Kent Fasteel and Rio Bluesteel - Risk of damaging bore?

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Snowdog

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Among the estimated 10 thousand of rounds received in a purchased lot of ammunition and firearms last month are roughly 1k of Kent Fasteel and another 1k or so of Rio BlueSteel 20 gauge shells, all 3" shells.

Just due to the number of shells that came with this purchase, I bought an inexpensive pump (H&R Pardner) in 20 gauge to make use of them should I ever feel the need. The only other 20 gauge I have is an older Mossberg bolt action with some select choke contraption. I figured something more modern yet inexpensive would be a good idea and the H&R Pardner seemed to fit the bill.

I know zero about steel shot as all I've ever used is lead or plated (copper or nickel) shot/buckshot and slugs.

After some research online, it seems nearly established that steel shot will damage the bore of a shotgun.
Does this apply to modern shotguns using modern ammunition with full-length shot cups (which both appear to have)?

The Pardner pump does have a screw-in choke, modified cylinder IIRC. Any issues with this choke presuming the bore is safe from shot scoring?

Thanks in advance.
 
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You want chrome lined bores to prevent damage. No full chokes for steel and steel shot larger the #4 risks havoc in some guns.
Also, steel is harder on your teeth.
 
I wouldn’t worry about either of the guns you mentioned. The only guns I’d avoid using newer steel shot loads in are o/u or s/s or heirloom guns from 60’s or earlier.
Newer steel loads feature better wads, softer shot, and refined powders to avoid barrel/choke damage.
 
My new Beretta O/U has optima HP choke tubes and chrome lined barrels. The are OK to use High Performance steel shot , as mentioned in their manual. I think about any quality shotgun made after 1980 to 1985 should be good to go with steel shot. The first steel loads came out in the early 1970's as far as I can remember. It became mandatory sometimes in the 1980's. The first steel shot gave it a bad name--- I still do not like it. Some newer hunters never lived without steel shot. I used to load 1 3/8 of copper 5's for pheasant, duck, and goose ( close) hunting. Still not a fan.
 
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