I have shot a lot of steel shot through my old Husky underlever 12 bore. A lot of reloads and some Kent 1 1/8 2s as well as some Federal 2s 3s and 4s. I have inspected the brls and they are just as nice as the day I got the gun. I had the gun bored out IC Mod. I think it is mostly about pressure in the old guns. For that matter I am wondering if the new guns stocks are better for the wood they use to withstand all the pressure of some of the steel shot loads. I have to believe that a steady diet of the high vel. loads will have an adverse affect on the wood. I like bismuth better but only have a small supply left. The lowest pressure 12 ga 2 3/4 & 3" 1 oz loads I have seen are 8000 with Fiocchi Hulls and Alliant Steel powder.