Steel shot thru IM choke

[Albertaguide]

This summer I was shooting clays with my second hand escort 12g semi using the included improved modified choke with great success. Then over the long weekend I went out for ducks at my local duck pond again with great results. Planning a Canada goose hunt for Monday (didn't make as I was called into work) I wanted to swap out the IM for a full choke, I found the IM had siezed to the point I needed and ratchet and penetrating oil to budge it. Long story shorter the choke was damaged by the time I got it out. The threads look ok and no damage to the rest of the barrel. Did I make an oops running 3" steel thru this choke? I like the IM as a compromise between close and longer shot patterns.

[Ithaca Dog]

Originally Posted by Albertaguide

This summer I was shooting clays with my second hand escort 12g semi using the included improved modified choke with great success. Then over the long weekend I went out for ducks at my local duck pond again with great results. Planning a Canada goose hunt for Monday (didn't make as I was called into work) I wanted to swap out the IM for a full choke, I found the IM had siezed to the point I needed and ratchet and penetrating oil to budge it. Long story shorter the choke was damaged by the time I got it out. The threads look ok and no damage to the rest of the barrel. Did I make an oops running 3" steel thru this choke? I like the IM as a compromise between close and longer shot patterns.

I would say no. The improved modified is often recommended for steel. Chokes seize all the time for various reasons. How did it pattern?

[elkhunter11]

Chokes usually seize when they are not properly lubricated. I rarely change the chokes in my shotguns, but I do remove them once per year and clean the threads, and recoat them with anti seize. As far as choosing the correct choke, the proper way is to pattern the load that you are going to use in them. Start with IC and watch the pattern as you increase the constriction. I find that LM is optimum for #2 or BB steel for my load/choke, but that will vary. As well be aware that some chokes are rated for lead, and some are rated for steel. Using a Full lead choke with steel will likely cause very poor patterns, and the choke may expand, which can also result in it being very difficult to remove. I have patterned several shotguns with #2 or BB steel, and the best patterns usually result from using IC or LM lead rated chokes.

[Albertaguide]

Every time I change out my chokes I give it a shot (pun intended) of oil. As for patterning 3" steel BB patterned into approx 20" at 30 yards. I felt that to be good compromise for close range and reaching out to my comfortable range. I'm wondering if the IM that was seized was maybe a lower quality than the typical rem-chokes I use. Lesson learned.

[Dick284]

I tried a IM (aftermarket)in my Remington 11-87, and did run it in my 870 as well. Didn't tighten patterns any better that the Rem Choke Modified. It actually gave more open patterns with anything larger than 2's.

But boy howdy does that tube shine in 16 Yd trap!
Lotsa Alabama talcum powder!