Some British cartridge manufacturers produce steel loads that are deemed safe for use in lighter English proofed guns. The ammunition has been through proof tests but is cautioned against use in anything tighter than half choke. I did a bit of experimenting and used them out of an Ithaca 37 pump action with Modified choke. I have also tried them through a Beretta 20 bore. I was dissatisfied with the performance finding that there seems to be just a narrow band of effectiveness. Too close and it will blow things to bits; a little tiny bit farther out and it wounds more than it kills. I do find the Ithaca 12 with steel pellets very good for trimming those hard to get to tree branches and that is all I now use them for; well that and blowing out crow nests and squirrel dreys.
A lot of ducks shot here in Britain find their way to the game dealer for onward sale. A lot of game dealers will not accept them if shot with steel as their cutomers, which are the stores, will not have them for fear of people breaking their teeth and complaining. Lagopus.....
