Waterfowl loads for an old shotgun?

[fatelk]

A friend of mine wants to hunt duck, and has an old Ithaca 37 12 gauge. He knows he shouldn't shoot steel shot through it, but wants to know if there is anything other "non-toxic" loads that would be safe to use in it.

I figured there would be some experts here that would know. Any ideas?

 

[gatorjames85]

I think there is a hevi shot load specifically for older guns.

 

[gatorjames85]

Here is the link. I expect this stuff is probably pretty expensive.

http://www.hevishot.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=10

 

[Leaky Waders]

Bismuth is usually what is used for older guns...and you can use any type of choke with bismuth too.

 

[MCgunner]

For the price of ammo for a hunt or two, he can buy a new gun. Cabelas has a sale on Kent Tungsten Matrix, another option for old guns....

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0027432215509a.shtml

 

[fatelk]

Thanks for the info. I can see that it would get expensive to shoot very much. I'll let him know, but if it were me I think I would just save up to buy a newer gun.

 

[MCgunner]

but if it were me I think I would just save up to buy a newer gun.

A one time hunt, perhaps not, but if he's going to do much hunting, that's the only logical decision. A new Mossberg or Remington duck gun is about 100 rounds of Tungsten Matrix even on sale. Just buy the gun and pick up a box of 2 3/4" Winchester Xpert hi speed 3s or 2s for $8.50 a box of 25 at Walmart. No brainer the way I see it. That Xpert hi speed kills 'em dead beyond 40 yards, all you'll ever want over decoys and on the biggest of ducks.

 

[ArmedBear]

AFAIK Ithaca will rebarrel an old 37, as long as it's not TOO old.

See http://ithacagun.com/ithacabarrels.html