Can You Shoot Steel Shot Through a Turkey Choke?

Turkey hunting season is upon us, and that means it’s time to dust off your trusty shotgun and make sure it’s ready for action. As any experienced turkey hunter knows, having the right choke tube installed is critical for getting tight, consistent patterns on those wily birds But what if you want to use your turkey gun for other types of hunting outside of turkey season? Specifically, is it safe to shoot steel shot loads through an extra full turkey choke? Let’s take a closer look at this common question.

What is a Turkey Choke?

First, let’s review what exactly a turkey choke is. Turkey choke tubes are designed to produce very tight patterns at longer distances – typically 40 yards or more. This allows turkey hunters to reach out and touch those birds even when they hang up at the edge of range.

To produce these tight patterns, turkey chokes have a constriction rating of .665 to .690 inches. This is much tighter than the more open cylinder and improved cylinder chokes used for birds at closer ranges. They restrict shot pellets more to keep the pattern tighter as the shot string stretches out downrange.

Turkey choke tubes are most often installed in the extra full position – some models are even called “super full” or “triple full”. This extreme constriction is meant for heavy lead turkey loads typically using shot sizes 6, 5, and 4. The soft lead shot compresses evenly through the tight bore of a turkey choke.

Why Steel Shot is Problematic

Steel shot is much harder than lead and does not compress when forced through a choke tube. This is problematic when using tight turkey chokes for a couple reasons:

• The steel pellets can actually damage or warp the choke since they do not compress. Over time this can ruin an expensive turkey choke tube.

• The steel shot does not pattern correctly through the tight constriction. It tends to string out randomly rather than making a consistent dense pattern.

Most choke tube manufacturers specifically warn against using steel shot in their turkey chokes. The packaging will be marked “Lead Shot Only” in bold letters.

Exceptions and Alternatives

There are a couple exceptions where you may be able to safely use steel shot in a turkey choke:

• Some aftermarket choke tube brands like Carlson’s say their turkey chokes are safe for steel. But you should consult the manufacturer.

• Lighter steel loads with #2 or smaller shot may pattern acceptably through a turkey choke. But this is not recommended by most makers.

• A modified lead shot choke can safely be used with steel shot. It will produce approximately a full choke pattern.

If you want to use your turkey gun with steel waterfowl loads, your best bet is to have a separate modified choke tube just for that purpose. Quick change choke systems like the RemChoke allow you to swap tubes easily.

Another option is using tungsten-iron or other “lead-like” non-toxic shots such as Hevi-Shot through your existing turkey choke. These heavier than steel loads will pattern like lead. Just make sure your turkey tube is rated for these harder shot types.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is shooting steel shot through a tight turkey choke is risky business. At best, you’ll get poor, sporadic patterning. At worst, you could damage the choke irreparably or buldge your shotgun barrel.

Your best bet is to use a steel-compatible choke like modified for ducks and switch to your turkey tube for turkeys. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer of your specific choke tube about its steel shot rating. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your expensive shotgun and chokes. Stick to soft lead or lead-alternative shot through turkey tubes to get the most out of your specialized hunting equipment.