Steel Shot and Older Shotguns

[FloridaBoy]

I recently had my old Stevens Model 94 20 gauge checked out and repaired (I'm pressing it back into duty as a last-ditch backup HD shotgun). While talking to the clerk at pick-up, he told me not to use steel shot in it as the older barrels (my Stevens is circa 1940) were not made for steel shot; the shot would split the barrel, basically. He said to use lead shot. I now have the question: can I use nickel-hardened lead shot?

[vf1000ride]

You could use something like these guys sell.  http://www.polywad.com/greenlite.html  It is a special soft steel shot with extra buffer material that is designed just for older guns.  It runs a lower recoil force than most shells.  You also have to watch how much choke is in your gun.  Most steel shot is designed and needs to be fired from guns with a less restrictive choke.  Polywad recommends nothing tighter than improved cylinder for their steel shot. 

If your going to use it for a home defense backup why not use lead?  It will do just as good as steel, is a lot cheaper to buy and won't risk your barrel using it.

[wpage]

Not recomended in older shotguns. Risk of injury is common in mandrel barrels.
Use steel shot only in modern shotguns.