Shooting tungsten shot through a full choke is generally considered safe when using properly designed tungsten ammunition and modern shotguns rated for steel or harder shot materials. However, due to tungsten’s extreme hardness and density, there are important considerations regarding barrel wear, choke compatibility, and safety precautions that every shooter should understand before using tungsten shot with a full choke.
Background: What Is Tungsten Shot?
Tungsten shot is a type of non-toxic shot made from tungsten alloys, often combined with nickel, iron, or other metals to create dense pellets used in shotgun shells. It was developed primarily as an alternative to lead shot, which has been restricted or banned in many areas due to environmental concerns, and to steel shot, which is less dense and less effective at longer ranges.
Tungsten shot is prized for its exceptional density—often exceeding that of lead—and hardness, offering superior ballistic performance, tighter patterns, and greater energy transfer on targets. These properties make tungsten shot popular among waterfowl hunters and in competitive shooting where non-toxic shot is required.
How Does a Full Choke Work with Shotgun Ammunition?
A choke is a constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel that controls the spread of the shot as it exits the barrel. Full chokes are the tightest common constrictions, producing the narrowest shot patterns and the greatest pellet density at distance. This is beneficial for precision shooting and longer-range targets.
The interaction between the shot material and the choke is critical. Softer shot materials like lead deform easily when forced through a tight choke, which can affect patterns and barrel wear differently than hard shot materials. Steel and tungsten are much harder and less malleable, which influences how they behave with different chokes.
Is Tungsten Shot Safe to Use with a Full Choke?
Yes, tungsten shot is safe to shoot through a full choke under the following conditions:
- The shotgun is rated for use with hard shot materials such as steel or tungsten (check the manufacturer’s markings and manual).
- The tungsten shot is specifically designed for use with full chokes (some tungsten loads are optimized for open or modified chokes only).
- The shooter follows recommended velocity and pressure guidelines to avoid excessive barrel stress.
Unlike older steel shot, which can cause accelerated barrel wear or even damage when used with full chokes not rated for hard shot, tungsten’s hardness and density require modern barrels made for these materials. Most modern waterfowl or turkey shotguns manufactured in the last 20 years are built with choke tubes and barrels designed to handle tungsten and steel shot safely.
However, shooting tungsten shot through an older shotgun with a fixed full choke not rated for hard shot can risk barrel damage due to the intense friction and pressure generated by the hard pellets passing through the constriction.
Barrel Wear and Maintenance Concerns
Tungsten shot is significantly harder than lead and even steel, which means it can cause increased wear on the barrel and choke tube. The abrasive nature of tungsten alloys can lead to:
- Faster erosion of the choke constriction over time.
- Potential damage to the barrel’s interior rifling or smoothbore surface if the barrel is not hardened or treated appropriately.
- Increased residue buildup that may require more frequent cleaning.
To mitigate these effects, shooters should:
- Use choke tubes specifically rated for tungsten or steel shot.
- Regularly inspect and clean their barrels to remove fouling and prevent corrosion.
- Consider limiting the number of tungsten shots fired through a single barrel to prolong its life.
Choosing the Right Choke for Tungsten Shot
Not all chokes are created equal when it comes to tungsten shot. Here are key factors to consider:
- Check Manufacturer Recommendations: Always verify that your choke tube and shotgun manufacturer approve tungsten shot through that choke.
- Use Chokes Rated for Hard Shot: Many choke tubes are specifically marked or marketed as “steel rated” or “hard shot rated”—these are suitable for tungsten.
- Consider the Pattern: Full chokes provide tight patterns, but some tungsten shot shells perform best with modified or improved cylinder chokes to avoid pattern degradation or barrel stress.
- Choke Material and Construction: Hardened steel or stainless steel choke tubes tend to hold up better against tungsten shot than softer alloys.
When in doubt, consult with the ammunition and shotgun manufacturers and conduct pattern testing to ensure the choke and shot combination performs safely and effectively.
Common Problems When Shooting Tungsten with Full Chokes
While tungsten shot is safe with full chokes when used properly, some shooters may encounter issues if precautions aren’t followed:
- Barrel Damage: Using tungsten shot in a barrel or choke not rated for hard shot can cause bulging, cracking, or choke damage.
- Pattern Degradation: Tungsten shot can produce overly tight patterns through full chokes that may reduce effectiveness at close range or increase pellet deformation.
