducks. When you know you are probably going to get close shots if any at all this is the way to go if you dont like to bust up the ducks too bad, and I have not seen a problem with getting them down. Later on I will start using modified all the time with bigger ducks with thicker down feathers when the weather gets cold.

[Long Gray Line]

It always seems to pattern out though that whatever choke you use, it patterns tighter with steel than with lead. My brother-in-law has patterned out a number of factory and third party chokes and the ones that consistently seem to pattern the most uniformly are the Briley's. And, they make them in X-tra full, full, light full, imp. modified, mod., light modified, imp cylinder, skeet, cyl., & diffusion for those taking 5 yard hip shots. I've been using an improved modified & light modified and have been very happy with the performance. The extended versions have the advantage of a quicker change if the ducks aren't coming in or the pheasant are jumping farther out too.

[This message has been edited by Long Gray Line (edited 09-14-2002).]

[bassman222]

I Have recently bought a "Pattern Master" choke tube and I really like it after patterning it a few times. With my Beretta 390 it seems to pattern better with bigger shot sizes (#2 and bigger) using 3" loads.

Bassman

[Ozzy169]

This is true Bassman, Pattern Master x-cels when it comes to shooting bigger shot like BBB,T,and F. Along with that it also shortens up the "shot sting" which in turn gives you a tighter pattern by "grabbing the wad".

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Get 'er done