Steel shot loads and Hodgdon powder

[Silver Creek Slim]

I sent the following message to Hodgdon Powder.

I cannot find any steel shot loading data for Hodgdon powders. Does this exist? If so, where can I find it.

I got the following response.

I am afraid that we do not offer reloading data for steel shot. Our tests indicate that safe, good quality steel shot loads are not possible with the components currently available

Name withheld
Customer Satisfaction Manager
Hodgdon Powder Company/ IMR Powder Company

Slim

[Delmonico]

1. Google up Ballistic Products for everything ya need for this project.

2. I agree with Hodgdon, but few do.

3. I'll splain later when I have a bit more time, but you are talkin' one of the more risky reloading adventures with not a lot of savin's. 

4. Look at bismuth shot loads, much better.

[Silver Creek Slim]

1. Google up Ballistic Products for everything ya need for this project.

That is where my brother gets most of his shotgun components. He lives in Minneapolis so he doesn't have to pay shipping. I have their current catalog.

2. I agree with Hodgdon, but few do.

3. I'll splain later when I have a bit more time, but you are talkin' on of the more risky reloading adventures with not a lot of savin's. 

4. Look at bismuth shot loads, much better.

Isn't Bismuth quite pricey compared to steel? But I have heard that it is about as effective as lead, though.

I emailed this to my brother. The following is his response:

Long story,short answer... They had a significant lawsuit several years ago and their legal department has taken them down this path.  No suprise there huh!

Slim

[Delmonico]

Ok here goes,

Steel shot is not forgiving going down the bore, it will not compress at all like lead will, the compressability of lead has saved many a careless reloader or down right fool.  The granulated plastic sawdut stuff has a different function in steel than lead.  In steel loads it is to keep the pellets from binding going down the bore, this will act as a mild bore obstuction if they bind this will raise pressures.

Nother point, because steel is less ballistically efficient than lead, higher speeds are needed, unlike lead shot, the more speed the better, this means loading data is right at the top for pressures.

Another thing is that factory steel shot loads are sealed against water, even with a copper coating, steel shot can rust.  With no really good and safe way to seal a reload water can cause the shot to rust. (ducks and geese like water)  Rusted shot can fuse together forming on solid mass going down the bore.  This can take the end of a choked barrel with it as it tries to leave the gun.

Also remember pressures are right at the top, how many use a powder bushing that is exact, instead of just close?  Some times to little powder will raise pressurse as much as too much powder.  Any substitution of case, primer, or wad can sometimes make a differance of 2,000-3,000 psi pressure.  Compressable lead will sometimes allow this to be forgiven, steel don't.  With many steel loads with in 500-1000 psi pressure of SAAMI max and the stell being non-forgiving a mistake can be much worse than with most lead loads.

Also fired hulls are rougher in side than new ones, this can raise pressures in multi-fired hulls, never use anything but once fired hulls.  Also a gap in the buffer in the shot can keep the shot from flowing as smoth down the barrel as desired, again this can raise pressures.

Many reload steel, what I use I buy.  With care the risks are not great, but they are greater than with lead.   

Besides that steel shot was the dirtyest trick ever forced on the American hunter, the data for the decision was old and most likely flwed, was based on only one study and if it is valid, it is valid in only a very few spots where water fowl is hunted.  It turned my 10 gauge into nothing but a heavy 12 gauge.  And I will quit with that, before I go into a rage and froth all over my keyboard.

Steel shot sucks and no goverment agency or any gunwriter will ever convince me different!

[Silver Creek Slim]

Besides that steel shot was the dirtyest trick ever forced on the American hunter, the data for the decision was old and most likely flwed, was based on only one study and if it is valid, it is valid in only a very few spots where water fowl is hunted.  It turned my 10 gauge into nothing but a heavy 12 gauge.  And I will quit with that, before I go into a rage and froth all over my keyboard.

Steel shot sucks and no goverment agency or any gunwriter will ever convince me different!

I totally agree with that. The lead poisoning of waterfowl by eating shot in the wetlands is very limited. I believe it was overblown by animal rights wackos. 

Slim

[Delmonico]

I used ta have a copy of that study, done in the late 50's or early  60's.  Basiclly some dead ducks were found with lead in their system.  It also could have been from refinerary waste I have heard.