- Increased Recoil and Barrel Heat: Tungsten shot is heavier than lead or steel, generating more recoil and heat, which can affect shooting comfort and barrel longevity.
- Cost Considerations: Tungsten ammunition is more expensive, so barrel damage or maintenance costs can add up if not managed properly.
Comparisons: Tungsten vs. Steel and Lead Shot in Full Chokes
Understanding how tungsten compares to other shot types in full chokes helps clarify safety and performance:
- Lead Shot: Softer and denser than steel but less dense than tungsten. Lead is traditionally safe in all choke types but banned in many areas due to toxicity.
- Steel Shot: Harder and less dense than lead, steel shot can cause more barrel wear and is often restricted to modified or more open chokes unless the barrel is rated for steel.
- Tungsten Shot: Denser and harder than both lead and steel, tungsten shot provides superior patterns and energy but requires barrels and chokes rated for hard shot to avoid damage.
In effect, tungsten shot with a full choke can outperform steel and lead in pattern density and downrange energy but demands a shotgun and choke designed with these factors in mind.
Costs and Availability of Tungsten Ammunition
Tungsten shot shells are generally more expensive than steel or lead shot due to the cost of raw materials and manufacturing complexity. Prices can be two to four times higher than steel shot equivalents.
Availability varies by region and season, with tungsten shot becoming more common in areas with strict lead bans, such as waterfowl hunting zones.
Because of the cost, shooters often reserve tungsten ammunition for specific hunting situations requiring its superior performance rather than everyday shooting.
Alternatives to Tungsten Shot with Full Chokes
If tungsten shot is not suitable or available, alternatives include:
- Steel Shot: Widely available and non-toxic, steel shot is safe with full chokes only if the shotgun is rated for steel. Patterning may be less dense than tungsten.
- Bismuth Shot: Softer than steel and tungsten, bismuth offers lead-like performance and is safe in all chokes but is also costly.
- Hevi-Shot or Tungsten-Iron Alloys: These are intermediate in density and hardness, offering good performance with less barrel wear.
- Lead Shot (Where Legal): Still the best patterning and barrel-friendly, but banned in many waterfowl hunting areas.
Safety Tips When Using Tungsten Shot with Full Chokes
- Always confirm your shotgun and choke tubes are rated for tungsten or hard shot.
- Inspect your barrel and choke tubes regularly for signs of wear or damage.
- Use high-quality choke tubes made from hardened steel or stainless steel.
- Test your shotgun’s pattern with tungsten loads before hunting to ensure performance and safety.
- Follow the ammunition manufacturer’s velocity and pressure guidelines to avoid excessive barrel stress.
- Consider professional gunsmith inspection if you frequently use tungsten shot with full chokes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any full choke with tungsten shot?
No, only chokes specifically rated for hard shot materials like tungsten or steel should be used. Using an un-rated choke risks barrel or choke damage.
Will tungsten shot damage my shotgun barrel faster than steel?
Yes, tungsten shot is harder and more abrasive than steel, potentially causing more barrel wear over time. Properly rated barrels and chokes help mitigate this effect.
Is tungsten shot better than steel with a full choke?
Tungsten shot generally patterns tighter and delivers more energy than steel shot through full chokes, but it requires compatible gear and is more expensive.
Are there choke tubes made especially for tungsten shot?
Yes, many manufacturers produce choke tubes labeled as “steel rated” or “hard shot rated” that are suitable for tungsten shot, often made from hardened steel or stainless steel.
Can I use tungsten shot in an older shotgun with a fixed full choke?
Unless the manufacturer explicitly states compatibility, it is not recommended. Older barrels and fixed full chokes may not withstand the hardness and pressure of tungsten shot.
How often should I clean my barrel when shooting tungsten shot?
Because tungsten shot can leave more abrasive residue, cleaning after every shooting session or hunt is advisable to prevent corrosion and maintain barrel integrity.
Conclusion
Shooting tungsten shot through a full choke is safe and effective provided the shotgun and choke tubes are specifically rated for hard shot materials. Tungsten’s superior density and hardness make it a preferred choice for many hunters seeking tight patterns and high energy on target, but these benefits come with increased barrel wear potential and cost considerations. Proper equipment selection, regular maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines ensure that tungsten shot and full chokes can be used together safely and reliably.
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